Rock The Bells

Photo by Ty Watkins

June 27 - Aug. 9 (Touring Festival)
Rock the Bells

Highlights: Big Boi, The Roots, Common, Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, KRS One, Reflection Eternal (feat. Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek), RZA, Raekwon, Chali 2Na, K’Naan

Hip-hop tours are notorious for low production values and distorted sound, but maybe this festival can change that reputation. The talent is certainly there - hip-hop’s most renowned live musicians, The Roots, hold down a key lineup slot, and at least two members of the Wu-Tang Clan are also on tap. (Too bad there’s no Ghostface.) It’ll be interesting to see if Nas and Damian Marley can stay out of each other’s way, and to determine whether K’Naan deserves all the buzz he’s been getting. And if you see Chali 2Na walking around, ask him about his new, long-awaited solo album - dude’s got the one of the best, deepest voices in the game, and this is his first release since Jurassic 5 broke up.