Ludacris and the Hawks’ Tony Ressler on Atlanta’s Rise to a Marketing, Music, and Sports Powerhouse

In this episode of Adspeak by ADWEEK, host Will Lee sits down with Tony Ressler, co-founder and executive chairman of Ares Management Corporation, and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, a Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, for a fast-moving conversation on culture, community, and the business mechanics behind Atlanta’s rise.

What you’ll learn:

• How to identify and leverage your city’s unique creative assets
• Why diversification across entertainment, tech, and philanthropy protects long-term brand value
• How to transform real estate into a brand catalyst
• The strategic importance of non-core revenue streams in sports venues
• Why community investment and brand building are inseparable business strategies

Ludacris is a cultural innovator with over 25 years of industry experience spanning music, film, and technology. Known for defining Atlanta’s cultural landscape through his influence on hip-hop, film production, and emerging trends, Ludacris has successfully diversified his portfolio into philanthropy, brand partnerships, and tech startups focused on the next generation.

In addition to his role at Ares Management, Tony Ressler is the principal owner of the Atlanta Hawks, a prominent sports executive and real estate developer driving transformative urban development across the Southeast. With expertise in sports franchise management, community investment, and large-scale real estate projects, Ressler has spearheaded initiatives including the revitalization of downtown Atlanta and the expansion of youth education and opportunity programs throughout the region.