Funk Fest & Atlanta Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 51st Birthday

Funk Fest 2024 was nothing wanting wonderful because it marked the 51st birthday of Hip-Hop with a soulful celebration at Atlanta’s iconic Wolf Creek Amphitheater.

Over two days, music lovers from throughout generations gathered to rejoice the wealthy historical past of R&B and Hip-Hop that has formed our cultural panorama.

Attendees got here from far and huge to benefit from the celebration together with Actual Housewives of Atlanta Shamea Morton and Kelli Ferrell….

in addition to Lip Service podcast co-hosts Gigi McGuire and Ivy.

 

Funk Fest Kicked Off Saturday With R&B Heavyweights

Saturday, August 10 was an evening for the lovers, as a lineup of R&B heavyweights took the stage, serenading the group with timeless hits which have soundtracked numerous moments of affection and nostalgia.

The night kicked off with Shai, who set the tone with their easy harmonies, bringing again the early ’90s vibe.

 

 

Jon B adopted, crooning together with his signature soulful model, whereas Carl Thomas and Donell Jones continued the love fest with their basic tracks.

 

Stokley, recognized for his electrifying performances, delivered a set that stored the viewers on their ft, mixing old-school appeal with up to date aptitude.

 

The evening reached its peak with a efficiency by the legendary Isley Brothers, whose timeless music transcends generations.

The group ran by way of their hits together with “For The Love Of You” and “Between The Sheets.”

 

Hip-Hop Took Over Sunday’s Funk Fest Present

Sunday, August 11 was all about Hip-Hop because the pageant paid homage to the style’s 51st anniversary.

The day was a vibrant celebration of the tradition, with a lineup that showcased the depth of Atlanta’s rap scene.

Youngbloodz introduced their Southern swagger to the stage, whereas Goodie Mob stayed true to their roots and delivered a efficiency that was each highly effective and reflective.

Large Boi was showered together with his Outkast flowers from the Atlanta crowd and later, he, C-Bone, and Sleepy Brown hit the followers with a setlist crammed with hits which have outlined Southern Hip-Hop for many years.

The queen of neo-soul, Erykah Badu, closed out the evening with a mesmerizing efficiency that blended her distinctive sound with the essence of Hip-Hop, creating a strong expertise that left the group craving for extra.

 

Adorned with a big hat, rings, tie-dye skirt, and complicated hoop earrings, the Texan placed on a present like solely she will be able to.

 

The evening ended on a excessive notice as She lLL Badu and Large Boi took to the stage collectively, sharing a heartfelt second that ingrained the spirit of the pageant.

The artists shared in a joint birthday want to Hip-Hop celebrating 51 years of a style that has birthed numerous gifted MCs in Atlanta and throughout the globe. It was a becoming finish to a weekend that celebrated not simply music, however the tradition, historical past, and neighborhood that Hip-Hop represents.

Funk Fest Carried A Greater Message Forward Of The November Election

Funk Fest 2024 was not nearly music, it was a celebration of neighborhood power and unity.

The pageant, now in its twenty fifth yr, has at all times been greater than only a live performance collection. This yr, it emphasised the significance of civic engagement, with a number of political leaders, together with Ben Crump and Pastor Jamal Bryant in attendance.

All through the weekend, the significance of voter participation within the upcoming fall election was a recurring theme, underscoring the pageant’s dedication to empowering the neighborhood.

Leo Bennett, CEO and founding father of Selection Leisure and Funk Fest, spoke to BOSSIP about having Crump and Bryant readily available to emphasise civic engagement for the weekend.

“My standout second was when Ben Crump and Pastor Jamal Bryant united the group with their wonderful speech relating to the significance of voting and hitting the polls,” stated Bennett to BOSSIP‘s Liz Smith.

Bennett additionally shared some unique perception about what’s in retailer for Funk Fest’s future and shared that the celebration’s going out to sea.

“Keep tuned for the primary inaugural Funk Fest Cruise! We may even begin our Funk Fest island tour in 2026, together with Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, plus extra to be introduced!”

It’s protected to say that Funk Fest 2024 was greater than only a pageant, it was a reminder of the facility of music to unite individuals, encourage change, and rejoice the wealthy cultural heritage that thrives in Atlanta and past.