Get excited: 2023’s summer festival season has fully begun. Festivals such as Coachella, Dreamville Fest, and Something In The Water have already happened. The resurgence of live music following the pandemic has led to numerous worldwide festivals announcing their annual lineups. Festival mainstays such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and The Governors Ball hold annual events which music fans can look forward to. The summer festival circuit for 2023 consists of many must-see live events for hip hop fans.
This is a list of summer festivals in 2023 that hip hop fans can’t miss. The list comprises five festivals worldwide with impressive lineups essential for hip hop concertgoers. Each festival on this list has a diverse list of hip hop artists in their lineups. The events are listed in order of when they occur. Further details of the events can be found on their respective websites and social media pages. Take a look at the list below.
Lovers & Friends
The latest edition of the Lovers & Friends festival will be happening tomorrow, May 6 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The stacked lineup consists of many legendary hip hop and R&B artists from the early 2000s as Lovers & Friends celebrates that period and embraces nostalgia. There are almost 50 artists on the bill, making for one eventful day. Before the festival, the schedule was released so fans could plan ahead. Missy Elliott, recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will headline along with Mariah Carey, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Boyz II Men closing other stages. Additionally, other performers include Usher, Miguel, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Jhené Aiko, and Christina Aguilera. Tickets to this year’s event are sold out.
Roots Picnic
The Roots have been hosting their own festival in their hometown of Philadelphia for quite some time now. Last year, the first post-pandemic Roots Picnic lineup saw the festival expanding into two days. This year, the Roots Picnic returns to The Mann at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia on June 3 and 4. Dave Chappelle and The Roots will also perform for the festival at the Wells Fargo Center on June 2. The eclectic lineup consists of headliners Ms. Lauryn Hill, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her iconic debut album, as well as Diddy, backed by The Roots. Other notable performers include Ari Lennox, City Girls, dvsn, Syd, as well as a State Property reunion. Also, Black Thought will be curating his annual “live mixtape,” where he brings out artists and raps over their songs. This year, Black Thought is joined by Eve and Busta Rhymes.
Hive Music Festival
One of the newest events on this list, Hive Music Festival's promising lineup, shows that it is a must for hip hop fans attending 2023 summer festivals. This year's edition of the event is being held at Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City on June 9-10. Artists on this year’s lineup include headliners Kid Cudi and Post Malone, along with Joey Bada$$, Big Sean, Denzel Curry, Ab-Soul, Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers, and more. Joji is also listed as a special guest on this year's lineup.
Rolling Loud
As far as hip hop festivals go, Rolling Loud is undeniably one of the biggest events. The festival draws in younger audiences as it is known for its rowdy performances and mosh-heavy crowds. Originating in Florida, the traveling hip hop festival has expanded worldwide. The California edition of the festival happened back in March, and they will hold five other festivals throughout the summer.
Rolling Loud Miami will happen July 21-23 at Hard Rock Stadium with headliners Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and A$AP Rocky. Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott will also perform at Rolling Loud Rotterdam on June 30-July 1. After, the two will perform at Rolling Loud Germany in Munich on July 7-9. Wizkid will join Kendrick and Travis at Rolling Loud Germany as the Day One headliner. The annual Portugal edition of the festival will have Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, and Meek Mill as headliners, performing in Portimão.
Blue Note Jazz Festival
As far as 2023 summer festivals go, the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa, California, has easily one of the most stacked lineups, consisting of hip hop, R&B, soul, jazz, and funk. In its city of origin, the annual New York version of the festival will occur in June at various venues in the city. The latest Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa is happening at Silverado Resort on July 28-30.
The three-day festival has enlisted Mary J. Blige, Nas, and Chance The Rapper to headline, along with Robert Glasper as their artist in residence. Glasper is joined by De La Soul, Lalah Hathaway, and Bilal, with Dave Chappelle hosting his sets. Other performers include Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge as NxWorries, Ari Lennox, Cordae, Gary Clark Jr., Talib Kweli & Madlib, and Rapsody. Following the festival, each night consists of various afterparties hosted by the likes of 9th Wonder, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Anderson .Paak. Overall, there are plenty of 2023 summer festivals to look forward to. Comment below what festivals you will be attending this year.
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