BRAVO Broccoli City Festival! Which is also a huge bravo for Washington, DC!
This was the seventh year for the festival and it surpassed the last six years, as it should. It is the biggest hip-hop festival in D.C. with the main goal being to help communities prosper which have often been denied the proper resources.
This year the festivals line up was filled with a very impressive collection of performers. Though the festival has become a destination for artists, fans and brand alike, their steadfast commitment to the community remains. The 2 hosts Rodney Rikai and Unkle Scooty kept the energy level at 100% in between each act, with the help of DJ Domo.
Since the Broccoli City Festival was birthed in the DMV area, it’s only right for them to showcase local acts like New Impressionz, one of the most esteemed go-go band in D.C. Also on the bill was Rapper Adé, formerly known as Phil Adé. Rapper YBN Cordae brought out WillThaRapper during his set. Rapper Kelow LaTesha blessed the stage with an impromptu, spirited performance. Although the lineup’s bigger names were not from the DMV, the local presence was still definitely felt.
Now for some of the Headliners!
The Festival’s lineup is usually hip-hop heavy, so it was super refreshing to see a handful of R&B acts to balance this year out. English singer Ella Mai kicked things off with her smooth hit “Trip” and her massive hit “Boo’d Up”.
Harlem singer Teyana Taylor brought a range of emotions: from the vibrant tribute “WTP” to the touching “Gonna Love Me,” which was accompanied by a beautiful touching video tribute to the relationship between actress Lauren London and her husband, the late Great Nipsey Hussle.
The presence of Nipsey Hussle loomed over the festival. He performed at the festival last year, and his entrepreneurial drive and passion for his community were exemplary of what Broccoli City organization represents.
Nipsey Hussle was honored with an official tribute on the main stage and he received another display of respect from one of the festival’s most-anticipated performers, Lil Wayne.
Lil Wayne did not disappoint! He took the crowd through nearly every era of his career. He performed a few of his hits: “Go DJ.” “Lollipop.” “Mrs. Officer.” “John.” and “A Milli.
Last but not least, Childish Gambino, known to many others as the multi-talented Donald Glover, began his set reminding the audience that this was not a concert, it was church — an experience that should not be watched through their phones. “Put the phones down and live in the moment.” He performed his hits “This Is America” and “Redbone”.
His performance was the most euphoric way to end the festival!
I don’t know about you, but after you read this I hope you are as excited as I am for Broccoli City Festival 2020. SEE YOU THERE!
Naomi is a stylish, adventurous traveler. She’s a bit of a daredevil that loves excursions. Those that know her, call her a shoe connoisseur. She is also obsessed with music and has a playlist for just about any mood. She’s a foodie that loves a good vegetarian/vegan spot. Want to know where she is headed next… stay tuned to find out!
