After travelling Europe for three months this summer, I figured why not keep the party going. Before heading home to Winnipeg, I stopped off in Montreal to go to Osheaga music festival. Aside from seeing Mumford & Sons, Capital Cities, C2C, Charles Bradley and many more acts, the hip-hop line up this year was insane! K-os bombing, Macklemore stealing the show and Big Boi and Kendrick Lamar back-to-back… here’s what I thought.
k-os: I was so stoked to see him, a CANADIAN rapper, but the man blew it. Sure his set was a half hour late due to technical problems – not his fault – but after performing a full one and a half songs, he said “I love music way too much to do this right now” and left the stage. He wasn’t happy with the sound. He had a second chance after taking Frank Ocean/Miguel’s spot the next night and told the crowd that “Calgary was better.” I loved his latest album but it will be hard to listen to him the same again.
*Favourite moment: when he left the stage early… again.
Yelawolf: The ‘Bama boy proved why he sells out venues quickly. He sounded exactly the same live as recorded, was as grimy at ever and got the crowd partying despite his early time slot. *Favourite moment: “Daddy’s Lambo”
Macklemore: I was just excited to see him because I knew it would be a fun party time. I was blown away. His set was amazing, had some serious moments, some funny moments and the man knew how to captivate the crowd. Probably one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. Props.
*Favourite moment: bringing out Sara Quinn of Tegan and Sara to perform “Same Love.” One of the most inspirational moments I’ve ever seen at a show.
Big Boi: The man, the legend. I was most excited for this show, and for good reason. Even though he had undergone knee surgery, his crew carried him out to centre stage and propped him in a golden throne… Trooper. He killed his new stuff (which is amazing, check it out) and got the crowd going nuts with all the old Outkast he played. Bombs over Baghdad was HYPE.
*Favourite moment: “Bombs Over Baghdad.” ‘Nuff said. Classic.
Kendrick Lamar: Aside from all the 16 year old screaming girls, this was the show to be at. I’ve never been the biggest Kendrick fan, I respect the guy and know he’s talented but something about him has never hooked me in. Nevertheless he put on a wicked show and got the whole crowd pumped up.
*Favourite moment: acknowledging all his day one fans and playing a solid set from Section.80.
Big Boi and Kendrick played on the last day along with Charles Bradley, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and many more. Standing in the same spot for 10 hours was worth being that close, checkout the slideshow and you’ll see why.
KG
lupe taught me — @kgoldstine 