Recently, the popularity of American music festivals has grown exponentially. Over the past six summers, star studded line ups that would rival ’69 Woodstock have surfaced bringing forth some of the most unimaginable concert experiences ever. Bands that called it quits decades ago have come together in reunion. Titans across genres have performed side by side. Legends have been resurrected on stage by hologram. In the 2010’s, the music festival stage has grown to become a place music fans wildest fantasies can come true; and this year’s FYF Fest is shaping up to be no different.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, FYF Fest have continued to construct some of the most eclectic and forward line up without ever discriminating against a particular genre. This year, FYF decided to lean a little more toward Hip Hop than ever before all the while providing a line up diversified with some of the most relevant artists of 2016. With so much to see and the pressure of not missing out at an all time high, here is a list of some of the artists that we feel are must see acts of this years festivities.
10. Kamaiyah
Already apart of one of this summer’s biggest singles “Why You Always Hatin?”, Kamaiyah may very well be the Bay Area’s best kept secret. Her retro style and hardcore attitude are reminiscent of some of the 90’s most iconic female rappers. Her recent release A Good Night in the Ghetto landed her internet fame, the industry’s attention, and a spot on Interscope Records.
9. Boogie
Compton/Long Beach native, Boogie has in the past two years made a jump from part-time engineer for hire to Interscope signee. Remaining true to his West Coast roots while being able to work with some the top electronic producers in the game, his first two mixtapes, Thirst 48 and The Reach, have both brought Boogie underground and industry respect. His debut LP Thirst 48 Pt. 2 is set to drop some time this year. His work has been cosigned by Kendrick Lamar, Skrillex, and SBTRKT making him someone rap and electronic fans alike should keep and eye on.
8. Denzel Curry
This 2016 XXL Freshman Class member has been delivering his own brand of high energy Afrocentric rap since 2011, dominating the undergroud. Hailing from Carol City in South Florida, Curry’s newest project Imperial has racked up a ridiculous amount of plays of Soundcloud, much like the majority of his catalog. Featuring guest spots from both Rick Ross and Joey Bada$$, this project is shaping up to be Denzel Curry’s intro to the mainstream spotlight.
7. Rae Sremmurd
From cranking out mindlessly entertaining flex rap to writing hooks for Beyonce, Rae Sremmurd have grown to become a household name in 2016. With the recent release of their sophomore album, this high energy duo is bound to turn out the FYF stage. The duo has been praised in the past by fans and fellow celebrities alike for their stage presence making them one of most electrifying performers currently touring.
6. Banks & Steelz
A treat for any true Hip Hop head, Banks & Steelz is the duo of Interpol‘s Paul Banks and Wu Tang Clan‘s RZA. This experimental genre-less tandem came together over chess in 2011 and have been making music together ever since. They released their first project this past spring via Apple Music and have since been added to this years festival circuit. As a late addition to the festival line up, Banks & Steelz is just one of the many rare gems that will be in the house at FYF.
5. Blood Orange
London-born, New York-based singer, songwriter, and composer Blood Orange has been delivering his own brand of eclectic synth pop ever since parting ways with Test Icicles in 2006. Devonte Hynes, the man behind the Blood Orange, has collaborated with and played alongside some of this planets most talented musical minds. His newest release Freetown Sound has already been called one of the year’s best albums and has been showcased by some of the most well put together concerts of the year.
4. Vince Staples
Long Beach local Vince Staples is no rookie to the festival stage. Since before his debut LP Staples has toured the world performing at countless festivals in front of thousands of screaming fans. His new age gangster rap sound and melancholy and aggressive lyrics have led to some pretty intense mosh pits and high energy flailing at is past shows so the crowd should expect nothing less this coming weekend, especially with the release of his new EP Prima Donna.
3. Young Thug
Everyone’s favorite androgynous trapstar has consistently turned heads this year with his cross dressing photo shoots and gender bending interviews. But aside from his image, his music is like nothing that has ever come before it. His most recent album, No, My Name is Jeffery, has already gone viral due to it’s groundbreaking cover, song title tributes, and overall crank.
2. Kendrick Lamar
Since the release of To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar’s performances have become less about adding to the song and more about adding to the culture. His positive Afrocentric message has become the musical voice representing some of this countries most oppressed people. There is no predicting the extent of showmanship Kendrick will go to this year in his hometown but one can only expect for it to be jaw-droppingly over the top.
1.Grace Jones
Grace Jones is one of the most iconic images in fashion, film, and music. Her internationally platinum selling albums have helped to shape music and art culture over the past four decades making her one of the most recognizable figure in music. She is known for her extravagant flair and giving a spectacular of a show. For all who have never heard of her, this is the perfect (and probably the only) chance to witness her musical greatness.
All and all, this years festival is shaping up to be one of the best this season. Make sure that you get your schedule ready and plan accordingly, you’re not going to want to miss out.
