1. Fader Fort Presented by Converse
As always, everyone wants to get into the Fader Fort. This year however, the Fort shut their doors to the public and is using a strictly ‘invite only’ entry method. This of course cause an uproar among all South By Southwest goers. With Fader making their showcase exclusive, it’s making everyone want to get inside the doors even more. On top of their exclusivity, their lineup is amazing per usual!
2. Spotify House
Spotify is famous for always having some of the best upcoming artists from every genre. This year, some of their headliners consisted of Run the Jewels, Strome, Ryan Bingham, Joey Badass, ODESZA, and more. With a lineup of such diversity and talent, the Spotify house is hard not to want to attend. They also give out free drinks, which draws in some extra party people.
3. The Illmore
If you have yet to hear about the Illmore, then something isn’t right. The Illmore is one of the msot talked about events at the festival. If you think it’s hard to get into the Fader, try getting into the Illmore…Every year all the top hip-hop artists in the game meet up in a giant mansion to rap and party all night. The Illmore is infamous for being one of the hardest events to attend. This year, they released a tweet saying if you get a tattoo of the logo, than you have a chance at VIP entry. According to their twitter, at least three people got the tattoo (yes, there is photo evidence).
4. Spin
Stubb’s always seems to host the most raved-about shows at SXSW. This year Spin is bringing out hot upcoming artists including Run the Jewels, Twin Shadow, Earl Sweatshirt, Will Butler, Courtney Barnett and more. This event is open to the public and any official SXSW attendee. With that said, the crowds will come in masses. If you ask around the festival, almost everyone and their mom is trying to be on the inside of Stubb’s on Friday.
5. Kanye West
Although he comes every year, no one can seem to stop raving about Kanye West. With his new clothing line and album announcement just dropping, he’s a hot topic right now. He will be a guest at Jimmy Kimmel Live on Friday, and is rumored to be playing a showcase the following Saturday. If you’re on the streets and see a line a few miles long, go ahead and assume Kanye West is in your general vicinity. As far as I’ve observed, everyone knows he’s coming and everyone wants to see him play “All Day.”
6. J. Cole Dreamville Takeover
J. Cole recently released his album Forest Hills Drive, which was a massive hit. He’s taking a pit stop in Austin in the midst of his tour to take over the ACL Live Moody Theater during SXSW. With him will be Bas, Cozz, Omen, G-Eazy, Danny Seth, Joey Badass and more. With his album and badass lineup, the takeover of the theater has drawn quite a few eyes and ears.
7. TV on The Radio and Ludacris
Media Temple always brings great acts to SXSW, and this year they did it right (again). They brought TV on the Radio and Ludacris out to preform the SXSW Interactive closing party. Although the party was officially for Interctive festival-goers, the concert landed on the convergance day of all three portions of the festival. This being said, people from all corners of the festival were in line hoping for entry into the big show.
8. Busta Rhymes and Nas
9. Rachel Ray
If you like free food, drinks, and music, then Rachel Ray’s Feedback House is probably on your list of must-attend events. She brings out not only amazing musical guests like Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros, but also brings out the best food in town!
10. Samsung Experience
Samsung always finds a way of integrating activities and scavenger hunts into snatching a wristband for the show. This year they will have Iggy Azelea, ASAP Rocky, and Hot Chip. If these artists aren’t enough to grab your imiditate attention, then keep your eyes peeled. Remember, they did bring you Prince, Jay-Z, and Kanye West in previous years. Maybe the best announcement is yet to come!
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