Rhyme Fest: Where Nostalgia & the Future of Hip-Hop Lives
Rhyme Fest isn’t just the biggest underground hip-hop festival; it’s a cornerstone of hip-hop culture, where the past, present, and future of the genre come together in an explosive celebration filled with the one universal reason every fan in attendance is there for: the passion for music, art, community and culture. In the famous words of KRS One, “Rap is something you do. Hip hop is something you live,” and Rhyme Fest is the music festival that proves that hip hop is a way of life. Everyone should attend Rhyme Fest at least once in their life.. or twice.. or make it a yearly thing. Why not.
Rhyme Fest is an underground hip hop festival held in Los Angeles, California with this year’s event taking place on the same grounds as the 2028 Olympics which will be located at the L.A. Coliseum. Happening on Saturday, August 17, 2024, this festival is more than an event—it’s a movement that honors the roots of hip-hop while pushing the boundaries of its future.
A Celebration of Hip-Hop’s Golden Era
Rhyme Fest LA is a sanctuary for true hip-hop enthusiasts who crave the raw, authentic sounds that defined the genre’s golden era. The festival is dedicated to preserving the nostalgia of old-school hip-hop, offering a rare opportunity to experience legendary artists who have been instrumental in shaping the genre.
The 2024 lineup reads like a who’s who of hip-hop royalty:
- Dilated Peoples: Bringing their gritty, hard-hitting bars that have made them underground legends.
- Living Legends: A collective that embodies the independent spirit of hip-hop, influencing countless artists with their innovative sound.
- The Alchemist: One of the most respected producers in the game, known for his work with icons like Nas and Mobb Deep in addition to touring with Eminem.
- Freestyle Fellowship: Pioneers of the West Coast underground scene, known for their lyrical dexterity and improvisational skills.
- DJ Lala: Hailing from Orange County now based in Los Angeles playing genres like Hip Hop, Soul, Top 40, Funk, Oldschool, Cumbias, Salsa, Breakbeats, Reggae, Dancehall, Classic Rock, etc. Girl Power at its finest.
A Platform for the New Generation
While Rhyme Fest LA honors the past, it’s equally committed to the future of hip-hop. The festival shines a spotlight on emerging talent, providing a platform for artists who are pushing the genre forward. Acts like Blu & Exile feat. Fashawn, Reverie, and Demrick represent the fresh voices of hip-hop, blending contemporary sounds with the genre’s rich history.
This blend of established icons and rising stars makes Rhyme Fest LA a dynamic event that resonates with both older fans who lived through hip-hop’s early days and younger audiences discovering the culture for the first time.
An Immersive Cultural Experience
Rhyme Fest LA is more than just a music festival; it’s a full-fledged cultural experience. The festival embraces the four pillars of hip-hop—MCing, DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing—creating an environment where the spirit of hip-hop is alive in every corner.
- Live Performances: Expect unforgettable performances that capture the raw energy and emotion of hip-hop.
- Vibrant Art: The festival showcases graffiti art installations that pay homage to the visual culture that has been intertwined with hip-hop since its inception.
- Fashion: From streetwear to throwback styles, the festival is a hotspot for hip-hop fashion enthusiasts.
- Community Spirit: Rhyme Fest LA fosters a sense of community, bringing together people who share a passion for hip-hop culture.
What makes Rhyme Fest the most well-balanced music festival is its emphasis on the world of hip hop giving the genre a place to shine for all artists both new & old while being able to know exactly what style genre to expect, for the most part. Rhyme Fest is truly the festival where nostalgia and the future of hip hop lives. Performances from both those who are highly-skilled seasoned experts and those that are the talented new fresh voices makes Rhyme Fest the place to showoff the artistry of rhymes, beats and everything in between which also includes DJs on the 1s & 2s.
Every year is curated in the true essence of showcasing the assortment of artists and what it really means to be diverse & inclusive. The wide range of artists within hip hop proves the culture Rhyme Fest represents is authentically the melting pot for poetry, art and the beauty of rap.
Why Rhyme Fest LA is a Must-Attend Event
Rhyme Fest LA offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with hip-hop on a deeper level. Whether you’re there to relive the golden era, discover your next favorite artist, or simply immerse yourself in the culture, Rhyme Fest LA delivers an experience that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
The festival’s carefully curated venue amplifies the event’s energy, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable weekend. With everything said, remember what I’ve continued to say for the past couple weeks, “Do your ears a favor and buy yourself a ticket!”
Rhyme Fest goes down Saturday August 17th at The Torch at L.A. Colesium.
Get Your Tickets Now
Tickets for Rhyme Fest LA are available HERE. Secure your spot today and be part of this historic event that continues to grow and celebrates everything hip-hop stands for.
Lineup includes
Atmosphere, Dilated Peoples, Living Legends, Swollen Members, The Alchemist, Visionaries, Freestyle Fellowship, Funkdoobiest, Project Blowed, Blu & Exile featuring Fashawn, Sage Francis, Coyote, The Shape Shifters, L.A. Symphony, Planet Asia, Reverie, Speak, Self Provoked, Demrick & Dizzy Wright, A-F-R-O & 60 East, Vel Nine, Namek, Lil Dee, DJ Abilities, DJ Nu-Mark, DJ Qbert, Mr. Choc, Dotwav, Concrete Saints, Orlando Cash, LXGIT, DJ Lala, DJ Luman, DJ Jonney Miles, DJ Great Daine,
HOSTED BY: B-Real, D-Stroy and Lush One
Stay Connected & Updated
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Take a Listen
Check out the Living Legends Youtube Playlist below to get a taste of what to expect to hear at this year’s RhymeFestLA: