The highly anticipated REVOLT Summit x AT&T made its in-person return in Atlanta on Thursday, Nov. 11 for the first time since COVID-19 hit, and it definitely kicked off with a bang. With a lineup including Jeezy, City Girls, Lil Yachty, Angela Yee, and more for just the first day, 787 Windsor was filled with new and experienced talent from all areas in entertainment.
Couldn’t make it out to ATL? No worries, the event is available to watch for free via REVOLT’s YouTube, website, Facebook, Twitch, and the official REVOLT Summit app. And we’ve got you with the daily recaps over here! Check it out below.
The Excellence Program Executive Panel
The day began with an executive panel from sports agent Cecil White and Combs Enterprises’ Julian Mitchell. Before the two began exchanging gems, White gave some insight into why he’s where he is today. He’s an extremely successful and highly sought-after sports agent, but just four years prior, White was in the shoes of every other Summit attendee. He credits the relationships he fostered at his first REVOLT Summit as some of his most crucial.
When the conversation shifted to equity, Mitchell began by saying, “It’s important to own our culture, own our influence.” White doubled up on Mitchell’s stance by using his clients as an example. “Back in the day, it was a one-time $500K payment, now we’re asking for 5% instead.” The duo also discussed the importance of “horizontal networking.” “There’s importance in embracing your peers,” said White.
Toward the end of their discussion, the two took turns dishing out their best pieces of advice for attendees. Mitchell emphasized the importance of mastering your craft, while White said his best piece of advice was to “Always have an idea for someone.” Both made it clear that opportunity came from intrinsic motivation. If you want it, you’ve got to go and get it.
Be Heard Auditions
Also taking place on day one were REVOLT’s Be Heard auditions. Any attendee of the Summit was welcome to audition throughout the day in front of judges like Vedo, Sean Garrett, Malita Rice, and more. On Friday (Nov. 12) night, the top five contestants will be given the main stage to display their talents in front of Druski, Yung Bleu, Nyla Symone, Rapsody, and more!
Level Up Career Fair
A big part of the REVOLT Summit x AT&T is its networking aspect. Companies such as Combs Enterprises, REVOLT, AT&T, Universal Music Group, and WarnerMedia were all present and accepting resumes for future hires. There aren’t too many events that provide an opportunity to connect large entertainment companies with prospects who are ready and willing to work, but the Summit did so for ALL of its attendees.
Return on the Culture Pitch Competition
Next up, Power105.1’s Angela Yee stepped out fresh off of a flight to introduce the judges for the “Dream In Black Pitch Competition.” Iddris Sandu, the founder of “spatial LABS,” a new JAY-Z-funded tech company; Briana Thompson, the founder of multiple cycling studios; and lastly, the “SupportBlackColleges” team.
While Yee moderated, the four judges were tasked with picking a startup company to receive $10,000 in funding. In the end, Donald Boone’s company BoxedUp was the winner. BoxedUp describes itself as “a company that provides an on-demand and cost-effective way for customers to use content creation equipment.” From camera lenses to lighting equipment, BoxedUp bridges the cost gap that exists in the content-creation world by allowing everyone an equal playing field in the equipment arena.
Once the panels for the day wrapped up, attendees headed to the main stage to see DC Youngfly, Chico Bean, and Karlous Miller. The trio, better known as “85 South,” had an hour and a half long set to have a bit of fun on stage and tickle the audience. They started off by telling standup jokes for the first thirty minutes or so, but then phoned the audience asking if there were any singers present. This phone-in then led to an hour-long audience-led half karaoke, half original songs singing session and the audience clearly loved every bit of it. While each brave attendee sang or rap, the trio cracked their jokes in between.
Welcome to Atlanta/Closing Performances
To wrap up the night, Jeezy came out to greet the audience and officially welcome them to Atlanta. Soon after, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance extended Jeezy’s warm welcome and explained that she wouldn’t rather spend her final days in office doing anything else.
After the two said their pieces, Jeezy gave a quick performance of his hit song “Put On” and then quickly welcomed Lil Yachty to the stage. Although Yachty prefaced his performance by letting everyone know he’s both “awkward” and “nervous,” everyone seemed to enjoy his two-song set. After him, the City Girls took the stage and it was clear that the audience was hyped to see Yung Miami and JT. The superstar duo also had a relatively short set, but the audience’s energy remained heightened for their entire set.
If this was just day one, it’ll be exciting to see what day two brings!