It was a constant battle between hip-hop and rain the entire day at SoundSet Music Festival. 30,000 fans filed into the open field at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, to attend the eighth annual festival put on by Rhymesayers Entertainment. What makes the event so special is that it is exclusive to hip-hop, something becoming more and more rare as other festivals look to diversify their lineups with various genres.
The 2015 lineup was everything a hip-hop fan could ask for featuring depth, old-school, star power and up-and-coming. Here is what we learned at this year's SoundSet:
The 2015 lineup was everything a hip-hop fan could ask for featuring depth, old-school, star power and up-and-coming. Here is what we learned at this year's SoundSet:
SoundSet Is Here to Stay
Years ago I remember seeing the SoundSet lineup and really having no interest in going. It used to be a very Minnesota and Midwest dominated lineup featuring underground talent. But in recent years, SoundSet has moved into an elite category bringing in top-notch artists, while still promoting local and underground talent. Last year was the first year that the festival had ever sold out. Headliners included Wiz Khalifa, 2-Chainz, Nas and G-Eazy along with the usual Rhymesayers talent including Atmosphere, Brother Ali and Prof. It was as if they had found the perfect combination.
This year the lineup featured new names, but the same excitement. Ice Cube and Ludacris energized the crowd with their throwback tunes. Logic and Vic Mensa proved why they both have bright futures ahead. Big Sean and J. Cole gave the festival star-power and showed fans why they deserve all of the recognition and attention that they receive. News has already surfaced that SoundSet 2016 will be held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, a move from the typical Canterbury Park. There are also rumors that the festival may become a three day event. Regardless, it is very evident that SoundSet has kept hip-hop alive in the Midwest and the festival is here to stay.
This year the lineup featured new names, but the same excitement. Ice Cube and Ludacris energized the crowd with their throwback tunes. Logic and Vic Mensa proved why they both have bright futures ahead. Big Sean and J. Cole gave the festival star-power and showed fans why they deserve all of the recognition and attention that they receive. News has already surfaced that SoundSet 2016 will be held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, a move from the typical Canterbury Park. There are also rumors that the festival may become a three day event. Regardless, it is very evident that SoundSet has kept hip-hop alive in the Midwest and the festival is here to stay.
J. Cole Should Be on Your Summer Bucket List
J. Cole threw on one of the best hip-hop performances that our TapSongz Team has seen over the years. Some fans were critical of this year’s lineup claiming that it needed a bigger headliner. However, J. Cole threw an incredible, energetic and emotional performance that didn’t seem to create any complaints. During his performance, Cole said that his new album “2014 Forrest Hills Drive” is the first album to go platinum without a feature in over 25 years. What most surprised me was how Cole was so easily able to connect with fans, stay humble, and show appreciation for their love. Cole opened his set with “Nobody’s Perfect”, before swaying the crowd to his new hit “Wet Dreamz”. The majority of J. Cole’s performance featured his new album, but he did throw in his early hit “Lights Please” along with “Can’t Get Enough” from “Cole World – The Sideline Story”. He ended his set with “Power Trip”, the most popular track from his 2013 album “Born Sinner”. A live J. Cole performance should be on everyone’s bucket list for this summer.
Vic Mensa is the Real Deal
I thought it was obvious a year ago when Vic Mensa released “Feel That”, a tune that now boasts over five million SoundCloud plays, that he was the real deal. But being young and new to the rap game meant a whole lot of uncertainty as to whether the talent would transform. It was Vic’s new single “U Mad” featuring Kanye West that sealed the deal for most fans. His new album “Traffic” will be released later in 2015. The Chicago rapper was also featured in Kanye’s new track “Wolves” along with Sia, which will be a part of Kanye’s upcoming album. But seeing Vic Mensa live is truly something special. Mensa bounced around the stage, vividly animated, cracking a bottle of liquor open and crowd surfing. Vic opened his set with “Feel That” and closed his performance with “U Mad”.
Ice Cube is Still Touring and For Good Reason
Ice Cube is 45 years old. Let that sink in. The Los Angeles rapper played a variety of his classics from his group N.W.A. along with some of his solo material. Many of the songs were released before half of the crowd had been born. Yet the crowd had a deep appreciation for his hits “F*ck Tha Police” and “Check Yo Self”, knowing the significance of seeing a rapper who has had such a large influence on the industry. It was truly a sight to see Ice Cube throw down on the main stage before J. Cole closed out the night. He seemed to be a perfect fit for the lineup, giving both old and young fans a taste of variety of true “gangsta rap”. If Ice Cube is on tour near you I highly suggest you make the effort to see him perform.
Next year's SoundSet will be held on Sunday, May 29th at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds! Be sure to follow SoundSet on Twitter and check out their website to keep updated on next year's tickets and lineup!
