Photo By – Katarina Cvetko
Written By – Melissa Faulkner
As someone’s mother (certainly not mine) used to say: “Just three more sleeps!”
The countdown to the 12th annual Soundset Festival is on, and I’m definitely a bit giddy with excitement given this year’s banger lineup. It’s almost appropriate to start checking the forecast, but the good Minnesotan in me knows that anything can happen three days out. Will it be 78 degrees with 200% humidity, or will a final “Eff You” Midwest snow storm roll in “silence like lasagna”? My fate rests in the gods of Hip Hop.
Stages and set times have been released, and even if you can’t cling to expectations for the weather, here’s what you can expect
Doja Cat 2:00-2:30
A quick 30 minute set that will be worth every second. If you aren’t familiar with American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer Amala Zandile Dlamini, I suggest you run, not walk to the St. Paul Stage at 2:00PM! Can we expect an appearance of her viral song “Mooo!” in her short time on stage? Better show up to find out! I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t stick french fries in her nose as there is certainly a fry stand nearby.
Prof 2:30-3:00
How you gonna top a giant pink flamingo inflatable floatie while crowd surfing this year, huh Prof? It’s going to be a tall task, but I’m certain Prof has something absolutely ridiculous up his sleeve. If you have seen any of his music videos, you would know. He’s gained a reputation as one of the more notorious partiers in the Midwest.
DMX 3:30- 4:15
A legend of Hip Hop that should be well rested given his lack of extracurriculars for the last 12 months. DMX spent the last year locked up for tax evasion, though this didn’t stop him from getting right back into the spotlight. He recently gave a sermon of sorts at Kanye West’s Sunday Service during Weekend 2 at Coachella. Take me to church DMX!
Run The Jewels 5:45-6:30
Critically acclaimed Rapper/Producer duo take the St. Paul Stage at 5:45 PM, though the duo has been largely quiet over the last few years, (besides an appearance on the Venom soundtrack) you’d be wrong to argue that their music doesn’t hit hard or retain its very unique sound. The hardest decision you will make all day will be choosing between Run The Jewels and Tech N9NE… I think RTJ takes this one as Tech N9NE make multiple appearances in Minneapolis a year. Wear running shoes, if you want to catch both.
Atmosphere 7:30-8:30
Atmosphere has performed at every Soundset since inception, and though Slug & Ant are no longer the marquee headliner on the bill (as they had been for so many years) their set will no doubt continue to draw die-hard fans. #DadRap is in full effect and you’re gonna want to catch a Minnesota classic. However, Atmosphere’s set time competes with SZA. I have no comforting words or advice for you in this trying time, I spoke too soon above.
SZA 7:30-8:30
Arguably the most stunning female voice in Hip Hop. And frankly, I’m impressed she’s even gracing us with her angelic Gap presence! She’s perfect and I hate it. (It’s a lyric) But, seriously she’s been nominated for multiple Grammy’s for her most recent release “CTRL” and her voice has been described as “ethereal.” She’s been an artist I’ve been hoping to see for years.
Lil Wayne 8:30-9:30
Fresh off a controversial “un-appearance” at Rolling Loud, I’m anxiously awaiting Lil Wayne’s debut to Soundset’s main stage. Hopefully, the police are a little less strict than they were in Miami, otherwise, Lil Wayne isn’t taking the stage, he does not submit to searches before he takes the stage. Insert Fingers Crossed Emoji. Come on guys, we just want to hear “A Milli” re-live college (Am I old yet?)
There are still tickets available for Soundset Festival this Sunday, May 26. Snag them here!