Atlanta Rapper Belly Gang Kushington Announced as Halftime Performer for Hawks’ Home Opener Against Houston Rockets

Atlanta rapper Belly Gang Kushington is bringing his music to one of the city’s biggest sports stages, with the rising hip-hop artist announced as the halftime performer for the Atlanta Hawks’ home opener against the Houston Rockets on October 24, 2026.

The performance at State Farm Arena will put the Atlanta native in front of an NBA crowd as the Hawks begin their home schedule for the 2026–27 season. For an artist building his reputation through Atlanta’s competitive rap scene, the appearance represents another opportunity to introduce his music to a broader audience.

The announcement also reflects the Hawks’ continuing efforts to incorporate Atlanta’s music culture into their game-night entertainment. The franchise has regularly used performances by local and nationally recognized artists to connect its basketball identity with the city’s influential hip-hop community.

For Kushington, the booking marks a notable step in his career, placing him on a platform that extends beyond traditional concerts, club appearances and music festivals.

Belly Gang Kushington Set to Take Over State Farm Arena

Kushington is scheduled to perform during halftime of the Hawks’ October 24 matchup with the Houston Rockets at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta.

The appearance is part of the entertainment surrounding the team’s home opener, one of the most anticipated dates on the franchise’s regular-season calendar.

Opening-night games typically carry added significance for NBA organizations, giving teams an opportunity to introduce the new season to their home crowd while highlighting the culture and entertainment associated with their city.

For Kushington, the halftime performance offers a chance to reach thousands of basketball fans in an arena setting.

The appearance also places him alongside a growing list of Atlanta rappers whose music has become part of the city’s professional sports experience.

Details about his planned setlist, possible guest appearances and the length of the performance have not been publicly confirmed.

Atlanta’s Hip-Hop Culture Meets NBA Basketball

Atlanta has spent decades establishing itself as one of the most important cities in American hip-hop.

From the pioneering success of OutKast and Goodie Mob to later generations led by artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane, Future, Young Thug, Migos and 21 Savage, the city’s musical influence has extended far beyond Georgia.

The Hawks have embraced that identity by making hip-hop a prominent part of their arena experience.

State Farm Arena has hosted performances by major recording artists, while the franchise has collaborated with musicians and cultural figures to create entertainment experiences that reflect Atlanta’s identity.

Those connections have helped distinguish Hawks games from traditional sporting events, turning the arena into a meeting place for basketball, music and local culture.

Kushington’s inclusion in the home-opening festivities continues that approach, giving a developing artist an opportunity to perform before a large hometown audience.

For emerging musicians, an NBA halftime show can offer visibility among people who might not otherwise encounter their music through streaming services or social media.

It also provides a recognizable career milestone that can help attract attention from promoters, industry professionals and potential collaborators.

A Breakout Year for Belly Gang Kushington

Kushington, whose real name is Victor Thomas, has gained considerable momentum in 2026, particularly through his viral song “WTF Goin.” The track has helped expand his visibility beyond Atlanta’s underground music scene and introduced his sound to a wider audience.

The 35-year-old rapper has also been building a presence at major sporting events. He performed at an Atlanta Hawks game in March alongside fellow rapper YK Niece, but the October 24 appearance will mark his first time headlining a Hawks halftime show on his own.

Speaking with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Kushington described the upcoming performance as potentially one of the most important moments of his life. He also reflected on how quickly his career opportunities have grown, saying the recent recognition has exceeded what he originally imagined.

The booking follows another high-profile basketball appearance. On October 7, Kushington performed during the Atlanta Dream’s WNBA semifinal series against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena, further strengthening his connection with Atlanta’s professional basketball community. <Cite refs={[“turn834811search1”,“turn834811search2”]}/>

Keri Hilson Will Perform the National Anthem

The Hawks’ opening-night entertainment will feature another Atlanta-area recording artist, with Grammy-nominated R&B singer Keri Hilson scheduled to perform the national anthem before the game.

Hilson, a Decatur native known for hits including “Knock You Down” and “Pretty Girl Rock,” brings another recognizable hometown name to the evening’s entertainment.

Fans attending the game will also receive a special black Harry the Hawk T-shirt courtesy of State Farm, while the arena will host an unusually busy day of basketball.

Earlier that afternoon, the Atlanta Dream are scheduled to face the Golden State Valkyries in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at the same venue, creating a rare professional basketball doubleheader in Atlanta.

The Dream game is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by the Hawks’ matchup with Houston at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the latest arena schedule. <Cite refs={[“turn834811search1”,“turn834811search11”]}/>

A Major Hometown Moment

The October 24 performance arrives as Kushington continues building momentum in Atlanta’s music industry. While his growing recognition has already opened doors to larger stages, headlining an NBA halftime show represents a different kind of opportunity, placing him at the center of a major hometown sporting event.

The Hawks’ decision to feature Kushington also reflects the franchise’s willingness to recognize artists whose popularity is growing within the city’s contemporary hip-hop scene, rather than limiting its entertainment programming to established national stars.

For Kushington, the performance will be another chance to demonstrate how far his career has progressed during a breakout year. For Atlanta basketball fans, it will add a distinctly local soundtrack to the start of a new NBA season.

The Atlanta Hawks will host the Houston Rockets on Saturday, October 24, at State Farm Arena, with Belly Gang Kushington scheduled to headline the halftime show and Keri Hilson performing the national anthem.