A brand-new festival debuts this September that’s full of hip-hop heavy hitters and rising stars. IYKYK Festival is a one-day event taking place September 9th at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. Relentless Beats and Universatile Music are joining forces to bring you a lineup so hard that if you know, you know.
With such a mix of talent performing and just one day to catch them, we thought we’d give you a preview of what’s to come. That way, you can go to the festival well prepared, as you’ll definitely want to see all these artists.
1. Lil Uzi Vert
First up is Lil Uzi Vert. Hailing from Philly, Symere Bisil Woods, better known as Lil Uzi Vert, broke out with his 2015 mixtape, Luv is Rage. He joined Atlantic Records, and what followed is a collection of singles and mixtapes that amount to quite a full discography. After a brief hiatus, Woods returned with his third studio album Pink Tape which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 200. It spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top-ten single “Just Wanna Rock,” which is sitting nicely on the charts. Couple that with his first headlining show in Arizona, and Lil Uzi Vert is back, baby.
2. Denzel Curry
Next up is vibrant rapper and singer Denzel Curry. A hardworking artist, Curry’s been in this game since the sixth grade. His first mixtape debuted in 2011, bringing attention to this underrated rapper. He’s an incredible storyteller with an unmatched flow who always pays homage to his Southern roots. Not only that, but he’s able to seamlessly incorporate current trends. Curry puts his all into the music that he creates — his five studio albums have all received critical acclaim. He’s found the musical recipe that works for him, and audiences are taking notice.
3. Metro Boomin
Leland Tyler Wayne, known professionally as Metro Boomin, is a Jack of all trades. He’s a critically acclaimed producer, record executive, songwriter and DJ all rolled into one. He first topped the charts with production credits on Future’s “Honest” and “Karate Chop.” From there, he released his solo work among a string of production hits for artists like iLoveMakonnen, Migos and Drake. This year’s already proven to be a big one for Wayne, as his soundtrack for Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse debuted. He clearly has no intention of slowing down.
4. Rico Nasty
Rico Nasty, née Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly, began self-releasing her joints starting in 2014. Although she’s launched five solo mixtapes since, believe me when I say she’s only just getting started. Her musical style, coined “sugar trap,” fuses hardcore rap and rock with a little Kelly blended in. It’s provocative, empowering, and all Rico Nasty. Her forward-thinking approach means she’s constantly pushing that musical envelope and we can’t wait to see what she brings.
5. JELEEL!
JELEEL!, born Jeleel Yussuf, Is an artist who truly marches to his own beat. His career launched online, and after a viral moment, JELEEL! exploded onto the music scene. He refuses to conform to the rules, and his music reflects exactly that. It’s eccentric, rebellious, raw and full of powerful vocals and meaningful verses. It’s a refreshing take on music today.
Even though one day might not seem like enough time for a whole-ass festival, IYKYK makes the most of their time so you can make the most of yours. Make sure you secure your ticket today, and catch all this amazing talent at the Phoenix Raceway on September 9th.
