CRITIC'S PICKS: Joshua Robinson recommends for December, 2025

Events Past

Gunna Wun World Tour State Farm Arena

Tues. Dec. 9
Gunna, State Farm Arena - Since escaping the wrath of Fulton County in the now-infamous YSL Rico case, Gunna has been putting all his energy into his craft. The result? Three top-three albums in just over two years. Unfortunately, a career stretch in which he achieved such significant commercial performance, garnered increased critical acclaim, and headlined three U.S. tours has been marred by the tensions between him, Young Thug, and naturally, the YSL record label. This tumultuous era for Gunna comes to an end, however, with his latest album, "The Last Wun." Following its release, the College Park native is no longer on YSL, officially a free agent for the first time in his career since being discovered and signed by Young Thug. His current tour, "The Wun World Tour," is effectively his victory lap and farewell to a distinct chapter in his career, and it's only right that the Atlanta stop of the tour will take place at one of the biggest stages in the city. - joshua robinson

Danny Brown, Underscores and Femtanyl at the Masquerade

Tues. Dec. 9
Danny Brown, Masquerade - Thanks to his unmistakable voice, characteristically off-beat lyrics, and consistent love for sonic experimentation, Danny Brown has easily become one of the most eccentric rappers to ever hail from Detroit, Michigan. Throughout the 2010s, the alternative rapper made his mark on Hip-hop with truly singular projects like "XXX," "Old," "Atrocity Exhibition," and "uknowhatimsayin¿," and after a four year pause in releases, he has returned with a vengeance in the 2020s. In addition to his fan-favorite collaborative project with JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown has feverishly dropped off two new solo albums over the last two years: 2023's "Quaranta" and last month's "Stardust." This month, he's bringing his newly exciting new album to the Masquerade for a hype night in Heaven.Hyperpop and hardcore digital artists Underscores and Femtanyl will provide opening support. - joshua robinson

Raekwon & Mobb Deep - 30th Anniversary Tour

Thurs. Dec. 11
Raekwon & Mobb Deep, Tabernacle - One of the most celebrated members of the Wu-Tang Clan is hitting Atlanta this month, and as if that wasn't exciting enough on its own, he'll be joined by another legacy Hip-hop act of the 90s. A living testament to rap's longevity and long-lasting lyrical excellence, Raekwon the Chef is taking over the Tabernacle just four months after dropping off his latest studio album, "The Emperor's New Clothes." Joining him for the festivities is Havoc, representing Mobb Deep on behalf of his fallen groupmate Prodigy. Both artists on the bill are celebrating landmark years in their career, as 2025 marks the 30th anniversaries of Rae's foundational Wu-Tang album "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..." and Mobb Deep's classic sophomore effort "The Infamous." If you're a real Hip-hop head with a love for rap history, this is the show for you. - joshua robinson

Pastor Troy

Sat. Dec. 13
Pastor Troy, 529 - If you're going to see an OG and Atlanta Hip-hop legend like Pastor Troy live in concert, there's no better place for it than at a smaller intimate venue like 529. Following his two-night outing at City Winery last month, the Down South Georgia Boy is hitting the stage once again. Secure your tickets while you still can and mentally prepare yourself for the thrill of hearing Southern rap standards like "No Mo Play In GA" shake 529 and the entirety of East Atlanta Village. VIP tickets available. - joshua robinson

Young Thug & Friends - A Benefit Concert

Tues. Dec. 16
Young Thug, State Farm Arena - After what felt like ages, Young Thug was finally released from jail at the tail-end of 2024. One year later, fans of the innovative artist and influential label head are still re-familiarizing themselves with one of the most important Atlanta rappers of the 2010s. A large part of that stems from the controversial 10-year ban from Metro Atlanta that was placed upon Thug as contingency for his plea deal in the YSL Rico case. As a result, his appearances in the city have been a little hit-or-miss, with his performance in front of the Fulton Courthouse a success but his in-store record signing at DBS Signs abruptly cancelled. Hopefully, that all changes this month because Young Thug is returning to Atlanta and State Farm Arena for a homecoming show for the ages. Regardless of how you feel about his polarizing comeback album "UY SCUTI," Thug's forthcoming show at State Farm is going to be one for the books, so you're not going to want to miss this one. - joshua robinson

J.I.D - God Does Like Ugly Tour

Fri. Dec. 19
J.I.D., Coca-Cola Roxy - Current Rap Album of the Year nominee and local rap superstatar J.I.D. is returning for a homecoming show and the penultimate date of his current tour in support of his victorious new Grammy-nominated album, "God Does Like Ugly." Due to the Seattle date having to be rescheduled, what would have been the ultimate date of the God Does Like Paradise Tour has turned into a symbolic finale. Nevertheless, expect a party at the Coca-Cola Roxy. The Dreamville artist is currently the only artist on the bill, but expect some worthy surprises. Get your tickets soon so you don't have to fight with resale prices. - joshua robinson

Lil Gotit at the Masquerade

Fri. Dec. 19
Lil Gotit, Masquerade - In the three or so years since former YSL artist Lil Keed passed away, his absence has left a hole in both his practically now-defunct label home and the Atlanta Hip-hop scene overall. Since 2022, listeners have gotten the opportunity to enjoy Keed's final solo album, the posthumous "Keed Talk To 'Em 2," as well as posthumous features with artists like his former mentor, Young Thug. In late October, Keed's young brother, Lil Gotit, unleashed the Cleveland Avenue siblings' second collaborative effort, "Fraternal: Keed Edition," in memory of his fallen collaborator and family member. Later this month, Gotit is headlining a showcase to honor his brother once more, and there will be plenty of special guests in attendance, including Yung Fazo, Sk8star, 1300SAINT, Diamond, and Teezus. Long live Lil Keed. - joshua robinson

Zaytoven & Friends with Renaissance Orchestra

Sat. Dec. 20
Zaytoven, Renaissance Orchestra, Tabernacle - For this holiday season, Atlanta-bred superproducer Zaytoven is treating fans to an orchestral twist to his classic, fan-favorite records and contemporary hits alongside Atlanta's newest talent. With the assistance of the steadily elevating Renaissance Orchestra, the artist known for producing Atlanta rap smashes like Gucci Mane & Jeezy's "Icy," Migos' "Versace," and 1K Phew's "We Ready" is going to transform his iconic trap sonics into a full-fledged orchestral production. Several artists - including Rocko, Yung LA, OJ Da Juiceman, Young Dro, J Money, DJ Holiday, and Bunna B - have already been confirmed for the evening, and given Zaytoven's deep-seed roots in Atlanta, there is bound to be a special surprise or two. - joshua robinson

Daink Heads

Fri. Dec. 26
Daink Heads, Jelani Imani, Wickdadon & Kenarri, 529 - The night after Christmas is for getting out the house and having a good time, and 529 has the perfect concert for folks seeking some post-holiday festivities. Atlanta-based trap punk band Daink Heads is bringing the local rap scene together for a highly anticipated show in East Atlanta Village. Joining the outfit - whose recently released EP "Distorted" is a must-listen - are local multi-hyphenate Jelani Imani, "Imma Flirt" rapper WickDaDon, and scene-stealing femcee Kennari, among others. This impressively curated show offers a diverse snapshot of where Atlanta's underground scene is at in 2025, so definitely add it to your year-end radar. - joshua robinson