Photos: Soundset 2019 stars Lil Wayne, SZA, and more
May 29, 2019
After the blazing heat last Memorial Day weekend and tornado watches in years past, Soundset finally enjoyed a sunny, 75-degree day. About 30,000 people attended the State Fairgrounds just outside St. Paul on Sunday to see Lil Wayne, SZA, and more.
On the side-by-side main stages, DJ Keezy got earlycomers loose with hits ("Oh, I love this song," I'd mutter out loud every few minutes). Taylor Bennett — Chance the Rapper's little brother — and RCA rapper Buddy were up next, both energetic and fun to watch. deM atlaS turned in a typically ferocious set, bringing out Minneapolis healer Lady Midnight to sing on "Music Man" and a brief interpolation of Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)."
Later on, Soundset went viral. Doja Cat of "Mooo!" fame performed several songs from her debut album Amala, but none of them landed as well as the bovine tune that made her famous. A few hours later, Lil Uzi Vert dropped out of his late-afternoon slot (for the second time in three Soundsets), but festival organizers were prepared. They brought in Lil Nas X (of "Old Town Road" fame) and rapper DaBaby to fill Uzi's spot. "I know everybody says I got one song," Lil Nas X said. But in addition to his delightful country-trap number, he performed "Panini," a song from a soon-to-come EP.
G-Eazy drew thousands of fans to Soundset, going by the droves who deserted the Fairgrounds once he wrapped his set. The alleged Halsey adulterer and shameless Chris Brown collaborator isn't my favorite musician. But he was having a blast amid what he called the "craziest crowd ever." He said, "This is my favorite show I've ever played in my entire life."
SZA cleansed the vibe after G-Eazy, performing almost all of her breakthrough album Ctrl and throwing in a cover of Sixpence None The Richer's "Kiss Me."
Unlike Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne did finally show up to a Minnesota concert — for the first time in about five years. Folks in the VIP bleachers gasped as they saw a black Mercedes van driving into the Fairgrounds and behind the stage. Within a couple minutes, Lil Wayne hopped out of the vehicle and walked up the stairs to the stage, going on to rap hit after hit ("Mr. Carter," "Go DJ," "Lollipop," "A Milli") to the happily surprised audience.
Over on the Atmosphere & Friends Stage, locals and Rhymesayers peers impressed smaller crowds. Dua Saleh shared three new songs and a danceable "Albany" remix, which they said belongs to a forthcoming remix project. Student 1 fans showed up for him — their unleashed energy seemed to buoy the scholastic rapper. Dessa, Black Star (Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli), and the wonderful Tierra Whack also made strong showings.
I spent hours in the Essential Elements tent, a DJ- and B-boy/B-girl-centered space with shade and room to breathe. Abilities, best known for his work with the late Eyedea, mixed '80s hits ("Shout," "Tainted Love") with rap songs ("Day 'N' Nite," "HUMBLE."). "Abilities, I want you to DJ my wedding," Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5) said before he took over, French-braiding obscure beats and samples into a crate-digger's dream. DJ Spinderella (Salt-N-Pepa) later took over the turntables and rocked the hits.
