Soundset 2011 – Fourth Time’s The Charm

From the new school to the old school, b-boy to b-girl, west coast to east coast and everywhere in between, hip-hop culture was on full display last Sunday as an estimated 20,000 fans enjoyed Soundset Festival’s fourth year.

The all-day festival was host to more than thirty performances and wrapped up just before the rain started to fall. Artists from all over the country came to unassuming Shakopee, Minnesota to participate in the increasingly popular hip-hop festival. Big Boi brought the big name and flash to this year’s event. He delivered an energetic set made up of solo material and familiar favorites from his tenure as one half of OutKast. De La Soul brought the old-school funk and were the oldest group to perform; their hit single ‘€œMe Myself and I’€ was released in 1989. Of course, no Soundset would be complete without the now-traditional closing set by Atmosphere and fan favorite performances by local musicians from the Rhymesayers label out of Minneapolis.

The eclectic crowd was fortunate enough to hear two new songs by Brother Ali’€”one of which was so new, he read the lyrics straight out of his notebook. P.O.S. debuted a new song during his set with Doomtree collective, arguably the most energetic and commanding show of the day. Other highlights included performances by up-and-comer Mac Miller, Grieves & Budo (recently signed to Rhymesayers), Slaughterhouse and many more.

This year’s event was particularly significant due to the death of Minneapolis rapper Eyedea last October. Some fans paid tribute to the late rapper with homemade shirts while many artists mentioned Eyedea from the stage. His performing partner DJ Abilities was somewhat overshadowed by Big Boi’s set; but the entire day was a fitting celebration of his career.

Hip-hop culture, though relatively young, was booming Sunday thanks to Soundset’s commitment to engaging the community with more than just music. A live graffiti wall was part of the entertainment, as were dance competitions, DJ sample battles, a custom car show, the popular car-hop contest and an all day skate demo. The lines for mini-donuts and corndogs were just as long as the tents selling vegetarian and vegan food. Musicians reminded fans to donate to tornado relief efforts in North Minneapolis. Local vendors were allowed to set up shop and sell everything from skate decks to clothing to smoothies and sunglasses. There were parents who brought their kids and kids who brought their parents; and then there was the guy holding his daughter in one hand and clutching a Four Loko in the other. Yes, you read that correctly. I don’t know how he managed to do it, but it happened.

Beyond the surrounding activity and excitement, it was ultimately about the music and that was clear. Soundset was a big success and continues to grow each year. The festival continues to bring fresh talent as well as the seasoned veterans and I look forward to seeing the festival grow each year.