JELEEL! (Photo credit: Rolling Loud/@fambofilms)
Two of rap’s most exciting brands, Rolling Loud and RapTV, put on a SXSW showcase that closed the Austin festival on a high note. Hosted at the famous Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, the two-night event was the most exciting event of the weekend, transforming the legendary venue into a mini-festival grounds with custom decor, fast-selling merch, and an eye-popping activation from event sponsor BARS, by Meta. Rolling Loud & RapTV’s unforgettable party featured a stacked lineup that placed a special focus on rising artists and local heroes–each of the 40+ performing artists went all out to make a memorable impression on the sold out crowd. Star DJs OG Chase B, DJ Scheme, and DJ Five Venoms pumped up the buzzing crowd between sets.
The showcase brought headlining performances from Don Toliver and Sheck Wes, who closed each night with invigorating performances of their massive hits, and played host to a sizable contingent of Texas rappers, including Trae The Truth, who dropped a surprise album during his performance, Tay Money, TisaKorean, and many others. Rolling Loud and RapTV channeled the spirit of SXSW by shining a spotlight on some of rap’s hottest rising stars, including rage-happy Ken Car$on, YSL fire-breather Yung Kayo, melodic master Dro Kenji, and San Antonio’s own Mike Dimes, who impressed with his charismatic and lyrical approach to Texas rap. Perhaps the most memorable newcomer was JELEEL!, blessed with golden pipes and tremendous athletic ability, which he showed off with backflips, sky high split jumps, and other feats of strength.
“I want to thank RapTV, Stubb’s, and all the artists and fans for making our return to SXSW so lit,” says Rolling Loud Co-Founder Tariq Cherif. “The people of Austin kept the energy high all night, both nights, helping make our showcase the hottest of SXSW 2022. This is just the beginning for Rolling Loud this year…Miami is coming soon, and it’ll be like nothing you’ve ever seen.”
“What an incredible weekend – thank you Austin!” said RapTV’s Chief Operating Officer David Kantanka. “Our two night pop-up far exceeded our expectations with it being RapTV’s first time at SXSW. Major thanks again to our partners at Rolling Loud working with us to create the hottest music lineup at this year’s conference, along with Meta and their BARS app who helped us keep the vibes high all weekend long. Make sure to follow our socials at @rap for more exclusive concert content dropping soon.”
Rolling Loud’s SXSW was thrilling, but it is a mere appetizer for what Rolling Loud has in store this year. The festival returns this summer with its flagship event, Rolling Loud Miami 2022. Happening July 22nd-24th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL, Rolling Loud Miami 2022 boasts one of the year’s most exciting festival lineups, headlined by Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Future. Tickets for Rolling Loud Miami 2022 are available now at rollingloud.com/miamitix
(Rolling Loud/@IzzyNuzzoPhoto
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
