The large, looming cardboard image of Gangsta Pill was the first thing that greeted anyone walking up to Club Crucial on Thursday night, as Pink City’s most talented prodigy took over the venue for a one night stand celebrating the release of his latest mixtape, 1140: The Overdose. Upon entry, the most visible sight was not the hundreds of club patrons but a full-fledged swarm of hard ankles roaming the spot in black tees emblazoned with “Four Fingers No Thumb,” repping their 4th Ward home. Ranging from certified vets to soldiers, they all moved with thousand yard stares and there to serve, protect and party with the man of the night. And I say party because many of them let loose the moment’s revelry, each doing their own little libation-induced two-step to the sounds of Atlanta’s patented club music.

Not that Pill couldn’t protect himself or that he’d even need it on this particular night. Above all things, he’s home in the hood, therefore “serve and support” might be a more apt description of the small squad of dudes roaming in those shirts. Their apparel was the only thing that separated them from everyone else. Much like myself, it’s safe to say the majority of the crowd was there to show love to one of their own. Having documented his journey for so long, it was even more stirring to be wrapped in the very type of club atmosphere and crowd that has a distinct influence on who the brother is as a musician and as a person.

Tall bottle of Grey Goose in tow, he moving throughout the venue giving out handshakes, hugs and even dishing out playful ass slaps to a few chicks. The thing? They didn’t turn around and spazz, nor did they seem to take it as a flirtatious advance. They simply responded with laughs, familiar smiles of recognition and hugs exchanged like friends and family. A family glad to see one of their own climbing another rung towards reaching the top.