Hip-hop artists were once token inclusions (take a bow, Jurassic 5) on the stages of music and arts festivals. That’s changed a bit. This year’s South by Southwest conference, which wrapped up Mar. 19, showcased Houston rap and Ghostface Killah, among others—and the lineups for the following festivals provide a passable slate of options for rap and hip-hop fiends. Prices vary substantially from festival to festival, but frequently cover as many shows as you can handle. Be forewarned that some shows are conducted in fields and parks that may turn to churning pits of mud, and that performances often run concurrently. Below is a list of events running from the end of April through the beginning of September—accompanied by a subjective list of participating artists who might be of interest to hip-hop fans. Sadly, none of these festivals offer the chance to lure jam band fans into a packed M.O.P. set. They’ll probably be happy to ante up for Matisyahu and Damian Marley, though.
Coachella: 4/29 – 4/30 in Indio, CA. As of 4/12, one and two day passes were still available, at $85 and $165, respectively. You’re likely paying more for the rock and dance-punk acts—so attending makes sense if you share Kanye’s enthusiasm for Franz Ferdinand’s drums, or enjoy hearing Apathy spit over Bloc Party’s Banquet. Otherwise…
Atmosphere
Coldcut
Common
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Digable Planets
Gnarls Barkley
Lady Sovereign
Lyrics Born
Massive Attack
Matisyahu
Murs feat. 9th Wonder
Platinum Pied Pipers
Bonnaroo: 6/16-6/18 in Manchester, TN (on a massive farm in bumblef*ck, outside of Nashville). As you may notice, there’s plenty of overlap across these festivals. The $184.50 ticket price includes parking and camping—unless you’re into the great outdoors and the rest of the musical lineup, this could become hippified hell in short order.
Confirmed (more may be forthcoming):
Atmosphere
Blackalicious
Common
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Lyrics Born
Matisyahu
The Refugee All Stars of Sierra Leone
The Streets
: 6/24-6/25 in Chicago, IL. One-day and two-day passes currently available for $20 and $35 respectively. The first day skews toward UK grime—check Kano—and the second day covers homegrown hip-hop: Kanye (Jon Brion instead) and Common won’t be there, but Chicago’s two finest emcees-in-waiting will be.
Confirmed (more may be forthcoming):
Dead Prez
Devin the Dude
Lady Sovereign
Lupe Fiasco
Kano
Rhymefest
The Streets
Pitchfork Music Festival: 7/29-7/30 in Chicago, IL. One-day and two-day passes available for $20 and $30, respectively. Last year, Intonation was co-produced by Pitchfork Media. This year there are two events in the same location, a month apart: Vice Records curated Intonation, and Pitchfork will handle the festival bearing its name. Thus far, Intonation has more substantial offerings of hip-hop and rap, but over half of Pitchfork’s lineup has yet to be announced. Which will boast the greater concentration of hipsters also remains to be seen.
Confirmed (more may be forthcoming)
Aesop Rock
Diplo
Lollapalooza: 8/4-8/6 in Chicago, IL three-day passes currently $130. The offspring of a failed alt-rock tour.
Confirmed (more may be forthcoming)
Blackalicious
Common
Gnarls Barkley
Hot Chip (sort of)
Kanye West
Lady Sovereign
Lyrics Born
Matisyahu
Ohmega Watts
Bumbershoot: At the close of summer, from 9/2-9/4 in Seattle, WA. Tickets go on sale 6/15.
Confirmed (more may be forthcoming)
Atmosphere
A Tribe Called Quest
Breakestra
Kanye West
Reported by: Cameron Hastings
