It was a day of relief for fans of Grammy-nominated rap group Nappy Roots during a press conference at their newly opened brewery, Atlantucky, in Atlanta, Georgia’s Castleberry Hill district. Nappy Roots recently made headlines when an incident threatened the life of brewery co-owner and beloved group member, Melvin Adams, aka Fish Scales. Now recovering from being shot in the calf during his escape, Scales believes the robbery was a random event and says he is ready to get back to work sooner rather than later.
“We love Castleberry Hill!” Scales said. “This is one of the reasons that I am stressing to get back here so quick. My team and the people in this neighborhood have been so supportive. We want to let it be known that this is a great neighborhood and want this behind us so we can get back to working on all of the good stuff that is going on here.”
Beginning as homebrewers, Nappy’s Scales and William Hughes, aka Skinny DeVille, have been involved in the craft beer industry, including numerous compilations with breweries nationwide, for the past five years leading up to the official opening of Atlantucky.
The 6,000-square-foot, fully operational brewery doubles as an event facility complete with a stage recently serving as a platform for Georgia governor hopeful Stacy Abrams unveiling her economic plan, plus the National Hip Hop Museum’s Grand Induction Ceremony in August. And with their spacious brewery just steps away from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlantucky welcomes a steady stream of visitors enjoying brews on tap, including the well-balanced Mile High Pale Ale, light-bodied Castleberry Pils Lager, Chesapeake Bae Fruit Beer, and Peaches + Queens Peach Cobbler Ale brewed in collaboration with their female co-workers, to name a few.
The band is proud that Atlantucky plays such an integral role in the Black craft beer community and aims to bring the focus back on their power to help advance those interested in learning the elements of brewing and starting a business.
“I spoke to Mayor Andre Dickens the morning that [the robbery] happened, and he assured me that they will catch these guys and do whatever he can do,” DeVille said during the press conference. “That’s when I brought up creating a program to teach people of color how to brew and create jobs.”
Besides crafting beers, Atlantucky’s diverse and talented staff manage the event space, assist with brewing, serve patrons, and collaborate with local Black-owned food vendors who host regular pop-ups at the brewery.
“I just want to turn this into something positive. We are doing so many great things,” says Scales.
Speaking the truth, Scales and his Atlantucky team continue to receive tremendous support from Atlanta and fans worldwide who continue lining up to enjoy their beers, events, and Nappy Roots’ mission for racial equity in the beer industry.
Atlantucky Brewery is located at 170 Northside Drive SW, in Atlanta, Georgia 30313. Find out about their upcoming events on Instagram @Atlantucky or visit Atlantucky.com.
