Matt Matasci April 16th, 2016 - 6:38 PM
(Photo Credit: Ray Flotat)
Anticipation was hot for Run the Jewels’ Saturday afternoon set at the 2016 iteration of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA. Rumors of guest appearances abounded, with some even claiming that Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders would be present for the set. Having a presidential candidate present for the festivities would certainly be a first for the long-running music festival by Goldenvoice.
While those that “feel the Bern” would be disappointed by the fact that Bernie Sanders was not present in the flesh with Killer Mike and El-P, they were able to witness a pre-recorded video that was shown before the hip-hop super-duo took the stage. Sanders talked about mobilizing young people and bringing them together with his campaign. He also made a point of highlighting his shared views with Killer Mike, who has been an ardent supporter of the Vermont senator’s bid for the highest office in the land. Following the video, the pair launched into their set, which would provide a few more surprises for fans of hip-hop.
The next guest to join El-P and Killer Mike on the main Coachella stage during their pre-dusk set was Gangsta Boo, the lone female member of Memphis, TN hip-hop group Three Six Mafia. She performed “Love Again” with Run the Jewels.
Also making star turns during the Run the Jewels set was iconic New York rapper Nas and frequent creative collaborator Boots. Nas appeared with the two rappers for a rendition of his 2002 single “Made You Look” and Boots lent a hand for “Early,” a song from Run the Jewels II which he appears on. As if that was not enough star power for one mid-day set at Coachella, neo-bluesman Gary Clark Jr. came out to lay down some riffs for the the hip-hop duo during their closing number, “Angel Duster.” Clark Jr. has appeared with the band before, as he performed with them at Austin City Limits in 2015.
