New York Radio Host Boycotts Atlanta Rap Ahead of Knicks-Hawks Playoff Clash

Tensions rise as the two cities' teams face off in the NBA postseason.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:47pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of the heated playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, reflecting the cultural tensions between the two cities.NYC Today

A prominent New York radio personality has announced he will boycott playing any Atlanta-based rap music on his show as the New York Knicks prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA playoffs. The move is seen as a provocative jab at the opposing city's cultural identity ahead of the high-stakes playoff matchup.

Why it matters

The Knicks-Hawks playoff series has taken on added significance as the two cities' long-standing rivalry extends beyond just sports. The radio host's boycott taps into deeper regional tensions and cultural divides, potentially inflaming passions among fans on both sides.

The details

WKRX radio host Mike Francesa said he will not play any music by Atlanta-based rappers on his show leading up to and during the Knicks-Hawks playoff series. Francesa claimed the move is a way to 'support the Knicks' and 'get in the heads' of Atlanta fans, many of whom embrace the city's thriving hip-hop scene.

  • The Knicks and Hawks are set to face off in the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs starting on April 20, 2026.

The players

Mike Francesa

A prominent New York radio personality who hosts a show on WKRX.

New York Knicks

An NBA team based in New York City that has qualified for the 2026 playoffs.

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia that will face the Knicks in the 2026 playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to play any of that Atlanta rap stuff on my show. We're here to support the Knicks, not get distracted by that other nonsense.”

— Mike Francesa, Radio Host, WKRX

The takeaway

The radio host's boycott of Atlanta rap music ahead of the Knicks-Hawks playoff series is a provocative tactic that taps into long-standing regional rivalries and cultural divides. It remains to be seen how fans and the teams themselves will respond to this latest salvo in the New York-Atlanta sports feud.