live auditions
Atlanta
Saturday, June 7th
2pm - 5pm
OPIUM
990 Brady Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
*all music must be clean, original and on a thumb or flash drive (no exceptions)
online auditions
Do you have what it takes to grace the stage at Birthday Bash 2025? Submit your video to win a trip to Atlanta, GA to perform at Birthday Bash and be crowned The Athlete of the Mic!
eligibility + video requirements
Please make sure your video meets the following requirements:
- Clean version (no cursing or foul language)
- 2 minutes max length.
*any cursing/foul language will be automatic disqualification.
*contestants must be 18 years or older to audition and enter the contest.
The Athlete of the Mic (TAOTM) is a nationwide talent competition that gives rising artists the chance to perform on one of the biggest stages in hip-hop—Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash. Since launching in Atlanta in 2015, TAOTM has grown into a multi-city event, with live auditions held in key TAF markets like Raleigh, New Orleans, Charlotte, Norfolk, and Dallas.
To expand access, online auditions were introduced, allowing artists from across the country to compete for the crown. One winner—The Athlete of the Mic—receives an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta to perform at Birthday Bash.
For 2025, live auditions will only be held in Atlanta to provide more opportunities nationwide with online submissions.
The finalist from the Atlanta live audition and three (3) finalists from online submissions will battle it out on stage at the Who’s Hot contest in Atlanta on Friday, June 20th. The winner earns the title of The Athlete of the Mic and a performance slot on the Main Stage at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash on Saturday, June 21st!
past winners
Dreek Jones
2024
Digital Young Kingz
2023
marv.p
2022
lil wave daddy
2019
bobby beige
(co-winner)
2018
krook
(co-winner)
2018
meechie ro
2017
tesh
2016
guap gambino
2015
Birthday Bash is an annual festival featuring the very best urban talent from around America and is often recognized as a homecoming event for Atlanta based talent.
This event spotlights new and established artists who are impacting Hip Hop culture in exciting ways, giving fans across the country a chance to see them LIVE.
GloRilla and friends will headline Birthday Bash ATL 2025. This makes it two years in a row that a female artist has blessed the stage as the headliner.
Also announced to hit the stage on June 21st, OffSet, Bossman DLow, Real Boston Richey, Kash Doll, Big Boogie and AMG Twinz. Plus a salute to ATL featuring………surprise guests. As anticipation grow, more artists will be announced.
our partners
contest rules
The Athlete of the Mic contest (“Contest”) will begin on May 1, 2025 and end on June 9, 2024 (“Contest Period”). This Contest will be conducted online and on-site. There will be a total of four (4) finalists from the Online and On-site Contest (two (2) from on-line submissions; two (2) from the on-site audition). The four (4) finalists will perform live at Hot 107.9 Who’s Hot Competition in Atlanta. One (1) grand prize winner will be selected from among the finalists. The grand prize winner will be awarded a performance spot on the main stage at the Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash at State Farm Arena.
*Contestants must be 18 years or older to audition and enter the contest.