RaurFest 2016 Thru My Eyes

Raurfest celebrated its' third year, and it was nothing short of amazing. Unlike my first encounter at the festival last year, this go round I decided to volunteer and help alongside the creators of this weekend experience. This year LVRN, which is the collective that brings you Raurfest and other cool, creative content, unveiled a weekend full of events. The artist-packed concert was held at Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia, and the main event was free for all ages as long as you did not forget to RSVP before it “sold out.” The newly added event, First 50, which was an exclusive dinner party for 50 of Atlanta’s creatives and influencers in both the music and arts scene. The day of the main event the collective also held Trill Yoga early in the morning and a Shark Tank event at General Assembly where people shared their business ideas. There was literally something for everyone.

I wasn’t able to attend each event, but I heard positive things from those that attended. I was able to attend the First 50 event, which was beautifully curated with great energy filling all of Studio 7. The Vain after party was set to happen that Friday night after the event and that was a packed party with the best vibes. I was able to enjoy all of the lovely people that stopped by!

The next day, I worked Raurfest at the merch table at the back of the venue where I was able to catch a glimpse of the show but, most importantly, hear each set. I later found out that this may in fact be The Masquerade’s last hoorah, which was a pretty monumental moment in Atlanta concert history. The show featured a list of local Atlanta artists from a range of music which is what I enjoyed most about the concert. You could find anything from conscious to trap where every sound and every side of Atlanta was represented. The diversity didn’t just lie within the music though. I soon realized how diverse the crowd itself was. You couldn’t really put a finger on one set of people from the most liberal to the most conservative or the youngest to oldest but there was so much energy that filled the room and for the most part, people were ready to rage.

That is until it was too damn hot and we passed out about 20 cases of free water to all the patrons in attendance. I felt bad for the kids, because they were literally sitting in front of the merch table trying to keep it together. All in all, this crowd was eager to jump up and down and accepting of the talent that hit the stage.

Along with up and coming local artists, there was a lineup full of amazing artists. Obviously, Raury himself but Lionbabe opened up for him, along with Nick Grant, Kilo Kish and J.I.D. Then, during his set Raury brought his friends – Pro Era’s Joey Badass & Kirk Knight and LVRN’s newest artist 6lack.

Unfortunately, I was working so I don’t have any amazing videos or pictures to share but I will highlight my favorite moments that I was able to live tweet throughout the show. And, thanks to the photos I found via Raurfest and these two dope photographers that covered the events. Next year, I definitely suggest you come if you missed out this time! Here you go, kids.

Highlights from Raurfest 2016:

Ziggy2Playa from Riverdale or the “Southside” of the city was one of the many hidden gems at the show. As one of the first acts to perform as an opening act, and I don’t know the song name at all but this line resonated with me so much:

“Alien girl in the passenger.”

If that’s not your line, this could get awkward. Regardless, I wrote in my notes that Ziggy was one act to look out for and unfortunately his act was cut short during “Intercontinental Shawty,” so I just couldn’t get enough. He also has a song with my friend, FRKO! 

Check out his Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/ziggy2playa

Zip K performed his latest release “Tempo” at the show. I have seen Zip K perform at a few shows since moving back to Atlanta and he has such an interesting sound that always grabs the audience’s attention. I was hoping he would perform his new song and that he did. Another great moment during the show. 

Check out his Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/iamzipk

Tommy Swisher was another young act that truly brought the energy. He came out shouting, “I’m drunk!” That he was and I wasn’t mad at him. He also performed a few of the songs I’ve heard around the city attending local shows and had a great deal of crowd participation which was cool to see. He also announces his new tape Other Side Of The Moon dropping this Thursday. 

Look out for that release on his Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/tommyswisher

Nick Grant performs some of his heat from his latest release ’88. I was most impressed by his ability to engage the crowd being one of the first rappers to hit the stage with a real Hip Hop sound. This wasn’t the jump up and down, rage-along music you heard from the acts before, but definitely moreso Rap City in the basement waving your hands side to side and bumping your head. 

Be sure to check out his latest tape ’88 here: https://soundcloud.com/nickgrantmusic

So, I’ve listened to J.I.D. and this one particular song so many times before seeing him live. He did not disappoint when he hit the stage carrying such a unique tone. If you haven’t heard Spillage Village’s J.I.D. I suggest you run over to his Soundcloud now. My favorite is his track “Underwear” because it’s just one of those records you can’t help but sing along. The melody is just that catchy. 

Check out his Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/jidsv

NOW, LISTEN! Lionbabe, I have waited to see these two perform for a while after all of the commotion behind their most talked about record “Treat Me Like Fire.” They have such great chemistry on stage and a ton of other records to rant and rave about. But honestly, what really took me there is when Jillian Hervey, one of two artists in the Neo Soul duo, popped her leg up with her toes pointed gracefully in the midst of one song. I could see it from the back of the house, and my mouth might have honestly hit the floor. Then, a friend explains that she’s a technically trained dancer in ballet. Yes, honey she twirled the night away and swung that pony tail for the GAWDS.

Check out “Treat Me Like Fire” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGi7BR6nw94

Last, Raury brings out 6lack and Pro Era during his set and both came with really exciting shows and announcements. Congrats to 6lack as he announces to everyone he is about to become a father! Then tears the stage apart saying he “aint worried about shit.” I know that’s right.

Pro Era makes the kids go wild as they perform the classics. Their entire performance was so nostalgic for me making me miss New York more and more. Unlike me, Kirk Knight talks about how much they love the southern hospitality down here and are “thinking about moving to Atlanta.” Joey performs a new single “Devastated” and wraps up the show handing the mic back over to Raury.

Raury performs his latest track “Home” and I watched as the visuals coincided with each lyric perfectly.

Alongside the beautiful energy, visuals and a bomb ass house dj (shout out to Xavier Blk), this show made me love Atlanta once again. Kids hittin’ them folks crazy, like legit dance teams, a diverse crowd, a whirlpool of music, this energy is what we need for the city. Wonderful execution again LVRN! Great show. Even better weekend!

Check out pics and short vids on the RaurFest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raurfest/