As a gamer and music enthusiast who grew up in the vibrant and diverse city of Atlanta, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to Mercury‘s story. Her journey from a Memphis transplant to a local skateboarding, music-making sensation is inspiring and speaks volumes about the creative energy that thrives in this city.
On June 21, Spotify commemorated Go Skate Day at Underground Atlanta. The Skate Noise Junk Park gathering welcomed artists from the surrounding region and further afield, allowing them to experience Atlanta’s vibrant skate scene. EC Melodi, a local skate collective, created an exciting summer playlist called “Skate Noise Atlanta” for this occasion, which was showcased during the event. Mercury, a rapper, DJ, and skilled skateboarder, graced the stage as one of the performers. In honor of the locations that significantly influenced her early years and music exposure, Mercury collaborated with TopMob to highlight some of her preferred skateparks in Atlanta.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by HYPEBEAST (@hypebeast)
At the age of nine, Mercury Kennedy Malone, formerly from Memphis, Tennessee, relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. In her high school years, she was drawn to music and discovered a passion for skateboarding following a friend’s introduction. The vibrant, multicultural atmosphere of Atlanta inspired her, showcasing numerous Black artists and professionals making their impact on the community. Mercury connected with other emerging musicians over the internet and shared her music creations on SoundCloud, debuting with the track “Slob on My Kat” in 2020.
Making music is similar to skating in various aspects. Not every attempt at creating a melody or rhythm will be successful, but the allure of perfecting your craft keeps you coming back for more. Mercury’s musical output mirrors this journey, showcasing her Memphis roots evolving into the unconventional, distorted sounds of “Merctape” and “Tabula Rasa.” The realms of art and music intermingle with skating, providing a canvas for her thoughts to explore and adapt as she takes in and interprets the world around her.
Mercury introduces TopMob to the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark in Atlanta, a place where she initially learned skate culture basics and connected with other local female skaters. The skate park, which is close to the Atlanta Beltline, was collaboratively designed by Atlanta’s skate community and offers numerous facilities for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and families, making it an all-around popular destination. Following this, Mercury takes TopMob to Little Five Points, a unique, bohemian neighborhood known for its vintage shops, diverse eateries, independent bookstores, and local bars along the main street. Locals often refer to it as Lil’ Five. This area is also a hub for skaters, where they gather to socialize, exchange ideas, and immerse themselves in Atlanta’s vibrant artistic scene.
Mercury regularly visits Edgewood’s Church, a cozy bar and eatery, to unwind from her busy life. The quirky ambiance and snug red booths draw her back to Atlanta’s counterculture scene, where she met friends and supporters who nurtured her artistic pursuits in music. These vibrant communities inspired Mercury to create beats, experiment with fashion, and develop her lyrical skills. Growing up in Atlanta shaped her unique outlook and provided authentic creative spaces for self-expression. The same sense of liberation drives Mercury to break new ground in her artistry, whether through rapping, DJing, or exploring the concrete cityscape.
In the video above, Mercury shares some local suggestions for you. To get an energy boost this summer, give a listen to Spotify’s “Skate Noise Atlanta” playlist.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-15 21:56