“The Kickback is a safe space to immerse yourself and galavant in what you love,” said Charles Johnson, Founder of Vega Studio.
Music, gaming, cosplay and culture merged together in an unforgettable evening at The Kickback, hosted by Cxmmunity Media, on December 10 in the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta’s historic Buckhead neighborhood.
The energy radiated from behind the theater doors, making it impossible to contain what was happening inside. Passionate gamers crowded the console stations for a chance to showcase their competitive skills and to attempt to win their share of the $2000 prize pool.
More than just the gaming lounge, cosplayers and their friends strut into the venue bringing their infectious energy as they anticipated the high-energy cosplay competition to show off their new designs and creativity.
“Oh man! The experience at The Kickback is super dope. The people are trying to compete with me, but they’ve been giving me my props at the same time,” said cosplayer That’s Antonio.
Together in the holiday spirit of giving, Kenny Mason, Cxmmunity and attendees brought over 100 toys that will be donated to local churches in Atlanta. The event highlighted the best of every community from gaming, cosplay, sports and entertainment. Keep reading below for more details.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Kenny Mason headlined The Kickback’s free concert experience, where he performed songs from his latest EP Pup Pack: 1st Shift. The crowd mirrored Kenny’s lyrics bar for bar and matched his unforgettable energy in a celebration of his fearless rhymes and their diehard loyalty.
Upcoming ATL rapper Timothy Isaiah opened the evening ahead of Kenny in a powerhouse hip hop performance that brought the crowd alive. His show set the stage for an engaging night of music.
CXMMUNITY PANELS
Before The Kickback’s headliner and performances, Cxmmunity brought together the greatest minds in Atlanta and beyond to share their insights from across multiple different industries and topics, ranging from professional sports marketing to grassroots community building as a content creator.
In a series of panel discussions, attendees could connect with and learn more about the spaces that they want to thrive and grow in. The panelists’ advice became a fundamental building block that most creators should use as they build their professional career.
Here are a few gems from the industry insiders:
“Brands and content creators need to gamify themselves as a product. Learn why people are actually engaging,” said Troy Carter, Jr, partner and representative at Nothing Projects Interactive for the OnlyHands game.
“Dig deep and be honest with yourself about what sets you apart and what you bring that is unique.” said Sharesse Bembury-Coakley, Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at CultureCon™.
“Do what you say you’re going to do, but then also overdeliver!!” said Daniel Goldstein, Senior Manager of Sports Marketing at The Coca-Cola Company.
“If you have a goal, don’t let anyone distract you from that goal,” said Stalley, Music Artist & Creator.
“Handle the no’s before any of the yes’s,” - said Dallas Dupree Young, Actor and Content Creator.
COSPLAY COMPETITION
From the green ranger to Rumi of Kpop Demon Hunters to an actual gaming controller, creativity reigned at The Kickback’s cosplay competition.
It would be the original Gamecube controller cosplay by Amethysterious that would be the star of the show. From the moment she walked onto the stage, the crowd roared in applause for her nostalgic creation that took everyone back to their first memories with the console.
She told CXM that she almost did not make it out to the event that evening, but was grateful that she could attend, represent for black girls in the nerdy space and get the win at The Kickback.
“I feel like [cosplay] is one of those things that is not expected of us, but I feel like we belong in every space,” said Amethysterious.
Many creators, guests and community members already anticipate the next event will be just as exciting. Follow Cxmmunity on all social platforms to be ready to pop out at The Kickback.
“For the people who couldn’t make it out, I’m sorry you missed it,” Antonio joked. “But, you need to make it to the next one because the next one is popping, just as much as this one is popping.”
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