I love music festivals so much I dedicated a Facebook photo album to them: Festivals & Gatherings. In three short months, I have experienced Lightning in a Bottle at Oak Canyon Ranch, Weenie Roast at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and Electric Daisy Carnival at LA Coliseum -- such diverse artists and line-ups and genres of music.
This Saturday, however, I am going to Rock The Bells, which to me is the equivalent of hip-hop heaven. Just take one look at the lineup and it's impossible not to jump and up down screaming I'm excited! I'm excited!
The Line up? Snoop Dog, Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Street Sweeper Social Club, Murs and 9th Wonder, Wiz Khalifa, Clipse, Immortal Technique, Jedi Mind Tricks, Brother Ali, DJ Muggs and Ill Bill, Big Sean, Yelawolf, and hosted by Supernatural and DJ Rocky Rock. And let's not forget the special performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill.
This is also one of my favorite parts:
For the first time in the history of hip-hop entertainment, Rock The Bells is slated to have headliners perform their most influential albums in their entirety. East-Coast legends Wu-Tang Clan will perform Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers from beginning to end. Released in 1993, the group's debut album revived the New York rap scene and is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in hip-hop history. Considered one of the greatest MC's of all time, Rakim is set to perform 1987's, Paid In Full, his first full-length album with Eric B. Fellow Golden age, East Coast rapper, Slick Rick will conquer The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. Released in 1989, this debut album became a certified-platinum classic topping the Billboard's Top R&B/ Hip Hop Albums charts. Highly regarded as the THE TEACHER,' KRS-One is a hip-hop culture advocate, music producer, MC and published author. Hailed as one of the best live performers, KRS-One will perform Criminal Minded. The 1987 trend-setting album sampled music from various genres including rock, reggae and funk.
Excited yet? Rock the Bells also teamed up with non-profit organization Hip Hop and Hope for Haiti.
This time of year is always filled with anxiety, excitement, and even relief, says Rock the Bells founder Chang Weisberg. Rock the Bells fans have the craziest expectations and the days and nights leading up to our initial announcement are surreal. Ultimately, our goal is to always present something that is historic. This year's show is the epitome of that tradition. Some things new and fresh, some things classic and legendary, and something that you've never seen or may never see and hear again. That's the formula. I am excited for this year's festivals and hope everyone is as hyped up as I am. As always, we will announce a few surprises and keep our fans on their toes all the way up to the day of the show.
See you in hip-hop heaven
Rock the Bells
August 21, 2010
NOS Events Center, San Bernardino
www.rockthebells.com