When I saw the initial lineup release for the Budweiser Made in America Festival back in June, I was disappointed. Although I've always been a hip hop fan, I had never followed either of the announced headliners, Post Malone and Nicki Minaj, and nobody else stood out to me. It didn't help that there had been drama back in July on whether or not the festival would even remain in its current location after 2018 with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney eventually reaching an agreement with the Roc Nation label to keep it in the city. As far as I was concerned, there was no reason for me to go. That changed a few weeks ago, when Kendrick Lamar was added to the lineup. I immediately grabbed a ticket to see the best rapper alive. Fast forward through a Saturday morning of day parties, and my friends and I were on our way to the Ben Franklin Parkway. Even with Kendrick on the list, I had average expectations—little did I know I was going to be blown away.
Day 1
My afternoon started off at 5:15 with Tokimonsta, the Los Angeles DJ who performed in the Quad during Fling back in 2016. Rocking a neon green beanie, the EDM producer entranced the crowd with head–banging beats and remixes, including her collaborations with fellow California native Anderson Paak. Afterwards, we sprinted over at 6:15 to see Juice WRLD nail an electric performance of his hit “Lucid Dreams,” as attendees sang along word for word.
Next up came Snakehips, the British electronic house duo. While they’re talented, the performance was yawn–inducing, feeling like a lengthy prelude for Louis the Child at 7:15. Speaking of the latter, the Chicago–based group mesmerized the crowd with their biggest hits, including “Better Not” and “It’s Strange.” They just keep getting better and better.
After stumbling by Meek Mill to join the entire populace in shouting the Philadelphia anthem “Dreams and Nightmares,” we jostled to the front of the crowd for Zedd. The Fling 2017 headliner might've taken too long to get started, but there’s no doubt that the set trumped his previous Penn performance. In addition to playing all of his biggest hits, the Russian DJ incorporated thumping dubstep interludes that had everyone jumping to the heavens.
Day 1 ended with an outstanding performance by Post Malone, baring his soul in renditions of Beerbongs and Bentleys tracks and an idyllic guitar solo. As the night closed with chart–toppers such as “I Fall Apart,” “White Iverson,” and “Congratulations,” I felt far more excited for Day 2 than I could have possibly imagined.
Day 2
The first order of business for Day 2 was Pusha T at 4:30, and the G.O.O.D. Music president delivered a quintessential performance that included new songs from his latest albums, Daytona, as well as classics such as “Grindin” and “New God Flow.” Nearby, Daniel Caesar broke the crowd’s collective hearts as he cycled through Freudian with full band. With a set like that, Caesar’s talent ceiling has risen even further.
Over at Cashmere Cat and Tchami starting at 6:15, the European DJs had the mosh pits going strong and water spraying everywhere. With extended bass drops and hypnotic instrumentation, each nailed their respective deep house and future house medleys.
Skipping over a snooze–worthy Miguel routine, we headed over to see the show of the festival at 8:00. From the start with a ferocious delivery of “DNA,” Kendrick Lamar exhibited why he may go down as the greatest emcee of all time. With the crowd bouncing to “Swimming Pools” and screaming the “Yawk! Yawk! Yawk! Yawk!” ad libs as he rapped “M.a.a.d City,” the atmosphere felt like a different planet.
Last up came Diplo, and the American DJ crushed it. As the lights flashed everywhere, Diplo launched into various dubstep remixes and renditions of his biggest hits, such as “Where Are U Now.” By the time he stopped, the DJ had gone over his set length by half an hour. With Nicki Minaj running late, we called it a night, but not before swaying to the opening chorus of “Majesty” from Queen.
MIA exceeded expectations this year—nearly every artist brought 110% energy to their performances. After last year’s lineup awed attendees with J. Cole and Jay–Z, it was pleasing to see the singers, rappers, and DJs live up to the festival’s reputation. I’m looking forward to round three next year.
