asap rocky

Wireless Festival announce 2019 lineup

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The highlight of the summer calendar, Wireless Festival, is returning to London’s Finsbury Park from the 5th – 7th July 2019. Now in its fourteenth year, the three-day urban music event has cemented itself as the home of urban music and London sound – the go-to event for fans of the world’s most talked about rappers and DJs. This year will see headline performances from global superstars CARDI B, MIGOS (Friday co-headliners), TRAVIS SCOTT (Saturday headliner) and ASAP ROCKY (Sunday headliner), plus Future, Torey Lanez, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Rae Sremmurd, Ella Mai, Juice WRLD, Stefflon Don, Tyga, AJ Tracey and so many more. Last year’s event sold out in record time, so fans better be quick!

Tickets are on sale here.

FRIDAY

CARDI B | MIGOS

TORY LANEZ | ELLA MAI | TYGA

FREDO | LIL SKIES | BUGZY MALONE

HEADIE ONE | IAMDDB

MALEEK BERRY | NSG | B YOUNG

SATURDAY

TRAVIS SCOTT

(UK FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE)

SPECIAL GUEST: FUTURE

(UK FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE)

LIL UZI VERT | YOUNG THUG | JUICE WRLD

STEFFLON DON | TRIPPIE REDD | SHECK WES

M HUNCHO | SAWEETIE

UNKNOWN T | AMBUSH BUZZWORL

STEEL BANGLEZ | CADET | DIGDAT | DENO DRIZ

SUNDAY

ASAP ROCKY
(UK FESTIVAL EXCLUSIVE)

RAE SREMMURD

LIL BABY | GUNNA | NOT3S | AJ TRACEY | RICH THE KID

SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD | DENZEL CURRY

D BLOCK EUROPE | LOSKI | J.I.D

RUSS SPLASH | FLOHIO | LADY SANITY

In what’s set to be the most talked about performance of the Summer – Queen of rap Cardi B and Kings of Atlanta Migos, will take to the stage for their first ever co – headline slot, in Finsbury Park next year. This will be Cardi’s debut Wireless performance.

Since the release of her critically acclaimed number one debut album ‘Invasion Of Privacy’, Cardi B has been placed within the pantheon of great rappers – The New York superstar continues to break records, she recently became the first solo female rapper to go number 1 in the US in 20 years, and her debut album broke the record for the most streams on Apple Music in a single week by a female artist. Fans can expect to hear global hits ‘Bodak Yellow’, ‘I Like It’, ‘Bartier Cardi’ and more as she co-headlines the iconic main stage alongside Migos.

Since the release of their 2018 record breaking album ‘Culture II’, Migos have established themselves as one of the hottest acts in the world and have joined the likes of Run DMC and NWA as one of the biggest hip-hop groups of all time. The Grammy-nominated multi-platinum rap sovereign group are set to bring their unique blend of hip-hop and trap to London as they co-headline the festival on Friday. With a mammoth 2018 which included billions of streams and inclusions in nearly every album end-year list, the hype has never been bigger for the Atlanta trio. Migos are poised to dominate 2019, in a year which will see the release of their fourth studio album ‘Culture III’.

Currently on his huge Astroworld: Wish You Were Here US tour; Houston rapper Travis Scott returns to headline Wireless in a UK festival exclusive performance. The Grammy nominated rapper released his third studio album ‘Astroworld’ in 2018 which was met with critical acclaim both sides of the Atlantic and has positioned him as arguably the biggest star on the planet right now. The rap icon is currently placed within the top 30 most streamed Spotify artists in the world, and his influence on pop culture continues to grow. 2019 will see him reach new heights with his Super Bowl Halftime show, various 2019 Grammy Awards nominations, and his Wireless headline performance. Expect to hear fan favourites ‘Sicko Mode’, ‘Butterfly Effect’, and ‘Goosebumps’.

Closing the Festival on Sunday in a UK exclusive is the successor to New York’s golden-age of hip-hop legends, A$AP Rocky. Since he first emerged Rocky has continuously broken the mold of hip-hop with mind-melting beats and raps, experimental sounds, and an unparalleled musical landscape rarely seen in music today. The New York rapper has been championed by fellow rap superstar Drake and has accumulated over 4.5 billion streams worldwide. Rocky is set to create a historic moment at Wireless 2019 when he performs fan favourites from his huge catalogue that includes hits from his two US number one albums and 2018 release ‘TESTING’.

Elsewhere, one of Atlanta hip-hop’s biggest contributors Future joins the line up for a special performance and the only chance to see him in the UK, bringing hip-hops centre of gravity to London and demonstrating why he is known as the king of trap. Since bursting onto the scene, self-proclaimed rockstar and ‘XO Tour Lif3’ hitmaker Lil Uzi Vert has truly shaken up modern hip-hop. Known for his high energy live show, his set is not to be missed at this year’s festival. Music visionary and multi-art form superstar Young Thug is also added to the line-up. Heralded as one of popular music’s most charismatic and crowd-pleasing live performers, the innovative rapper is set to create an unforgettable Wireless moment.

Forever championing the burgeoning UK scene, Wireless 2019 will play host to some of the hottest talent that the country has to offer. Flying the flag for London is rap queen Stefflon Don who returns to Wireless in 2019 following the release of sophomore mixtape ‘Secure’ and her place on the 2018 XXL Freshman list. Fellow Londoner AJ Tracey is also added to the line-up. The rising grime star has become one of the best in the game and will be bringing his dynamic hook-laden tracks to Wireless this year, as well as Hackney born and bred rapper NOT3S. R&B singer songwriter Ella Mai hit the mainstream in 2018 with slow jam ‘Boo’d Up’ ahead of the release of her self-titled debut album in October, which reached Top Five in the US Billboard 200. Since then she has received Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best R&B song, as well as a Brit Award nomination for British Breakthrough Act, making her one to watch in 2019 and one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend. Elsewhere, Manchester’s rising star IAMDDB will be bringing her mesmerizing trap-jazz vocals and infectious hits including ‘Shade’ to Finsbury Park.

Returning to the Wireless stage on Sunday are the incredible Rae Sremmurd. Based on their 2018 performance, the Mississippi hip-hop duo will once again give one of the performances of the summer. These two brothers have an ever-growing fanbase who will be treated to a memorable hit-heavy set including chart-topping single ‘Black Beatles’, ‘No Type’, ‘Swang’ and many more.

Making his Wireless debut is hip-hops next global superstar Sheck Wes. Endorsed by none other than Kanye West and Saturday headliner Travis Scott, the New York rapper released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Mudboy’ in 2018 and has become one of the most exciting new rappers around. Elsewhere, Tory Lanez heads to Finsbury Park fresh off the ‘Assassination Vacation Tour’ with 2018 headliner Drake. The Canadian rapper and producer will be showcasing his R&B and rap fusion and 2018 sophomore release ‘Memories Don’t Die’ and ‘Love Me Now?’. Joining them is Chicago rapper Juice WRLD who had an outstanding 2018 releasing his acclaimed debut album ‘Goodbye & Good Riddance’ which included breakout single ‘Lucid Dreams’ which has gained over 604 million Spotify streams.

Californian rapper Saweetie will also be bringing her breakout single and viral smash ‘ICY GRL’ to Finsbury Park, while West London MC Fredo joins the bill after appearing on NME’s ‘100 Essential New Artists for 2019’ list and ahead of the release of his forthcoming debut full-length album ‘Third Avenue’ having proved his rapping ability with features on tracks like huge 2018 UK single ‘Funky Friday’ with Dave.

The latest addition to Festival Republic’s ReBalance programme, Birmingham’sLady Sanity will take to the Wireless stage on Sunday. ReBalance was launched in 2017 and has so far secured and provided recording time, mentorship, support, and much more to the thirteen artists that have been chosen for the pioneering project. Lady Sanity has already won the GRM Daily Get Rated Award in 2017, and last year won Best Solo Female Artist at the Birmingham Music Awards and will no doubt go down a storm at this year’s Wireless Festival.

Other acts taking to the stage across the weekend include XXL Freshman Trippie Redd, Compton rapper Tyga, Lil Baby, Gunna, M Huncho, Unknown T, Ambush Buzzworl, Rich The Kid, Lil Skies, Ski Mask The Slump God, Denzel Curry,Bugzy Malone, D Block Europe, Loski, J.I.D, Maleek Berry, Steel Banglez,Cadet, Headie One, Flohio, NSG, B Young, Deno Driz, Russ Splash and DigDat, with more still to be announced.

Best Kept Secret Festival 2015 Review

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This weekend took me to Beekse Bergen, a safari park in Hilvarenbeek in the Netherlands for the third installment of Best Kept Secret Festival. As far as festivals go, it’s still a baby, but with what it has to offer it seems the Dutch have it down. From gourmet food and wooden floors, to wristbands that double as wallets and a keep it green recycling policy, there’s not much more you could want from a three day event. Not to mention its stages hosted acts such as the Libertines, Balthazar, A$AP Rocky, Earl Sweatshirt, Royal Blood, Noel Gallagher and Alt-J, with well thought out schedules which means hardly any clashes.

But that’s not all, for example, the whole festival is cashless. Some UK and other European festivals have started operating a token system when it comes to drinks, but BKS tooks things even further. On your wristband there’s a little plastic chip, which you top up (up to 150 euros a time) and anything you buy whilst inside is done via the balance on your chip. No more scrambling for change, so more losing tokens or paper tickets, your wallet has relocated to your wrist. Which is an even better thing when you realise that the food lineup is almost as good as the music one. Wood fired pizza, smokers that boast delicious pulled pork, vegan friendly cheesecake and stuffed meatballs, it really doesn’t get much better. There’s also a massive tent run by ethically sound TOMS, where for every cup of coffee sold they donate to wateraid, complete with a lounging area that where you can sit, relax, and look out over the huge lake that sits just right of the main stage.

With such entertainment and tents as this, it’s relatively easy to forget why i’ve made it all the way to Holland in the first place, but remembering the line up quickly bring me back.

MUSIC // FRIDAY

Friday saw the likes of two-piece rockers Drenge and the scouse Circa Waves take to the main stage, entertaining crowds with their own version of indie rock, with Stage Two boasting Earl Sweatshirt, who although rocked his set, would probably have been better suited to a later show, but all in good time, as The Jesus and Mary Chain worked the second stage when it came to their set. The evening brought with it stylised folk in the shape of The Tallest Man on Earth, but The Libertines, the ones it seemed everyone was waiting for eventually took to the stage at 10:30pm.

Pete and Carl rocked up, hats and all, and as per usual they did not disappoint. If anyone was wondering what ever did become of the likely lads, I can tell you that they are back and definitely not going anywhere soon. Though last year saw them play a few shows throughout the UK and Europe, their first show of 2015 has meant that they have firmly rooted themselves as rock gods once again. Even standing in the crowd you could feel the energy radiating. With a set list as strong as it could be, including new track Gunga Gin, it was an exciting time for anyone who dare call themselves a fan of the boys in the band.

MUSIC // SATURDAY

Friday came and went and Saturday rolled on through, and with it a tiny bit of sunshine. Vibing up Stage Five were spanish rock quartet Hinds, not yet well known, but ones to watch who kept the energy high and created plenty of fun for the crowd. Belgian blues rockers Balthazar tore up the main stage, lulling us all with melodic riffs, followed shortly by The Vaccines, who are set to cement themselves in the music hall of fame with the *impending release of English Graffiti, and the legend himself Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds ending the day on Stage One with his own brand of British indie charm, not to mention a couple of Oasis tracks thrown in for good measure. But Saturday for me was all about Stage two and A$AP Rocky. Not knowing what to expect, I crammed myself into the packed tent ready and waiting for what he had to offer, and though he seemed to not pay much attention to the scheduled stage time (fifteen minutes late) he definitely put on a show, using the backdrop to play self curated clips and images that was set to the music and the whole performance. Something a little different from a hip hop show that was much appreciated.

SUNDAY // MUSIC

By the time sunday came around, the hope for sunshine had definitely evaporated as we seemed to start the day with a heavy downfall, but a bit of torrential rain never stopped me at a festival before and I wasn’t going to let it this time either. With plenty to see, the day kicked off with Wolf Alice, a london group reeling in the excitement of releasing their debut album My Love Is Cool on that day tore up the stage, swiftly followed by Gengahr and then back to the mainstage for some melodic tunes by First Aid Kit. One of the highlights of the day for me however were Royal Blood, who came on complete with extra speakers and stadium lights, just in case anyone had any doubts about the ability of the two piece to put on a show. After getting the crowd a little riled up (must say there’s been a few mixed reviews on their attitude) they ended up putting on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, and the moshers in the middle seemed to agree. But coming to a Dutch festival, especially one with the vibe of Best Kept Secret, it’s clear the winners of the weekend were Sunday Headliners Alt-J. Paying back to their Dutch fans – they were bigger in Holland than they were in the UK at the beginning of their indie rock reign – the bond became apparent as they ended the festival on a massive high.

Overall, Best Kept Secret has a lot to offer. I must admit the vibe is incredibly different to anything I’ve ever been to before. A bit politer, and a lot more ‘high-end’ its perfect for anyone who likes to listen to some good bands, eat some yummy food surrounded by scenic views and a stunning lake, and lets face it, who doesn’t?

Best Kept Secret 2015: What we’re looking forward to this year.

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It might be monday, but no need to fret because this weekend is one of the most widely anticipated european festivals of the year. Best Kept Secret is still in its youth, in fact this year will only be it’s third birthday! But that doesn’t stop it from being one of the festival heavyweights. With headliners such as the Libertines, Alt-J and Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, and set in Hilvarenbeek, in the middle of the Netherlands, the dutch really know how to put on a show. So with the days creeping ever closer, here are some of the acts we’re most looking forward to seeing this weekend. 




Libertines


Now that they’re done making the reunion rounds, they’ve got their hearts set on reclaiming the rock and roll throne. Rumours of a new album leaving fans gripping the edge of their seat, and if their history of stage antics and cult following has anything to go by, we can tell the friday night headliners are not one to be missed. You never know, we might even get some sneak peeks of a new track or two. 
 
A$AP Rocky


Bound to be one of the best shows of the weekend after the much anticipated release of AT.LONG.LAST, A$AP Rocky aka Rakim Meyers is on top form. Not your average hip hop star, the young kid from Harlem continues to break the mould with his interest in fashion, his discontent with his own hype and passion for the art behind the music. The two year gap between his debut LONG.LIVE.A$AP and his new release had some of us reeling with frustration but now that it’s here, we could not have asked for more. Watch him on the main stage saturday night, he won’t disappoint. 


Royal Blood


One of the hottest new acts of the past year, Brighton duo Royal Blood are continuing to blow up, despite still being on their debut. Don’t let their youthfulness deter you, because the matching of heavy drums and perfectly executed riffs in their blues infused rock is enough to make your hair stand on end. Spend a few minutes with them on sunday and you’ll be the newest heir to the royal blood throne. 


Wolf Alice


Often called the ‘lovechild of grunge and folk’, Wolf Alice are kicking off the sunday at the second stage. Originally a duo that hit up the London Open Mic scene, they’ve now beefed up their sound and gained a cult following, making them one of the UK’s ones to watch over the coming year. Bearing in mind they don’t even have an official album yet, they’re doing pretty well for themselves and we can’t see what their show has to offer. 


Vaccines


Gracing the main stage on Saturday is the return of the Vaccines, having matured slightly from their 2011 grunge-rock, strokes inspired anthems, their awaiting release English Graffiti shows their stature and is sure to cement their place in the halls of pop-rock fame. 


Balthazar


One of Belgium’s hidden gems, Balthazar are back with their third album Thin Walls, and believe me it doesn’t disappoint. Chucked full of witty lyrics, dreamy guitar and a feeling of blues, if you haven’t heard them yet take some time to listen - they’re sure to become your new favourite band. 


Though these are just a few of the bands gracing the stages of Beekse Bergen, but the lineup is even better. It’s sure to be a great weekend ahead.

Top Trumps released: Circa Waves and Typhoon added to Best Kept Secret bill

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Best Kept Secret are certainly playing a game of cards, and they’ve just added two to their hand: Liverpudlian rock-indie band Circa Waves and Dutch hip-hop star have just been added to the lineup.

These acts join an already sensational lineup by on the Dutch Festival in June. Boasting headliners such as The Libertines, Alt-J and Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, and other crowd pleasers such as A$AP Rocky, The Tallest Man on Earth, Drenge, The Vaccines, First Aid Kit, Royal Blood and Earl Sweatshirt, this years scope of talent is sure to please everyone.

 

Lovebox 2014 – Friday Review

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Mosh pits, glitter and bum cheeks!

Sizzling on the hottest day of the year, Victoria Park played host to the biggest eclectic music festival in the capital! 

Glitter ridden festival-goers came into their element with outlandish headgear, countless Levi cut offs and a whole lot of bum cheek.

Set up with an air carousel, jelly coconuts and VIP doughnuts, LoveBox brought festival magic and a distinct Coachella vibe to East London.

Kicking off the excitement was an energetic performance from reggae legend David Rodigan MBE. Festival-goers were treated to the classics as well as some new material and modern mix-ups. With coconut water, 30-degree heat and some of the best reggae in the world, Lovebox oozed Jamaican vibe.

Katy B followed with a pop performance to both her loyal fans and new comers alike. Complete with an army of powerful dancers, she owned the stage boosting the festivals artistic reputation with her quirky talent. 

London truly showed itself off as the creative capital of the universe with an irrefutably enchanting performance from Chase and Status. The duo came back to their city roots to take on the insatiable British crowds and did not disappoint with a two hour set featuring their most famous hits including Blind Faith and Time with Delilah making an unexpected appearance. 

Famous for their spectacular visual performance, they left no heart unmoved by the sheer power of their music, completely dominating the line up. 

The night ended in a shower of confetti and fireworks as the grounds were cleared for another day of unforgettable moments!

 

Photos by Paul Taylor

Chase & Status and MIA lead the Lovebox 2014 lineup

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The hotly anticipated return of Lovebox in 2014 will see some massive changes as it is joined by Secret Productions of Secret Garden Party fame to chorograph a new vision.

Headling the 2014 edition will is the fearless queen of rap M.I.A. and drum and bass kings Chase and Status.  They are joined rappers A$AP Rocky and Joey Bada$$, electronic producer Sub Focus, chart topping ladies Katy B and Banks and many many more!

See the complete details below:

Headlining Lovebox 2014 will be fearless queen of rap M.I.A. The Matangi warrior we know as Maya, will unleash her musical explosion of light and heat on our main stage this year. An embodiment of worldly pop, M.I.A.’s celebration of music and freedom of speech will be perfectly placed in what is our most colorful Lovebox to date.

Also headlining this year’s Lovebox are drum’n’bass duo Chase and Status. Touching down in their home city, London boys Saul Milton and Will Kennard’s storming and riotous live show and will set our main stage alight with their dusty trip-hop grooves and jungle infused garage- the duo said “we’re excited to be headlining Lovebox this year, we both come from London so to play this festival in our hometown will be great. Plus you can always count on London crowds to bring it”.

Landing in Victoria Park this summer will be Harlem rapper Rakim Mayers, A$AP Rocky. A$AP’s magnetic live show of East Coast rhymes and dreamy hip-hop anthems will run alongside Brooklyn’s lyrical dynamo Joey Bada$$ who we welcome to the show. Rapper experimentalist Madlib and London born Knytro will also grace proceedings.

Cutting-edge electronic producer Sub Focus will be hyping up crowds with his storming sub-bass laden stage show, along with Crystal Fighters whose unique blend of Basque influences and electro-pop will get the party going.

Chart-topping R&B girls of the moment Katy B and BANKS are out in force as is hotly tipped songtress Elli Ingram, while electronic experimentalists Mount Kimbie and long-renowned UK producer Bonobo will be wowing crowds. We welcome critically revered institution The Horrrors, who over the course of four albums have come to the fore of the most progressive British bands of our time. Moderat’s gloriously compelling live show will be one of Lovebox’s many atmospheric gems, along with the ambient electronica of Submotion Orchestra.

Back after his hugely successful Ram Jam at last year’s Lovebox will be master selector and British institution Sir David Rodigan. Shy FX and Stamina MC will be hyping up crowds along with Joy Orbison, Gaslamp Killer and Cyril Hahn.

We’re hugely excited to welcome back Red Bull Music Academy for their second year at Lovebox. A world-travelling series of music workshops and festivals, RBMA is a platform for those who make a difference in today’s musical landscape. This year the 2014 Academy will be touching down in Tokyo, but not before we enlist RBMA to take up their rightful position in their arena to host another monumental party at Lovebox.

Also back to Lovebox this year with her fail-proof party formula will be arena hostess Annie Mac in addition to her hotly-tipped acts chart-topping Duke Dumont, Joey Badass and Cyril Hahn.

The house and techno heads can enjoy Hotflush head-honcho Scuba along with the label’s duo of the moment Dense and Pika. House and techno boss Paul Woolford will play as well as performing under his critically lauded alias Special Request. Bronx boys The Martinez Brothers’ tribal house and techno will bring the party, and be sure not to miss Visionquest, one of the most successful dance collaborations of our time.

Purveyors of electro-boogie and nu-disco producer Tensnake and the Horsemeat Disco guys will be spinning for us in the sun, along with Huxley who’s unique and British take on house will be sure to set off Lovebox crowds alongside Birmingham bass-lover Hannah Wants.

This year’s monumentally discerning line-up is only one element of the Lovebox experience. Secret Productions have joined forces with MAMA to carefully curate one of the most jaw-droppingly impressive parties in the UK. We are extremely proud to welcome to Victoria Park, infamous Burning Man camp DISTRIKT. Known for throwing furious & fierce parties deep in the desert, the DISTRIKT penchant for benevolent mischief resonates deep in the heart of the Lovebox ethos.

Also on-site will be outrageous collective Bearded Kitten who are creating their own house party experience, home for the weekend to some of the finest DJs in the game. Lovebox welcomes the funkiest boxing-ring on the festival circuit, The Dance Off to this year’s party. The Dance Off have enlisted Breakin' Convention and East London Dance to ensure Lovebox 2014 will play host to some of the best special guest dancers in the land.

LINE UP SO FAR: 

ANNIE MAC PRESENTS, A$AP ROCKY, BANKS, BEN PEARCE, BONDAX (LIVE), BONOBO, CHASE & STATUS (LIVE), CRYSTAL FIGHTERS, CYRIL HAHN, DAVID RODIGAN, DENSE & PIKA, DUKE DUMONT, ELLI INGRAM, GASLAMP KILLER, HANNAH WANTS, HORSE MEAT DISCO, HUXLEY, JOEY BADA$$, JOY ORBISON, KALEIDA, KATY B, KIESZA, KLANGKARUSSELL (LIVE), KNYTRO, MADLIB, M.I.A., MNEK, MODERAT (LIVE), MOUNT KIMBIE, PAUL WOOLFORD, ROOSEVELT, SCUBA, SHY FX & STAMINA MC, SPECIAL REQUEST, SUB FOCUS, SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA, TENSNAKE, THE HORRORS, THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS, VISIONQUEST