It is about that time of year again, the flower children are strapping on their crocheted tops and digging out their John Lennon inspired rays, ready to take to Grant Park in psychedelic storm of music, and leave it behind in a hazy cloud of smoke a few short days later. This year Lollapalooza has stacked their exclusive 25th anniversary lineup full with more headliners and special performances than ever before. With 4 days full of delectable music on the menu, it is hard to know exactly what to order, there are the no brainers, i.e. J. Cole, Lana Del Rey, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers just to name a few, but there is a great deal of underrated, up and coming artists you should give a try come July 28th. Here is your guide to the top 7 performances of Lollapalooza 2016 that you do not want to miss.
Houndmouth
Despite leading member Katie Toupin parting ways with the band this month, Houndmouth is a budding act rushing into the spotlight after releasing their new album “Little Neon Limelight” this March. And you do not want to miss them as they close out their tour this year with 3 music festivals, Lollapalooza being one lucky enough to snag this folk-harmony inspired group, perfect for swaying to the breeze on a sweet, summer night.
Flatbush Zombie
Flatbush recently made the trip to Iowa City and I was one of the few lucky enough to snag a ticket to the sold out show. Trust me when I say this is not a show I would ever want my parents knowing I went to, which makes it a perfect fit for a unhinged afternoon in Grant Park. The group from Flatbush New York is part of the hip hop movement “Beast Coast” that consists of The Underachievers and Pro Era, and like these groups, their concerts are quite the spectacle. With everything from crowd contact to mosh pits, Flatbush will have you on your feet, and your hands in the air all night long.
Kehlani
After hearing Kehlani’s mash up with Chance the Rapper it was obvious this R&B singer wouldn’t stay a secret for long. The soul and lyricism exemplified in her songs are carrying her high places, Lollapalooza for starters. Her successful Neo soul mixtape “You Should be Here” makes me expect nothing less than greatness as she takes the stage in Chicago this summer.
Big Boi and Phantagram (Big Grams)
A mash up of one the 2000’s best hip hop group’s members and a rising electronic rock duo make for a highly anticipated, must see performance. Outkast’s Big Boi will be rapping alongside Phantagram this summer performing their new song “Fell in the Sun” together along with whatever else might come our way. The details of the collab are a mystery, but one thing we can bet on is this pair’s performance will most definitely be so fresh and so clean.
Snakehips
This electronic R&B duo has probably reworked some of your favorite songs, and if you hear them you may just fall in love with their slow-beat synthesis version of popular music over the original. Along with remixes Snakehips has recently released their own powerhouse track featuring Tinashe and Chance the Rapper hitting the mainstream in a fiery frenzy, it is obvious these rising stars are a must see stop in Grant Park.
Danny Brown
MTV could not have been more correct when they described this Detroit native as “one of rap's most unique figures in recent memory.” This up and coming rapper’s original sound screams at you with every electronic beat and unique lyric. His fans can be ready for nothing short of an upbeat, out of control performance come July 28th.
The 1975
Whether you are there for the bands unorthodox groove or simply to witness the glamorous lead singer Matty Healy rock the garden in his signature skinny jeans, either way you will not be disappointed. The English rock band will be performing in Chicago only a few short months after completing a few monumental stops in Indio for the ever famous Coachella Music Festival and Colorado at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, with the release of their new album earlier this year it is bound to be a performance to remember.
