One more year of SXSW down and we’ve finally gathered our minds to be able to put this together. Our brains were fried by the amount of Free Titos, Drugs and very loud music that flew our way this year. The fact that our cameras actually captured great content among the blurred shit-shows that Austin Downtown during this week, is miraculous. So here are the best things we saw at SXSW this year. (ONLINE EDITION)
ERYKAH BADU CLOSING DOWN SXSW @ AUSTIN MUSIC HALL’S VERY LAST SHOW
Endings are never easy, but when you have the blessings of the Queen of Neo-Soul behind you to get you through it, it suddenly becomes easier. Dj Loretta Brown aka. Erykah Badu, was the very last performer to step on the historic building of Austin Music Hall. The building is being demolished for new construction.
Between her set, she mentioned that it was a special moment for her to be selected for such an honor since she got her start there during the SXSW that kicked off her hit “On and On”.
There was a nostalgic feeling to the room, yet everyone was dancing and having a good time. You could see people at the distance dancing. Upstairs, downstairs and on stage. The most electric feeling of the week for sure.
Photography By Karlo X
DRAKE SUPRISE SET AT THE FADER
After being on the cover of one of their most recent Issues, a lot to people rumored that the superstar would show up with Rihanna to close the last night of the Fader Fort. No RiRi for this one, yet Drake delivered a hyped performance of Jumpman and other hits with other OVO artist.
FLATBUSH ZOMBIES BOUNCING AT THE SXSWTAKEOVER
Hands down the best Hip-Hop set we saw all week. The fans were going crazy, rapping to every single song, word by word. While the rappers bounced throughout the giant stage captivating every corner of the venue.
SBTRKT AT THE HYPE HOTEL
The Hype Hotel was not playing around this year, free Titos and munchies really drew the crowd into their tent. At night, the vibe just felt so right, especially for SBTRKT’s set.
KEHLANI LIVE @ THE SXSW TAKEOVER
We’ve heard of Kehlani, we loved her music and we thought she was a kick ass chick already. But WOAH!!! She blew us away with her performance at the SXSWTAKEOVER.
The vibes that reflected from her music into the crowd and all over Austin Music Hall while she sang her slow songs, were just inspiring. Even the manliest guys in the Hip-hop dominated showcase were mesmerized by the gentle vocals of the Oakland native.
Photography By Karlo X
ANDERSON PAAK AT THE HOUSE OF VANZ
Being at an Anderson Paak show is a very unique experience, funky tunes but with a mature soulful tone that reminisces the 90’s NeoSoul sounds era. The short David Bowie cover at the end of ‘Am I Wrong’ was just an excellent way to end such electrifying set.
MADEINTYO LIVE @ THE FADER FORT
There was so much Hip-Hop going on at SXSW this year, some was loud, some was groovy and some was just not good. Madeintyo was one of the two newcomers who impressed the fans the most.
Most of these artist perform multiple shows in one day, so in between venues and sets Im sure there is a lot of partying going on. So SXSW often, rapper’s set end up being them mad faded trying to catch up a beat on their live set. MADEINTYO didn’t fall through the cracks of such burden, dude owns his own style and is committed to his sound.
Photography by Adrian Samano
ALLAN KINGDOM + BOBBY RAPS + TIP AT THE SXSW TAKEOVER
During Allan Kingdom’s set, the Minnesota native brought out collective friend Bobby Raps on stage. And with the help of Dj Tip the three had the entire venue jumping up and down. It was mayhem. Hands down the most lit moment of the night. These Minnesota boys really know how to party.
KELELA AT THE FADER FORT
The R&B singer completely mesmerized the entire fort with her perfectly calculated vocals. It is insane what this woman can do on stage. She is no stranger to the Fader Fort, but personally this year felt a little special.
DOOMSTARKS AT THE SXSW TAKEOVER
With MF DOOM live streaming on a giant screen and Ghostface Killah on stage, Doomstarks figured out a way to perform a set together at this years SXSW TAKEOVER. MF DOOM visuals behind Ghostface was such a unique experience, both played their individual work then joined forces for the Doomstarks originals.
YO GOTTI LIVE AT THE HOUSE OF VANS
After educating the new generations on how to slide correctly into DM’s and rapping about sending pussy pictures on snapchat, the rapper had a general mix of older and newer generations jamming with one another. It was a good time for all generations of Hip Hop.
PARTYNEXT DOOR AT THE FADER FORT
BJ THE CHICAGO KID AND NEF THE PHARAOH AT THE HOUSE OF VANS
JAZZ CARTIER LIVE AT THE SXSW TAKEOVER
DUA LIPA AT THE FADER FORT
