Shaggfest Unites Local and National Hip-Hop Acts
Anika Williams - Contributing Writer
Music festival season is in full effect, and excitement is astir as music lovers from all walks of life unite to celebrate their favorite musicians this summer. On May 21, the 757’s own Shaggfest proved to be a tremendous success as it has grown exponentially in its six years of operation.
This annual event began as an outlet for local musicians in the area to gain exposure. The popular Z104 radio host Shaggy is the director, promoter and creator of Shaggfest. He works hard throughout the year to audition local talent and recruit national acts for the event, a process which is taken seriously, handled with love and approached with care.
The Tidewater region of Virginia is a harbor for incredible music. It is home to notable artists and groups like The Neptunes (Pharrell and Chad Hugo), Clipse (Pusha T and Malice), Missy Elliot, Timbaland and most recently game-changing artists like D.R.A.M. and Goldlink.
This year’s Shaggfest included a vast line up of local artists who performed on side stages to possibly reach the status of the artists mentioned above. A few were worthy enough to grace the main stage, including ODU junior Nathan Swihart, also known as Nay Nay, a hip-hop artist from Virginia Beach, and Evan Barlow, a sonically charged hip-hop artist from Richmond.
Main acts included Daya, Lex, Bia, Rotimi, Lil Dicky, Pusha T, Travis Scott and Major Lazer, a group which includes Grammy-winning musician, DJ and producer, Diplo.
Anika Williams - Contributing Writer
Music festival season is in full effect, and excitement is astir as music lovers from all walks of life unite to celebrate their favorite musicians this summer. On May 21, the 757’s own Shaggfest proved to be a tremendous success as it has grown exponentially in its six years of operation.
This annual event began as an outlet for local musicians in the area to gain exposure. The popular Z104 radio host Shaggy is the director, promoter and creator of Shaggfest. He works hard throughout the year to audition local talent and recruit national acts for the event, a process which is taken seriously, handled with love and approached with care.
The Tidewater region of Virginia is a harbor for incredible music. It is home to notable artists and groups like The Neptunes (Pharrell and Chad Hugo), Clipse (Pusha T and Malice), Missy Elliot, Timbaland and most recently game-changing artists like D.R.A.M. and Goldlink.
This year’s Shaggfest included a vast line up of local artists who performed on side stages to possibly reach the status of the artists mentioned above. A few were worthy enough to grace the main stage, including ODU junior Nathan Swihart, also known as Nay Nay, a hip-hop artist from Virginia Beach, and Evan Barlow, a sonically charged hip-hop artist from Richmond.
Main acts included Daya, Lex, Bia, Rotimi, Lil Dicky, Pusha T, Travis Scott and Major Lazer, a group which includes Grammy-winning musician, DJ and producer, Diplo.
Lil Dicky was a key catalyst for the night. The comical rhymer brought his charismatic charm live to the stage as he performed songs from his debut album “Professional Rapper,” including the ever so popular “Save Dat Money” featuring Fetty Wap and Young Thug.
Although it was early in the evening, Lil Dicky got fans amped. A lucky lady received an impromptu dance from him during his performance of “Lemme Freak.” Subsequently the unconventional rapper awarded her a vegetable tray for her participation.
Shaggfest has a reputation for bringing out special secret acts of the past. The audience was in for a flashback when Petey Pablo arrived and performed songs like “Freek-A-Leek” and his verse from Ciara’s “Goodies.”
The biggest surprise, however, was the highly unexpected G-Unit reunion that took place. The crowed rocked and moved to their favorite songs. Just as everyone gave up hope of 50 Cent’s arrival, he graced the stage like a cherry on top of an already sensational set. In addition, 50 Cent performed his new song, “I’m the Man,” off his latest mixtape, “The Kanan Tape.” The crowd chanted the words as cannons shot out a spontaneous crowning of golden confetti.
Virginia Beach’s own Pusha T addressed the audience simply with two words: “I’m home.” The now president of G.O.O.D. Music began his set where it all started with “Grinding,” a song he released in the duo Clipse along with fellow Virginia Beach native Pharrell.
In the spirit of legendary rapper Biggie Smalls’ birthday, Pusha T performed “Untouchable,” which samples from the late artist. He performed other songs from his album, “Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude,” and made an announcement of a new album.
Travis Scott brought his rodeo to the fest. Fans in the pit chanted his name long before his arrival. The “Antidote” rapper just got off of Rihanna’s “Anti” tour and was one of the most energetic acts of the night. Known for high intensity, his show lived up to all of the hype. He worked the stage, stood on speakers and even jumped off of the platform and performed amongst the crowd beyond the pit balancing on rails.
Diplo changed the whole dynamic of the night. The space became a complete dance party with vivid lights and lasers that were hypnotic and bold visuals to accompany the sounds for the night. A mix of electronic, hip-hop and pop rained down on the arena.
Source: www.maceandcrown.com/2016/05/25/shaggfest-unites-local-national-hip-hop/
Although it was early in the evening, Lil Dicky got fans amped. A lucky lady received an impromptu dance from him during his performance of “Lemme Freak.” Subsequently the unconventional rapper awarded her a vegetable tray for her participation.
Shaggfest has a reputation for bringing out special secret acts of the past. The audience was in for a flashback when Petey Pablo arrived and performed songs like “Freek-A-Leek” and his verse from Ciara’s “Goodies.”
The biggest surprise, however, was the highly unexpected G-Unit reunion that took place. The crowed rocked and moved to their favorite songs. Just as everyone gave up hope of 50 Cent’s arrival, he graced the stage like a cherry on top of an already sensational set. In addition, 50 Cent performed his new song, “I’m the Man,” off his latest mixtape, “The Kanan Tape.” The crowd chanted the words as cannons shot out a spontaneous crowning of golden confetti.
Virginia Beach’s own Pusha T addressed the audience simply with two words: “I’m home.” The now president of G.O.O.D. Music began his set where it all started with “Grinding,” a song he released in the duo Clipse along with fellow Virginia Beach native Pharrell.
In the spirit of legendary rapper Biggie Smalls’ birthday, Pusha T performed “Untouchable,” which samples from the late artist. He performed other songs from his album, “Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude,” and made an announcement of a new album.
Travis Scott brought his rodeo to the fest. Fans in the pit chanted his name long before his arrival. The “Antidote” rapper just got off of Rihanna’s “Anti” tour and was one of the most energetic acts of the night. Known for high intensity, his show lived up to all of the hype. He worked the stage, stood on speakers and even jumped off of the platform and performed amongst the crowd beyond the pit balancing on rails.
Diplo changed the whole dynamic of the night. The space became a complete dance party with vivid lights and lasers that were hypnotic and bold visuals to accompany the sounds for the night. A mix of electronic, hip-hop and pop rained down on the arena.
Source: www.maceandcrown.com/2016/05/25/shaggfest-unites-local-national-hip-hop/