Strength of A Woman Festival & Summit 2023. Image source: Rough Draft Atlanta.
Saturday, May 13, 2023, was a date etched in the calendars of R&B lovers everywhere! The Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit took Atlanta, Georgia, by storm at the State Farm Arena. And boy, oh boy, did it deliver an R&B show for the ages!
The hype was off the charts, with Coco Jones, Muni Long, Lucky Daye, Summer Walker, and Ms. Lauryn Hill gracing the stage. But don’t just take my word for it; the event was attended by R&B enthusiasts of all ages who were downright giddy about the outstanding performances and explosive musical moments.
The Unforgettable Night: Strength Of A Woman In Music And Performance
Now, let me take you through this unforgettable night. First up was the multi-talented singer and actress Coco Jones.
Coco Jones performed at the Strength Of A Woman festival at the R&B Arena Show. Credit: Getty Images
The crowd was in awe as Coco’s soulful voice hit their eardrums. She had everyone on their feet with her heart-warming performance of “ICU.” Talk about an audio and visual experience that left a lasting impression.
The crowd is watching Coco Jones’ performance. Credit: Getty Images
Next, we have Muni Long, who took the stage, and her vocal range was the talk of the town.
Muni Long is singing her heart out. Credit: Getty Images
Singing “Hrs & Hrs” and even covering Atlanta favorites like “Lovers and Friends” and “U Got It Bad,” Muni left the audience wondering if there was anything she couldn’t do.
Muni captivates the audience. Credit: Getty Images
Who Else Lit Up The Stage?
Enter Lucky Daye, the Grammy-winning sensation. This man knows how to serenade a crowd! With his smooth vocals, sultry beats, and sensual choreography, Lucky had everyone under his spell.
Lucky Daye. Credit: Getty Images
Performing hits like “Love You Too Much,” “Guess,” and “Late Night,” he even swept a lucky fan off their feet. Now that’s showmanship! He definitely knows how to “Lucky” up a room!
Lucky Daye brought a fan onstage. Credit: Getty Images
And then came Summer Walker, the rising star who has taken the R&B world aback. Her emotional ballads had the entire crowd swaying and feeling every word.
Summer Walker is on stage performing. Credit: Getty Images
Tracks like “Playing Games,” “Session 32,” and “Insane” struck a chord with the audience. Are they to blame for being captivated?
Fans sang along to Summer Walker’s music. Credit: Getty Images
There is one more last act to amaze you! None other than Ms. Lauryn Hill herself,of Fugees fame. Oh, the anticipation was intense as she took the stage.
Lauryn Hill performs on stage. Credit: Yahoo! Finance
With her soulful voice and empowering lyrics, Lauryn commanded the spotlight. Her classic hits “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Killing Me Softly” had the crowd hanging on every note. Who could resist staying in the building well into the night?
Uplifting Women: Celebrating Resilience And Impact In The Music Industry
Coco Jones, Muni Long, Lucky Daye, Summer Walker, and the legendary Lauryn Hill have truly made a name for themselves in the industry, carving out a niche that’s uniquely theirs. But their music isn’t just catchy; it’s a testament to the enduring strength of women. Each artist has their own style and power that resonates deeply with the audience.
The Strength of a Woman Festival showcased the crème de la crème of musical talents. Not only did it uplift women, but it also celebrated their resilience and enormous impact on the music industry and society. Imagine the electric atmosphere and the incredible vibes that filled the air. It was an experience that words can hardly describe. But if words can’t do it justice, we can only imagine what kind of moves were seen on the dance floor!
What Is The Strength Of A Woman Festival About?
The Strength of A Woman Festival and Summit is all about lifting women up, teaching them valuable lessons, and giving them the tools they need to unleash their inner awesomeness.
This festival and summit is no ordinary gathering. It’s a global phenomenon that brings together women from all walks of life across different generations to create an environment about authenticity. We’re talking about a space created by women for women.
In addition, this event goes beyond just a gathering of awesome ladies. It’s an experience that fosters a sense of community, opens doors to incredible opportunities, and cultivates a sisterhood that will last a lifetime.
Image source: Lyte Magazine, Jones Around The World.
As the spring festival season approaches, fans across the country are eager to attend live performances by their favorite artists. The entertainment industry is experiencing a surge in demand for its services. Live Nation, a leading entertainment company, reported outstanding results in 2022, and the trend continues in 2023, showing no signs of slowing down. However, festival interest varies by state.
1. Wisconsin
According to recent research conducted by online fashion retailer Boohoo, Wisconsin has the highest festival enthusiasm.
Wisconsin tops the list with the most festival-obsessed residents. It is renowned for its diverse and vibrant festival culture, with events celebrating music, food, culture, and the arts. These events draw large crowds from across the state and beyond. From Summerfest in Milwaukee, the world’s largest music festival, to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s biggest aviation event, Wisconsin offers a range of exciting festival experiences for all tastes and interests.
The world’s largest music festival, Summerfest. Credit: Katie Klann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Using Google Trends data from the past year, Boohoo analyzed search terms commonly used by festival attendees to determine the degree of festival obsession in each state. Each state was given a total score based on the combined search terms to identify the country’s most and least festival-obsessed states.
The study found that Wisconsin ranked as the most festival-obsessed state, with a score of 602, 40% higher than the national average. This is due to the high number of searches for festival-related terms, such as ‘festival’ and ‘festival near me,’ indicating a greater interest in festivals among Wisconsin’s population than in other states. Additionally, Wisconsin ranked eighth for the search term ‘summer festival.’
2. Ohio
Ohio is truly a festival lover’s paradise, and it’s no wonder it is ranked as the second most festival-obsessed state in the USA. With a remarkable total score of 594, Ohio achieves the highest proportion of its population eagerly searching for ‘festivals’ and ‘festivals near me.’ Its residents also display their passion for festivals by frequently searching for the phrase ‘festival,’ which ranks as the fifth-most searched term in the country.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in Canton, Ohio. Credit: Ed Balint
But that’s not all; Ohio has an impressive lineup of festivals that attract visitors from far and wide. From the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the nation, to the Columbus Arts Festival, which showcases an array of visual and performing arts, Ohio has something for everyone. Other notable festivals include the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Cincinnati Music Festival, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. With such a diverse and vibrant festival scene, Ohio is a state worth visiting for all the festival enthusiasts out there!
3. Louisiana
Well, look at that! Louisiana sure knows how to get down and party. It’s no wonder it’s the third most festival-loving state in the country, with an impressive score of 587! And get this, folks, Louisiana has not one, not two, not three, but FOUR searches ranking in the top two nationwide.
That’s right, Louisiana takes the cake for the highest number of searches for ‘festivals 2023’ and comes in at a close second for ‘festivals’ in the whole country. Plus, Louisiana’s festival-goers are some of the most stylish around, as evidenced by their second-highest search levels for ‘festival outfits.’ Now, while Louisiana might not be searching for ‘fall festival’ and ‘summer festival’ as much as some other states, you can bet your bottom dollar they know how to throw a party any time of year!
2022 Essence Festival. Credit: Essence
In July 2022, the Essence Festival held in New Orleans featured primarily African American musical acts. It also featured speakers and seminars on social and cultural issues. Some famous performers who have played at Essence include Beyoncé, Prince, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, Ashanti, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, and Usher.
Watch a clip of Nicki Minaj’s performance at the 2022 Essence Festival below:
4. Illinois
Illinois stands tall in the national rankings, securing the fourth spot with an impressive score of 549, a staggering 28% higher than the national average. The Prairie State has established itself as a prime destination for those seeking to quench their thirst for fun and entertainment. This is evident from its inclusion in the top ten list for most search terms. Notably, ‘Music festivals’ and ‘festivals near me’ hold a prominent seventh rank on the nationallevel, further emphasizing the state’s allure for festival-goers.
A music festival in Chicago, Illinois. Credit: Choose Chicago
But it doesn’t stop there! Illinois also boasts a commendable third and fifth rank for statewide searches for ‘festivals’ and ‘summer festival,’ respectively, adding to its already impressive reputation as a hub for cultural events. But it’s not just about attending festivals. Residents also take pride in their fashion sense, as is evident from their fourth ranking for ‘festival outfits’ searches. This further accentuates Illinoisians’ fashion-conscious nature.
North Dakota Has The Lowest Festival Score
While music festivals are a beloved pastime for many Americans, North Dakota seems to be lagging behind the rest of the country in festival enthusiasm. In fact, the state has the lowest festival score in the nation, at a measly 189 points. That’s 56% lower than the national average!
North Dakota residents aren’t as interested in searching for festival-related terms as their counterparts in other states. Regarding phrases like ‘festivals,’ ‘festivals 2023’, ‘summer festival,’ ‘festival near me,’ and ‘festival outfits,’ North Dakota scored a big fat zero – the only state to do so.
Iando Live is a music festival in North Dakota that occurs every July. Credit: North Dakota Tourism
Despite these lackluster results, there is one area where North Dakota does show some interest – music festivals. While it may not be the state’s top search term, ‘music festivals’ still ranks a respectable 21st overall. Perhaps some exciting music festivals are happening in North Dakota worth checking out!
5. Indiana and Kentucky
As we go along, let me enlighten you about this amazing entail. Indiana and Kentucky are not only neck and neck in their total score of 546, but they are also home to some of the most spectacular music festivals in the country! Indiana and Kentucky both landed in the top ten for the search terms ‘festivals’ and ‘festivals near me.’
However, both states scored similarly on each analyzed term. Indiana and Kentucky rank first and third in searches for ‘fall festival.’
Three Rivers Festival is located in downtown Fort Wayne Indiana. Credit: Indy’s Child
Now, hold on to your hats, folks, because Kentucky is the place to be for music lovers! With the second-highest proportion of the population searching for ‘music festivals,’ you know you’re in for a treat. And let’s not forget about the fashionistas out there. Kentucky residents are on point with their festival outfits, ranking eighth compared to Indiana’s eighteenth place.
Bourbon and Beyond Festival in Kentucky. Credit: Jones Around The World
Wait, there’s more! These festivals are not just ordinary gatherings. They feature some of the biggest names in entertainment, folks! So, get ready to jam out to your favorite artists while also taking in the vibrant festival atmosphere in Indiana and Kentucky.
6. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state that takes festivals very seriously and is known for its vibrant festival culture. According to recent rankings, Pennsylvania is the sixth most festival-obsessed state in the country, with a score of 541, which is 26% higher than the national average. It’s no wonder the phrase ‘festivals near me’ is one of the most commonly searched terms in the state, ranking third nationally.
Additionally, Pennsylvania is a popular destination for fall festivals. It ranks fifth in national searches for the term ‘fall festival’ and seventh for the general search term ‘festival.’ With such an intense festival scene, it’s clear that Pennsylvanians know how to have a good time and celebrate life’s joys with enthusiasm and style.
The Roots Picnic
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to one of the most electrifying events in the music industry – The Roots Picnic! Held annually by the iconic hip-hop band The Roots, this festival has taken the world by storm since its inception in 2008. Music fans from far and wide gather in Philadelphia to witness an unparalleled experience of pure musical ecstasy. With a lineup that spans a myriad of genres, ranging from the smoothest R&B to the soulful rhythms of hip-hop, The Roots Picnic is undoubtedly the ultimate celebration of music!
Artists and podcasters will be in the 2023 Roots Picnic, set to take place from June 2 – 4. Credit: The Roots Picnic
This event has welcomed numerous prominent musicians and even celebrities over time. One such instance was in 2015 when Canadian R&B and pop sensation, The Weeknd, gave an unforgettable performance that displayed his exceptional vocal abilities. In 2016, R&B legend Usher delivered an energizing set, captivating the audience and getting them to sing and dance along. Singer Solange also put on a fantastic show in 2017 at The Roots Picnic, exhibiting her exceptional blend of R&B, soul, and funk.
Check out The Weeknd’s full concert at The Roots Picnic in 2015 below:
Made In America Music Festival
The Made In America Music Festival is an annual event held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by renowned rapper and music mogul Jay-Z curated. The festival was first launched in 2012 and has since become a staple of the Philadelphia music scene, attracting some of the biggest names in hip-hop, rock, and pop.
The festival is held on Labor Day weekend and takes place on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a scenic area in the heart of Philadelphia. It features multiple stages and is known for its diverse lineup, with various artists taking the stage.
Made In America Music Festival in Philadelphia. Credit: The Philadelphia Parking Authority
Over the years, the festival has featured performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Pearl Jam, J.Cole, Tyler, the Creator, Kanye West, Rihanna, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. In addition to music, the festival also features a variety of food vendors and other attractions, making it a true celebration of American culture.
Watch Tyler, the Creator’s performance at the 2022 Made In America Festival below:
7. Maryland
Maryland has secured the seventh position in festival participation, with a remarkable score of 540. The state has the third-highest level of online searches for ‘festival near me’ and the fourth-highest for the generic search term ‘festival.’
Moreover, Maryland ranks seventh among all states when searching for summer festivals, reflecting the community’s love of seasonal celebrations. What’s more intriguing is that Marylanders are not just festival-goers but also fashion-forward individuals who take their festival outfits very seriously. This is evident from the fact that searches for ‘festival outfit’ in Maryland rank eighth highest in the country.
Maryland Renaissance Festival. Credit: Judy McGuire from the Maryland Renaissance Festival
Maryland is a hub of festivity, culture, and fashion, with its residents actively participating in festivals and displaying a strong interest in festival-related searches.
8. Vermont
I’ve got some fascinating information to share about the festival scene in Vermont. It turns out that Vermont is the eighth most festival-obsessed state in the United States, scoring an impressive score of 534. That’s right, Green Mountain State takes festivals seriously. Vermont possesses the highest percentage of searches for both ‘music festivals’ and ‘summer festival’ in the country.
As searches for ‘festivals 2023’ and ‘fall festival’ were also among the top ten, ranking fifth and ninth highest, respectively. Clearly, Vermonters are always looking for the next big event to attend.
Street performers on Church Street in downtown Burlington, Vermont, at the 2017 Festival of Fools. Credit: The Charlotte News
Interestingly enough, despite the high search levels for festivals, Vermonters did not seem to show much interest in ‘festival outfits.’ Vermont was the only state in the top ten to display such a lack of interest.
9. Michigan
Well, well, well, let’s dive into the magnificent state I call home – Michigan! Coming in strong at ninth place with a score of 532,Michigan is a state that has a lot to offer. Speaking of offerings, its residents and visitors choose to indulge in the plethora of summer festivals the state offers, making it the fourth most popular search in the state.
It is no surprise that festivals, in general, are a massive hit in Michigan. ‘Festival’ is the second most searched keyword in the state, ranking eighth place. Besides these, Michiganders also enjoy exploring music festivals and searching for nearby festivals, ranking ninth and tenth, respectively. Transitioning from festivals, Michigan boasts diverse activities and attractions that will undoubtedly leave you wanting more!
Common Ground Music Festival in Michigan. Credit: Michelle Roberts
One major music festival held in Michigan is The Common Ground Music Festival. This event features a variety of performers from different genres of music and attracts music lovers from all over the state and beyond. The festival typically takes place over several days in July and has been running since 2000.
Over the years, the festival has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Jason Mraz, and many others. The lineup for the festival changes each year, with a mix of established and up-and-coming artists.
Check out Snoop Dogg’s 2015 performance at the Common Ground Music Festival below:
10. Colorado
Wow, how exciting is this? We have made it to the end of the list, and coming in at number ten is none other than the beautiful state of Colorado! It is worth noting that Colorado achieved an impressive score of 528, which is higher than the national average.
When it comes to searching for festivals, Colorado ranks third in the nation in terms of the proportion of its population searching for ‘festivals.’ The state also contains the fourth-highest percentage of searches for ‘festivals 2023’ and ‘festival outfits’ in the country. But wait, that’s not all, folks! As Colorado couldn’t get any cooler, the state’s residents also searched for ‘music festival’ and ‘summer festival.’ These queries ranked sixth and ninth-highest, respectively, in the entire country!
Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Credit: CU Presents
The Most Festival-Obsessed States: Boohoo Spokesperson Weighs In
According to a spokesperson for Boohoo: “United States residents search over five million times a year for the terms analyzed. The study reveals Wisconsin as the most eager for the 2023 festival season.
Louisiana residents search most for ‘festival outfits’ in the top ten. This finding suggests they are the most fashion-conscious in the study.
States known for partying, such as Nevada, Texas, and Florida, didn’t make the list. These states have well-known festivals, so there’s less need to use search or travel.”
NoMi Music Festival. Image source: Hip Rock Star Advertising.
At the 2023 NoMi Music Festival, a line-up of legendary R&B performers will take the stage at Cagni Park, 13498 NE 8 Avenue, North Miami, FL 33161, beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 25, 2023.
Grammy Award-winning songstress Stephanie Mills will headline the benefit concert featuring the biggest hits from a long list of crowd favorites. Among the other musical legends are En Vogue, Miki Howard, B. Howard, Atlantic Starr, and Tony! Toni! Toné! The award-winning line-up will perform hits from the 1980s and 1990s, including Stephanie Mills’ “Never knew Love Like This Before” and En Vogue’s “My Lovin (You’re Never Gonna Get It).”
“We are excited to have so many legends for this year’s line-up,” North Miami Mayor and NoMi Fest Founder Alix Desulme, Ed.D., said. “Like in years past, this year’s concert allows us to party with a purpose – to allow us to have fun while raising money to help residents who need help maintaining one of life’s basic essentials – water.”
Black History Month Celebration At The NoMi Festival
A special award ceremony will also take place as part of the festival celebrating Black History Month, recognizing local trailblazers. North Miami Mayor Desulme and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board Member Steve Gallon, III, will co-host the Mayor’s Conversation Series featuring former Ohio State Senator and CNN Political Commentator Nina Turner. The event will also feature a lively after-party.
Read brief biographies of the R&B legends who will be performing at the festival below:
Stephanie Mills
The hit single “Never Knew Love Like This Before” is most famously associated with Stephanie Mills, a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. With several albums under her belt, Stephanie has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and an NAACP Image Award.
Stephanie Mills. Image source: Getty Images
En Vogue
En Vogue’s 1992 album “Funky Divas” was a big hit, with the singles “Free Your Mind” and “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” both reaching the top 10. Five Grammy nominations went to the album, which won the American Music Award for “Favorite Soul/R&B Album.”
Moreover, En Vogue’s music video for “Free Your Mind” earned three MTV Video Music Awards: best choreography, best dance video, and best R&B video. They were also awarded Soul Train’s prestigious “Entertainer of the Year” award.
R&B group En Vogue. Image source: AFP, Getty Images.
Miki Howard
Upon releasing her debut album, “Come Share My Love,” Miki Howard received a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.” Among the album’s hit singles are “Ain’t Nobody Like You,” “Love Under New Management,” and “Come Share My Love.”
Miki Howard. Image source: Booking Entertainment
B. Howard
Born in Los Angeles, Miki Howard’s son, B. Howard was raised in the Chicago area between Los Angeles and Chicago. The first major placement for Howard as a singer, songwriter, and producer was Ginuwine’s single “Love You More” in 2003, which reached #23 on The Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. In addition, “Don’t Say You Love Me,” Howard’s 2016 single, reached number 11 on Billboard’s Top Dance Charts.
Miki Howard’s son, B. Howard. Image source: PUBLICITY
Atlantic Starr
Many of Atlantic Starr’s albums have been released over the years, such as “All in the Name of Love (1987),” “Love Crazy (1991),” “Time (1996),” and “Ultimate Collection (2006).”
In addition to the hit singles “Always” and “Secret Lovers,” which both reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, All in the Name of Love served as the group’s most successful album.
Atlantic Starr. Image source: YouTube
Tony! Toni! Tone!
During the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s, Tony! Toni! Tone! was one of the most famous American rhythm and blues soul bands. The band consisted of D’Wayne Wiggins on lead vocals and guitar, Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins) on lead vocals and bass, and Timothy Christian Riley on drums and keyboards. The other members were Elijah Baker, Carl Wheeler, and Antron Haile. Also, Tony! Toni! Tone!’s first album, “Who?,” was released on Apr 18, 1988.
Tony! Toni! Tone! Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
For more information on NoMi Fest, its events, and charitable causes, please visit www.NoMiFest.com. To purchase tickets for the music festival, click ‘Get Tickets’ on the website.
A Los Angles County judge has denied Live Nation’s court motion to dismiss a lawsuit against them by Drakeo the Ruler’s brother, Devante Caldwell, also known as Ralfy the Plug. This was first reported by Rolling Stone and later confirmed by THE FADER.
Drakeo The Ruler & his brother Ralfy The Plug. Image source: Twitter, @HipHopTiesMedia.
Fatal Death at the Once Upon A Time in L.A. festival
The L.A. native’s horrific stabbing that ultimately led to his death took place backstage at the Once Upon A Time in L.A. festival in December 2021. The performers included Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and YG.
Live Nation Motion Denied
Live Nation’s motion claimed it could not be responsible for the fatal attack on the West Coast rapper. The company declared it had no way of predicting an attack like this could happen. Nothing like it had occurred at Banc of California Stadium in L.A.’s Exposition Park.
Judge Yolanda Orozco ruled in favor of Caldwell’s lawsuit, saying a “prior similar” attack, happening at the venue where his brother was lethally stabbed, is not on sufficient grounds to dismiss his brother’s claims of negligence, premises liability, and emotional distress.
Drakeo’s brother’s lawyer said to Rolling Stone, “the ruling represents the court’s recognition of Live Nation’s and the other defendants’ role in the injustice suffered by Drakeo, his family, and friends. We are one step closer to providing justice and closure to this horrific experience.”
The Mother of Drakeo’s Son Filed A $60 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Earlier last year Tianna Purtue, the mother of Drakeo’s son, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Live Nation on behalf of their then-five-year-old son. It was a wrongful death lawsuit for $60 million that reportedly alleged the entertainment company knew the potential dangers around their guests and hired performers based on past incidents of violence and death at their hip-hop events.
Live Nation Lethal History
Many possibly remember what happened at Astroworld. The Houston music festival ended in several deaths and hundreds of people injured. According to the Houston Chronicle, the company has reportedly been connected to about 200 deaths and over 700 injuries since 2006.
Lil Baby performs onstage at the Coachella Stage during the 2022 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 15, 2022 in Indio, Calif. Kevin Mazur/GI for Coachella
Despite canceling his show in Vancouver, Lil Baby opted to party in Vegas instead. Hours before his set at the Breakout Festival, the rapper issued a statement about the last-minute cancellation. “I have been going so hard these past few months without any breaks that it finally caught up with me,” he posted on Instagram. He added that his body completely shut down and will make it up to his Vancouver fans soon.
Hours later, TMZ Hip Hop received photos of the rapper in Vegas at the Zouk Nightclub with Travis Scott, DJ Drama and others. Canelo Alvarez was celebrating his victory over Gennady Golovkin. Baby might have needed a break from performing but his fans in Vancouver were not happy.
Lil Baby Fans Riot
Shortly after the Baby announced the canceled set, fans and festival goers did not take it lightly. Videos show angry fans lighting tents on fire while others toppled food stands and garbage dumpsters. Some fans destroyed TV monitors, leaving shattered glass everywhere. The rapper was the closing headliner for the two-day festival. Other acts included Cordae, Coi Leray, Quavo and Takeoff and Trippie Redd.
TMZ also caught up with the rapper on Tuesday on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. The reporter had asked about the situation, but he dodged the question and focused on a fight that was happening in the surrounding area.
Shortly before his Breakout Festival set, he wrapped up a North American tour with Chris Brown, which ended in August in Las Vegas. With a new album coming later this year, lets hope that when he comes back to Vancouver, it will be worth the wait.
New Album
In June, Quality Control CEO says Lil Baby’s upcoming project will be an “album Of The Year 4 Sure.” So far this year, he has released “Detox” and “Right On.” He is also featured on “STAYIN ALIVE” with DJ Khaled & Drake. No word on a release date for the album.
Lil Wayne has returned for the sixth Lil WeezyAna Fest. Wayne will headline the festival starting at the end of August. Musical guest will join Lil Wayne for an epic night.
The Lil WeezyAna Fest Guest List
Lil Wayne posted a photo on Instagram including a small guest list. TMZ reported MoneyBagg Yo, Coi Leray, Babyface Ray and Rob 49 will perform. Unannounced artist and special guest are also set to perform. The artist list will continue to grow. According TMZ, Drake and Megan Thee Stallion popped up as special guest in the past.
Lil WeezyAna Fest will be held on August 27. The special event makes a return to Champion’s Square. Fans get a chance to enjoy a great concert in New Orleans. The Super Dome sits in the background as artist hit the stage.
“New Orleans birthed us and we can travel and hit the stage anywhere in the world, but there’s no place like home!” – Mack Maine/President of Young Money(VIBE)
Lil WeezyAna Fest Is For The People
The Lil Wayne festival has not occurred since 2019. Covid-19 caused the event to stop but it is now back with a bang. The return of the show is great motivation for Wayne and the show also has decided to give back.
VIBE reports that $0.50 of every ticket sold goes to support education initiatives for the youth of New Orleans.
CAMDEN, NJ – AUGUST 21: Lil Wayne performs during Drake Vs Lil Wayne Tour at the Susquehanna Bank Center on August 21, 2014 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)
Young Money and Lil Wayne will honor those hit by hurricane Katrina at Lil WeezyAna Fest. It has been 17 years since New Orleans was hit directly by the deadly storm. The President of Young Money released a statement.
“As always, we will be honoring the many lives lost in Hurricane Katrina as this year marks the 17th year anniversary” -Mack Maine/President of Young Money(VIBE)
Tickets for Lil WeezyAna Fest goes on sale for everyone July 15. Live Nation members can buy tickets in a pre-sale the day before.
Stay updated on the latest hip-hop news at FMHipHop
Music festival and concert-goers these days get too excited to see some of their favorite musicians. They get too excited to the point where they run on stage to be up close and personal to them. While some musicians handle it nicely, Roddy Ricch opted for a violent approach. The rapper was performing a set at Switzerland’s Openair Frauenfeld Festival when a fan-made an attempt to get on the stage while Rich was performing his hit “The Box”.
As security was rushing over to stop the fan, Roddy Ricch’s microphone slipped out of his hand. As he picked up his mic, he went over to where security was to prevent the fan from getting on the stage. While the fan was resisting, he started to physically kick them and they ended up going back to their spot in line. See the footage below.
Along with this incident, other musicians have also been victims of similar situations. A fan of Bad Bunny hopped on stage while he was performing. The fan went for a hug and when security was trying to remove her, she would not let go. After finally letting go, Bad Bunny gave her a kiss on the cheek. In 2018, a fan rushed the stage at Beyonce and Jay-Z concert in Atlanta. Security and backup dancers swarmed over to prevent the fan from getting to close to the power couple. Queen Bey then joked about it.
It is one thing that the artist can be at risk when someone attempts to rush the stage, not knowing what they have on them. On the other hand, it is not necessary for the artist themselves to violently attack a fan who is just excited to see them, especially if security is already handling the situation.
Another member of Grammy-nominated K-pop group BTS is about to make history. J-Hope, one of the group’s three rappers, will be the first Korean act to take the main stage at a major American festival. He will headline the last day of the festival. Lollapalooza and J-Hope made the announcement Tuesday, June 7. In the Instagram post’s comments, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive. This is partially due to BTS’ large fan base, also known as ARMY. Some social media users, however, weren’t so keen on the news. “This is just horrid,” one of them said. Despite some negative comments, ARMY is likely to follow J-Hope wherever he goes, proving the rapper deserves his spot on the Lollapalooza stage.
J-Hope, affectionately called Hobi by fans, made his own short but sweet Instagram post about the upcoming festival. “It’s a thrilling new challenge that I think will become a really memorable chapter in my musical history!” it reads. “I’m gonna give you guys a great show. Get ready to get crazyyyyyy!”
J-Hope’s Long Journey to Center Stage
J-Hope, who is from Kwangju, South Korea and whose real name is Jung Hoseok, has come a long way to international fame. He started out in a hip-hop dance crew, then debuted as a rapper and dancer with BTS in 2013. In addition to being part of a group that speaks at the United Nations and the White House, Hobi has quite a few accomplishments under his belt as a solo artist. According to Music Chart Archives, the rapper’s first mixtape Hope World peaked at no. 38 on the Billboard 200 in 2018. Six of the songs reached the World’s Digital Songs Chart, with “Daydream” debuting at no. 1. The following year, he became the first member of BTS to enter The Hot 100 after collaborating with Becky G on “Chicken Noodle Soup.” Hobi is also a philanthropist, donating to causes that help children affected economically by COVID-19 in South Korea and children facing violence in Tanzania. He’s also donated to Korean charities to help children with visual and hearing disabilities as well as low-income families.
Hobi’s HYBE labelmates Tomorrow x Together will make their US debut at Lollapalooza as well. Tickets for the festival are on sale now. The festival takes place from July 28 to July 31 at Grant Park in Chicago, IL.
This weekend, J. Cole‘s Dreamville Festival returns to Raleigh, North Carolina, after a three-year hiatus caused by COVID-19. Yet before the celebration begins, the Dreamville family has a surprise. Cole World and his crew of fellow artists announced the Dreamville Gangsta Grillz mixtape hosted by DJ Drama on Wednesday (Mar. 30). Known as D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape, the surprise project will debut on Thursday (Mar. 31) at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
“Smoke n-**ga !!!!!!!!!!!!” J. Cole wrote on Instagram while sharing a grainy, 25-second trailer introduced by the famed Atlanta-via-Philadelphia DJ and featuring appearances from himself, JID, Ari Lennox, EarthGang, Bas, Cozz, Lute, and Omen.
“Alright, so check it out,” the legendary Drama says in the clip. “You n**gas over here talking ’bout festivals?… I’m thinking more like invasions!… You gon’ stop playing on Dreamville’s top!… Like n**gas don’t run this!”
In time for the Dreamville crew’s Dreamville Festival sets, D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape will provide them with additional ammunition. The performers scheduled for Saturday (April 2) are JID, EarthGang, and Lute. However, Ari Lennox, Bas, Cozz, and Omen will perform on Sunday (April 3). In addition, J.Cole closes out the event on Sunday night with a tremendous performance.
Furthermore, the Amazon Music app, Amazon Music’s Twitch channel, and Amazon Prime Video offer streaming services for people who cannot attend the 2022 Dreamville Festival.
Recent Popularity Of DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz Series
Dreamville is no stranger to team-based projects. Likewise, a trio of Revenge of the Dreamers albums has been available since 2014. Among the newest releases is the platinum-certifiedRevenge of the Dreamers III, which features cameos from DaBaby, Vince Staples, Maxo Kream, and others.
Furthermore, DJ Drama’s legendary Gangsta Grillz series has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity. Drama hosted Tyler, The Creator‘s Grammy-nominated albumCALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. Similarly, this moment is a flashback to the DJ’s heyday in the mid-2000s. He flooded the streets with mixtapes featuring artists such as Lil Wayne, Jeezy, and Tyler’s idol, Pharrell.
In short, last year, Drama joined forces with Jim Jones for We Set the Trends and Fat Joe for What Would Big Do 2021. Moreover, Drama may be able to arrange for a Gangsta Grillz mixtape release for De La Soul as well.
It’s official: Ye and Kendrick Lamar will headline Rolling Loud this summer. The two hip-hop giants join the likes of Future, Three 6 Mafia, Saweetie, and more for this concert. The news spread around social media Tuesday as the official Rolling Loud Twitter account posted about the event. Kendrick Lamar previously performed at the festival in 2017. In 2021, Ye made a surprise appearance at Rolling Loud California alongside Future.
Last year’s headliners included Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, and Post Malone. It was a memorable event due to technical difficulties and a bizarre homophobic rant from DaBaby. In the aftermath of DaBaby’s rant, he apologized, and was back performing later that year with 50 Cent. Fans hoped Travis Scott would be at this year’s fest. However, he has other things to worry about after his own controversy.
The Headliners Are Keeping Busy
Kanye is accumulating his own attention, making headlines every week over a public feud with his estranged wife Kim Kardashian. Despite the negative press, he is receiving positive feedback on his Netflix documentary Jeen-Yuhs. The three-part docuseries premiered last month and features clips of the rapper’s life from over the last decade. Fans of Kendrick Lamar, however, are frustrated over the rapper’s lack of music releases. Rumors the Compton rapper will soon drop another album were circulating even last year. Kendrick recently announced he’s leaving Top Dawg Entertainment. He’s allegedly working on his final album under the record label. No word yet on whether he will continue to release music under a different company.
Ye takes the stage on day 1, Future performs on day 2, and Kendrick performs on the final day. Over 100 acts can be seen over the festival’s three-day span. The festival will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida from July 22 to July 24. Tickets will go on sale March 7 at 12 p.m Eastern Time.
