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GoldLink  

• On tour: no
• Upcoming 2024 concerts: none

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The Goldlink concert was lit! I went to the first show (8:00pm). There was another show at 11:00pm. I went to the first show so I could get the fresh hype energy. Money well spent. I got to meet him (He's super chill as expected), he gave a hand written signature on a nice print of the album cover, and I got a picture. The show was live. Even though I went up top in the venue where there are seats I was on my feet the whole time. I hope he comes back next year or even over the summer. I will be in attendance.

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Crazy show!!!!

2 moshpits, played all the greatest songs and an exclusive oldie but goldie (Late Night with Masego).

Only downside was his show felt too short but thats up to him. Would I go to show of his again, yes but only if there is more to offer. Otherwise i feel like this experience was great enough to have once.

Songkick & Kulturhaus are good platforms & venue.

This was the 3rd time I saw Goldlink this year and it was honestly the best show he had! I loved it and had a great time. I go there super early but the line didn't really start forming until around 1 or 2 hours before the doors opened. The coat check was inexpensive. The venue was pretty large. I had a great time!

The vibes of the entire show went from mellow to hype and back to mellow again. Goldlink has great stage presence and knows how to work a show. The opening acts set the mood and I got introduced to some amazing new artist. They were all very talented and I would definitely love to see them again.

Goldlink was one of the best artists I've seen live before ever. He controlled the crowd and made all rap listeners feel included in the music he was making before our eyes. His t shirt cost $25 but I would have paid $35 if need be to help remember how great his concert was.

The opener Hare Squead was sooo good. Same if not more lit than Goldlink! The energy was fantastic, the venue was great, the set was perfect. Even before the concert, there was a DJ playing hit rap songs and everyone was moshing and jumping and shit!

Awesome performance! He had a lot of energy and interacted well with the crowd, splitting it up like the red sea ahaha // The set was a bit short though, just under an hour, wish we could've heard more, all the songs he played were amazing!

GREAT SHOW!! He’s such an amazing artist and the sound team had everything sounding crips and clear. Opening act was great as well. Good stage control and worked it!! Can’t wait to review my next show!! Enjoyed myself a lot!! Thanks!!

Goldlink was amazing!!!

He was amazing with the crowd, incredible performer. Awesome to see Maségo come out also! Great guys.

Can't wait to see him play at a bigger venue like O2 Brixton.

Can't wait for the next London show

GoldLink did not preform! It ended up only being blood orange and Tyler. I was defo to bummed that he did not come out but was unsure of what happened. It was never addressed, but Tyler played for a long time so I wasn't upset.

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Find out more about GoldLink tour dates & tickets 2024-2025

Want to see GoldLink in concert? Find information on all of GoldLink’s upcoming concerts, tour dates and ticket information for 2024-2025.

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• Los Angeles (LA) (21)
• SF Bay Area (17)
• Washington (17)
• New York (NYC) (14)
• London (12)

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• Tyler, The Creator (36)
• Blood Orange (20)
• Maségo (19)
• Mac Miller (17)

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GoldLink Is Going on Tour

GoldLink announces his first-ever headline tour,  just over a year after the release of his breakout debut, The God Complex . "It was great being able to tour last year with artists that I'm personally a fan of, like SBTRKT and Flume, but I can't wait to take this next step and to be able to headline my own tour and meet my fans all across North America," he said.

Link has toured the U.S. separately with SBTRKT and Flume and performed at different events The Boiler Room show at MoMA PS1 and SXSW, which was documented . The DMV native recently released the video for his biggest single to date, the Kaytranada-produced " Sober Thoughts ." He currently working on new music and a creative collaboration with Rick Rubin. Check out the tour dates and tickets information below.

The Tour Dates:

6/9 - Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade -  TIX 6/10 - New York, NY @ SOBs -  TIX 6/11 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs -  TIX 6/12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge -  TIX 6/13 - Montreal, QC @ NewSpeak -  TIX 6/17 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy -  TIX 6/18 - Oakland, CA @ The New Parish -  TIX 6/19 - Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory -  TIX 6/20 - New Braunfels, TX @ Whitewater Music Amphitheater -  TIX 6/23 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry -  TIX 6/24 - Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Rock Club -  TIX 6/25 - Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest Festival -  TIX 6/26 - Vancouver, BC @ The Alexander -  TIX

Related:  GoldLink and Rick Rubin Are Recording Together The Come Up: GoldLink  Show And Prove: GoldLink Is Leading The Future Bounce Movement GoldLink Says Future Bounce Is “Almost Like Redefining Music” GoldLink Says Classism Was Built Through the Internet All Over Again

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• Concertful ranking: #3260
• Category: Rap / Hip-Hop

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GoldLink Tickets

GoldLink Concert Tickets

Find GoldLink tickets on TicketSmarter today! GoldLink, born D’Anthony Carlos, is an American rapper. He began releasing his own music on SoundCloud and eventually gained attention in 2014 after releasing his debut mixtape The God Complex , which earned critical acclaim. In 2015 he was named a member of XXL’s Freshman Class, a list of up-and-coming hip-hop artists to watch.

GoldLink is proud of his Washington D.C. roots, which comes through in his music. His third album, At What Cost , reflects the go-go music style made popular in the D.C. area that originally got him into music. The album included the song “Crew”, which became one of GoldLink’s most popular songs and reached #7 on Billboard’s 10 Best Rap Songs of 2017. The song was also certified Platinum three times by the RIAA. His latest album, Diaspora , uses lyrics to show how Black cultures are connected worldwide. It’s his Black heritage style of music that keeps him climbing the charts, relating to thousands across America and especially in the D.C. area where he grew up.

GoldLink has been nominated for four awards, including two Grammy nominations for Best Rap/Sung Performance. In 2018, he was nominated for Best New Artist at the BET Awards. Get your GoldLink tickets now to see one of today’s fastest-rising rappers.

GoldLink Ticket Prices

Ticket prices will vary depending on factors such as seat placement, sold-out shows or venue location. GoldLink tickets may also cost a premium for VIP options or festival passes.

How much are GoldLink tickets?

Tickets to large venues like Pechanga Arena range from $30 to $50 for balcony seating, while floor seating ranges from $60 to $80, depending on how close the seats are to the stage. Tickets to large festivals are likely to cost more, such as Super Bock Super Rock or Coachella , which can cost around $1,000 for VIP passes. Get your GoldLink tickets hassle-free from TicketSmarter today.

GoldLink Tour Dates & Concert Schedule

GoldLink’s 2019 tour, Diaspora, made stops at major venues and arenas nationwide, including Madison Square Garden in New York and State Farm Arena in Atlanta . As a rising artist, he usually opens shows or performs with well-known artists like Tyler the Creator, Santi and Little Dragon. The Diaspora Tour had shows in the United States as well as the United Kingdom, helping expand GoldLink’s unique sound and totaling 44 shows altogether.

When do GoldLink tickets go on sale?

Shopping for tickets should be easy. When you make your purchase through TicketSmarter you never need a presale code, so you can get your GoldLink tickets as soon as his tour is announced and before they sell out.

GoldLink Seating Chart

GoldLink typically performs at large arenas with capacities of around 16,000 people, such as Pechanga Arena in San Diego. These venues tend to have stadium seating, although if the floor area is general admission, it might be standing room only. When he is performing at a large festival, tickets are likely to be general admission with floor seating on a first-come basis. Occasionally, he will perform at smaller venues like the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, which has a capacity of around 5,000 guests. No matter the venue size, you can use our interactive seating chart to find the perfect section.

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Songs from the GoldLink Tour Setlist

GoldLink's setlist while performing in Amsterdam , 07 at “Melkweg The Max” included the following songs:

• Days Like This
• Herside Story
• Zulu Screams
• Pray Everyday
• Dance on Me

Source: Setlist.fm

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GoldLink Talks Vision Behind 'Diaspora,' Tour With Tyler, The Creator, Musical Roots & More

"I wanted to just make a really great American rap album, because I feel that like is very scarce in the marketplace," the GRAMMY-nominated rapper told us

GRAMMY-nominated rapper GoldLink , born D'Anthony Carlos in Washington D.C., is a force to be reckoned with. He released his first two mixtapes, God Complex and After That, We Didn't Talk , in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Both were critically acclaimed, and earned him a spot in XXL's 2015 Freshman Class , firmly cementing his steadily rising role in hip-hop. His strong sense of self and artistic vision shine through in his smooth flow and next-level lyricism.

In 2017 he released his first studio album, At What Cost . At the 60th GRAMMY Awards he earned his first nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance for "Crew," one of the big tracks from the album. At the 61st GRAMMY Awards  earlier this year, he received his second nomination, in the same category, for his feature on Christina Aguilera 's "Like I Do."

This year, on June 12, GoldLink followed up with the powerful Diaspora . The Recording Academy recently spoke with the rapper over the phone about the vision behind the new album, collaborating with Tyler, the Creator (who he's also touring with him soon, and will be joining his Camp Flog Gnaw fest ), Khalid and others on it, quitting social media and more.

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So you recently released Diaspora . How are you feeling about sharing that project so far? What are you most proud about with it?

It feels good. It feels great that it's finally out into the world. It's just been a crazy thing for me. It's been received really well from just what I've seen. I'm no longer on social media, I haven't been for almost a year or two. So I've met people, and they've just been telling how amazing it is. And the right people.

Was there a reason that you decided to go off social media and just talk to real people instead?

Yeah. I mean, why don't I just talk to real people? It's weird. It's actually weird. I think we've used it, we've abused it the wrong way at this point.

For the people that you have talked to about the project so far, were there any comments or any reactions that really stood out to you?

They've all been really great. They've all been standout. It's all been very amazing things. And close friends I would just sit and talk to about it, they could talk about it for hours, about what they think or how they feel about it and what they took from it, things like that. But yeah, everything is kind of crazy.

I'm sure there's been a lot of momentum, from being in the studio and finishing it and then waiting to share it with the world. Did it feel like a bit a relief once the album was out, or what was the moment like for you?

It was weird because I felt like I'd been just trying to fine-tune it and I lived with it for such a long time, that by the time it got out it just felt like a leap almost.

I would love to hear a bit more about the vision behind the project.

Well it's crazy, it started out as I wanted to just make a really great American rap album, because I feel that like is very scarce in the marketplace. Then I started having conversations with people and a friend of mine was explaining Afro-Nowisim. I started to travel a lot more and to adopt Afro-Nowisim, but I never forgot about the great American rap album. And as it started progressing into more of an international—well I always wanted to be an international thing—I never forgot about the first part of what I wanted to accomplish for myself. So, it started with a base and it kinda fine-tuned into something, more relatable, I guess.

There are a ton of great collabs on it, some DMV [Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia] rappers, and other artists from all over, pointing back to those two themes you mentioned. How did you chose who to work with and what was your favorite part about bringing all these different artists together?

I just chose based off of what I thought was best for the project at hand. I never really go for anything unless I believe that someone can bring a [fresh] element to a project. I always feel like the best movies never have an all-star cast of straight A-list people, those are the best movies. You know, it might have a Matthew McConaughey and a Timothée Chalamet who is 17 and make one of the best movies of all time. I think that's kind of how I choose. Also, I like bringing people out of their element and into my world to challenge them in a way I know they would succeed in, that is just not the typical route for them.

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Your song "Days Like This" with Khalid stands out to me as a great example of this. He isn't the first person that I would expect on the album, but it feels so natural. Were there other songs that was a bit unexpected but it felt really natural when you got together?

Khalid is definitely the epitome of that example, I feel like Tyler [the Creator] as well. It seems obvious that Tyler would get on a bossa nova record but he's never done that ever in his career. So it's things like that where you are like, "oh wow, why?" And then you do it and it's so natural, no one even thought that's completely out of his realm [when they heard it]. It just keeps it interesting. I don't like songs that you can hear before you actually listen to it and be like, no.

Is that something that you try to do for yourself too? Were there different sounds that you tried for this album, like "I don't know if this will work but I want to try it"?

Yes. I definitely tried a few things that wouldn't be, a lot of things that I tried that were just off and never made it. But it was the things that expanded on the realm of what I was already doing [that worked]. I felt like this is natural next step, so it didn't feel too off.

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Where did you start on these songs, with a sound, style or idea?

It almost built in sections. It started as one idea, that idea just turned into another idea and that built into the base of a [larger] idea. I almost had it done in my head with no music. And then it really started from an image that I saw and then I had one beat that I held onto for a long time. That's how it started. I never used the beat or the image. I just had those two in mind and tried to figure out, "How do I try to make these two things make sense?"

Are there any artists that you haven't worked with yet that you have your eye on?

Nah. Everything works out the way it's supposed to or [already] has.

Is your philosophy along the lines of not overthinking or over-planning things too much, to leave more room for the right thing, to come forward?

Yes, that's exactly what it is.

And then you're bringing Tyler on, I think, a bunch of your U.S. shows for the album?

He's actually bringing me.

What are you most looking forward to with the tour?

Getting in front of a completely new fan base is going to be really fun for me. I want to see how far this thing can stretch. I know the community of rap is a big one. I wanna see if I can keep grabbing. So I look at it as an experience and I am really appreciative.

That's awesome. And, speaking of shows, you're also doing a couple different festivals, including Meow Wolf's Taos Vortex and a couple of the Afropunks . What's your favorite part of performing at music festivals? Do you approach those shows differently?

Yeah I do, they are just different, a different thing. I'm always going in there fighting to win and I'm really going in there for everyone. And no one show is the same. So I always go into every show differently.

Different in the sense of your mindset, sort of from your perspective or more so from who you are trying to reach in the audience?

Both. But really the audience thing because every day is really not the same. You know what I'm saying? You can have a crazy Wednesday crowd but a dead Saturday crowd. Because every place, every festival, every group of people is just different. You can't even go into things the same and do things the same because there's too many anomalies and x factors that exist. I can't go into a Tyler show like my [own] show. I can't go into Afropunk like I would go into a predominantly white festival in Berlin. It's just two different stratospheres. You gotta be conscious of that and switch things around and accommodate.

What about your musical influences? Who did you grow up listening to and who inspires you still in your music?

You know I always used to force this question early in my career, thinking that there was a correct answer for it. I would rattle off their names because I thought I was so cool. Honestly, I listen to so much stuff and the thing is I never cared about music like that. I wasn't that type of guy.

From the city I come from, music is prominent but not how you would think it is. What I mean by that, my mom would listen to gospel, that was her thing. My dad listened to jazz and soul and R&B, and my brother listened to predominantly rap music from the South. It was just eclectic and I listened to whatever was on TV. I didn't care, I didn't know.

So, I was influenced by so many things. And I things that I liked I couldn't tell you why, I just did. I don't think it played into the influence of how I decided to go about things. It wasn't like "Oh man, Stevie [Wonder ] at my house was crazy," it was just regular. We listened to Go-go music [a sub-genre of funk with roots in D.C.] because that's what we listened to in D.C. predominantly at the time. It was everywhere, on the radio, in schools. So, that's just what we were doing and I was really just going with whatever we were doing. So I never really had that.

At what point did you decide that you wanted to rap and pursue making music?

I'm going to say, seriously , at 23. I was doing it at 20, but I didn't really seriously consider it as a thing until the stakes started to get a little higher. When that happened, I started going back to things I like but I can't put my finger on and realizing why I liked it. The musicality of these things. "Why does this work or why does this sound better than the other songs I used to like all the time that I don't like anymore?" That's when I started appreciating music on a different level. That's why I would say musical influences came a little later on.

I would be like wow, the way that Marvin Gaye , when he made "Got To Give It Up," to me is sick because the inclusivity of how it makes you feel. It makes you feel like you're at a party, no matter what you're doing. Those are the things I started to appreciate about music later in my career, like oh wow, there's a scientific, spiritual aspect, even like a strategic aspect to what this accomplished. It's so eclectic because I love that I can pick what I love about a few people and then completely create a new identity.

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New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From Khalid, Mariah Carey, NAYEON, And More

From reworked classics to new fresh tunes, take a listen to some of the most exciting tracks that dropped on June 14.

Those pre-summer Fridays just keep rolling on. With each release day, the music community fills our hard drives, playlists and record shelves with more aural goodness.

Granted, to wrangle it all in one place is impossible — but GRAMMY.com can provide a healthy cross-section of what's out there. From here, venture forth into new releases by Luke Combs ( Fathers & Sons ), Normani ( Dopamine ), Moneybagg Yo ( Speak Now ), Jelly Roll ("I Am Not Okay"), and more.

For now, here are nine new songs or albums to explore.

Khalid — "Adore U"

After previously released single "Please Don't Fall in Love With Me," Khalid is back with another luminous ode to romantic disconnection, where he calls for healing amid broken ties.

"Thousand miles apart and you're still in my heart/ Can we take it back?" Khalid pleads in the hook. "I'm waiting at the start/ Fly me to the moon and now I'm seeing stars when we touch."

Khalid hasn't released a full-length album since 2019's Free Spirit . But he's been teasing a new project for a minute: two weeks ago, he shared an Instagram carouse l with the caption "5 years later. Here we go again." And the yearning "Adore U" certainly sets the tone for what's to come in Khalid's world.

NAYEON — 'NA'

TWICE 's NAYEON is shifting gears towards her highly anticipated solo comeback with the release of NA , a project that spans pop, dance, and more. The follow-up to her debut solo album, 2022's IM NAYEON, NA provides a glimpse into the TWICE member's transition from being daunted by a solo career to finding comfort in the act.

One highlight is the shimmering "Butterflies," which NAYEON described to Rolling Stone as "one of my favorite songs" yet "one of the harder ones to record, actually." Another is the brassy "Magic," which she calls "a very self-confident song." All in all, NA winningly cements NAYEON's identity — irrespective of her main gig.

Mariah Carey — 'Rainbow: 25th Anniversary Extended Edition'

In light of its 25-year anniversary, Mariah Carey revisits her iconic 1999 album, Rainbow , which featured collaborations with fellow household names like Jay-Z , USHER , and Missy Elliott . The new anniversary edition boasts a plethora of remastered and remixed tracks — a treasure trove for Carey acolytes.

One new track is "Rainbow's End," produced by David Morales; Carey described it as "a hopeful ending to an emotional roller-coaster ride." Elsewhere, there's "There For Me," a love letter to her fans that didn't make the album; a new remix of "How Much" by Jermaine Dupri , and some intriguing live recordings and a cappella tracks.

$UICIDEBOY$ — 'New World Depression'

Since at least their debut album, 2018's I Want to Die in New Orleans , rap duo $UICIDEBOY$ have expertly cataloged the bugs beneath the rock of the human experience: addiction, depression, the whole nine yards. New World Depression is a further distillation of their beautifully filthy aesthetic and worldview.

In highlights like "Misery in Waking Hours" and "Transgressions," MCs $crim and Ruby da Cherry's chroniclings of misery are barer than ever: "Hurts too much to give a f— / Demoralized, always lying, telling people I'll be fine," they rap. Who hasn't felt like this, at one point or another?

John Cale — 'POPtical Illusion'

At 82, Velvet Underground violist, multi-instrumentalist and co-founder John Cale is still a tinkerer, a ponderer, an artist in flux rather than stasis. In 2023, when GRAMMY.com asked when he felt he came into his own as an improviser, he immediately replied "Last year."

That interview was centered around that year's solo album, Mercy , another gem in a solo discography full of them. Now, he's already back with a follow-up, POPtical Illusion .

While POPtical Illusion maintains its predecessors' foreboding, topical nature — and then some — tracks like "Laughing in My Sleep" and "Funkball the Brewster" couch these morose topics in a more playful, irreverent aural palette.

Tanner Adell — "Too Easy"

The Twisters soundtrack continues to be a whirlwind of great tunes. The latest dispatch is Tanner Adell 's "Too Easy," a country-pop dance floor banger — its video even featuring a performance by dance troupe the PBR Nashville Buckle Bunnies.

"Too Easy" is the fourth song to be released from the Twisters soundtrack, following Tucker Wetmore's "Already Had It," Megan Moroney 's "Never Left Me," Bailey Zimmerman 's "Hell or High Water," and Luke Combs ' "Ain't No Love in Oklahoma." The full album — which features a hoard of country stars, including Lainey Wilson , Thomas Rhett , Tyler Childers and more — will be available on July 19 when the movie hits theaters.

Stonebwoy — "Your Body"

We've clearly caught Ghanian Afropop star Stonebwoy in a jubilant mood. In a teaser for his new song, "Your Body," the singer born Livingstone Satekia undulates on a saturated, red-and-blue backdrop, foreshadowing the sticky summer days we'll spend jamming the tune.

And the full song certainly doesn't disappoint. Interweaving strains of pop, R&B and reggae, with Stonebwoy deftly switching between singing and rapping, "Your Body" will get your body moving.

Toosii — "Where You Been"

Rapper Toosii last teased his upcoming eighth mixtape, JADED , with "Suffice," its lead single released back in November. In the interim, he's been "locked in perfecting a new look a new sound new everything!" as he shared in an Instagram reel. "I just hope you're ready," he added with star and smile emojis.

Said teaser pointed toward a melancholic, weighty ballad, which ended up being the next release from JADED , "Where You Been." Riding a multidimensional, brain-flipping beat, the song is an immersive, thoughtful banger not to be missed.

Victoria Monét — "Power of Two" (from 'The Acolyte')

The latest Star Wars show on Disney+, "The Acolyte," is getting rave reviews — and three-time GRAMMY winner Victoria Monét is now part of its musical universe. She's contributed an original song, "Power of Two," to the end credits of the Lucasfilm series.

Over an ethereal, melancholic beat, the lyrics detail emotions ripe for either terra firma or a galaxy far, far away: "You thought your soul was a necklace/ That you could wear and take off/ That you could rip and break off/ That you could trade in the dark/ But you're mine."

Bring these killer tunes straight into your weekend — and keep checking GRAMMY.com for more brand-new New Music Friday lists!

Victoria Monét's Evolution: How The "On My Mama" Singer Transitioned From Hit Songwriter To Best New Artist Nominee

Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban

9 Lively Sets From The 2024 Roots Picnic: Jill Scott, Lil Wayne, Nas, Sexyy Red, & More

From hit-filled sets by The-Dream and Babyface to a star-studded tribute to New Orleans, the 2024 iteration of the Roots Picnic was action-packed. Check out a round-up of some of the most exciting sets here.

As June kicked off over the weekend, The Roots notched another glorious celebration at West Philadelphia's Fairmount Park with the 16th annual Roots Picnic. This year's festival featured even more activations, food vendors, attendees, and lively performances.

On Saturday, June 1, the action was established from the onset. October London and Marsha Ambrosius enlivened the soul of R&B lovers, while Method Man and Redman brought out surprise guests like Chi-town spitter Common and A$AP Ferg for a showstopping outing. 

Elsewhere, rappers Smino and Sexyy Red flashed their St. Louis roots and incited fans to twerk through the aisles of the TD Pavilion. And Philly-born Jill Scott 's sultry vocals made for a memorable homecoming performance during her headlining set. 

The momentum carried over to day two on Sunday, June 2, with rising stars like Shaboozey and N3WYRKLA showing the Roots Picnic crowd why their names have garnered buzz. Later in the day, rapper Wale brought his signature D.C. swag to the Presser Stage. And while Gunna 's performance was shorter than planned, it still lit the fire of younger festgoers. 

Closing out the weekend was a savory tribute to New Orleans courtesy of The Roots themselves, which also starred Lil Wayne , acclaimed R&B vocalists, an illustrious jazz band, and some beloved NoLa natives. 

Read on for some of the most captivating moments and exciting sets from the 2024 Roots Picnic. 

The-Dream Serenaded On The Main Stage

The-Dream | Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban

After years away from the bright lights of solo stardom, The-Dream made a triumphant return to the festival stage on Saturday. The GRAMMY-winning songwriter and producer played his timeless R&B hits like "Falsetto" and "Shawty Is Da S––," reminding fans of his mesmerizing voice and renowned penmanship.

His vocals melted into the sunset overlooking Fairmount Park Saturday evening. And even in moments of audio malfunctions, he was able to conjure the greatness he's displayed as a solo act. Although, it may have looked easier than it was for the Atlanta-born musician: "Oh, y'all testing me," he said jokingly. 

The-Dream slowed it down with the moodier Love vs. Money album cut "Fancy," then dug into the pop-funk jam "Fast Car" and the bouncy "Walkin' On The Moon." He takes fans on a ride through his past sexual exploits on the classic "I Luv Your Girl," and closes on a fiery note with the "Rockin' That S—." While even he acknowledged that his set wasn't perfect, it left fans hoping to see more from the artist soon. 

Smino Rocked Out With His Philly "Kousins"

Smino | Shaun Llewellyn

Despite somewhat of a "niche" or cult-like following, Smino galvanized music lovers from all corners to the Presser Stage. The St. Louis-bred neo-soul rapper played silky jams like "No L's" and "Pro Freak" from 2022's Luv 4 Rent , then dove into the sultry records from his earlier projects.

"Klink" set the tone for the amplified showcase, with fans dancing in their seats and through the aisles. His day-one fans — or "kousins," as he lovingly refers to them — joined him on songs like the head-bopping "Z4L," and crooned across the amphitheater on the impassioned "I Deserve." 

Under Smino's musical guidance, the crowd followed without a hitch anywhere in the performance. It further proved how magnetic the "Netflix & Dusse" artist is live, and how extensive his reach has become since his 2017 debut, blkswn.

Nas Took Fans Down Memory Lane

Nas | Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban

The New York and Philadelphia connection was undeniable Saturday, as legendary Queensbridge MC Nas forged the two distinctive cities for a performance that harnessed an "Illadelph State of Mind."

The "I Gave You Power" rapper played his first show in Philadelphia as a teenager, when he only had one verse under his belt: Main Source's 1991 song "Live at the BBQ." Back then, Nas admitted to underplaying the city's influence, but he knew then what he knows now — "I had to step my s— up." And he did.

The rapper played iconic songs like "Life's a B–" and "Represent" from his landmark debut Illmatic , which celebrated 30 years back in April. He even brought out Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah to add to the lyrical onslaught, and played records like "Oochie Wally" and "You Owe Me" to enliven his female fans.

Sexyy Red Incited A Twerk Fest

Sexyy Red | Frankie Vergara

Hot-ticket rapper Sexyy Red arrived on the Presser Stage with a message: "Make America Sexyy Again." And as soon as Madam Sexyy arrived, she ignited a riot throughout the TD Pavilion aisles. Twerkers clung onto friends and grasped nearby railings to dance to strip club joints like "Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Dad)" and "Hood Rats."

Red matched the energy and BPM-attuned twerks from her fans, which only intensified as her lyrics grew more explicit. Sexyy encouraged all of the antics with a middle finger to the sky, her tongue out, and her daring lyrics filling the air. Songs like "SkeeYee" and "Pound Town" added to the nonstop action, leaving fans in a hot sweat — and with their inner sexyy fully unlocked.

Jill Scott Delivered Some Homegrown Magic

Jill Scott (left) and Tierra Whack | Marcus McDonald

To close out night one, the Roots Picnic crowd congregated at the Park Stage for a glimpse of Philadelphia's native child, Jill Scott. The famed soulstress swooned with her fiery voice and neo-soul classics like "A Long Walk" and "The Way." Fans swayed their hips and sang to the night sky as Scott sprinkled her musical magic.

Scott, wrapped up in warm, sapphire-toned garments, was welcomed to the stage by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. The newly elected official rallied the audience for a "Philly nostalgic" evening, and the GRAMMY-winning icon delivered a soaring performance that mirrored her vocal hero, Kathleen Battle. "Philadelphia, you have all of my love," Scott gushed. "I'm meant to be here tonight at this Roots Picnic."

"Jilly from Philly" invited some of the city's finest MCs to the stage for the jam session. Black Thought rapped along her side for The Roots' "You Got Me," and Tierra Whack stepped in for the premiere of her and Scott's unreleased rap song, a booming ode to North Philly. 

Fantasia & Tasha Cobbs Leonard Brought Electrifying Energy

Fantasia | Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban

Led by the musical maestro Adam Blackstone , singers Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Fantasia set the warmness of Sunday service and their Southern flare with a "Legacy Experience." And as the title of the performance suggests, their fiery passion was a thread of musical mastery.

As fans danced across the lawn, it was just as much a moment of worship as it was a soulful jam — and only the dynamic voices of the two Southern acts could do the job. "Aren't y'all glad I took y'all there this Sunday," Blackstone said.

The sanctity of Tasha Cobbs Leonard's vocals was most potent on "Put A Praise On It," and Fantasia's power brought the house down even further with classics like "Free Yourself" and "When I See U."

"I wasn't supposed to come up here and cut. I'm trying to be cute," Fantasia joked after removing her shoes on stage. The North Carolina native's lips quivered and her hands shook in excitement, as she continued to uplift the audience — fittingly closing with a roaring rendition of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary."

Babyface Reminded Of His Icon Status

Babyface | Marcus McDonald

There are few artists who could dedicate a full set to their own records, or the hits they've penned for other musicians. And if you don't know how special that is, Babyface won't hesitate to remind you. "I wrote this back in 1987," he said before singing the Whispers ' "Rock Steady."

Throughout the legendary R&B singer's 45-minute set, he switched between his timeless records like "Every Time I Close My Eyes" and "Keeps on Fallin'," and those shared by the very artists he's inspired — among them, Bobby Brown 's "Don't Be Cruel" and "Every Little Step," 

Fans across several generations gathered to enjoy the classic jams. There was a look of awe in their eyes, as they marveled at the work and memories Babyface has created over more than four decades. 

André 3000 Offered Layers Of Creativity

André 3000 | Marcus McDonald

Speculation over what André 3000 would bring to his Sunday night set was the buzz all weekend. Fans weren't sure if they were going to hear the "old André," or the one blowing grandiose tones from a flute on his solo debut, 2023's New Blue Sun .

The former Outkast musician went for the latter, and while some fans were dismayed by the lack of bars, hundreds stayed for the highly rhythmic set. "Welcome to New Blue Sun live," André said. The majestic chimes and flowy notes of his performance reflect a new creative outlook, and as the performance went on, there was a cloud of coolness that loomed over the amphitheater.

His artistic approach is new to many fans, but he never stopped showcasing the personality they have grown to love. After delivering a message in an indistinguishable language, he panned to the crowd with a look of deep thought and said, "I just want y'all to know, I made all that s— up." It's the kind of humor fans have admired from him for decades, and moments like those are one of many reasons they stayed to watch the nuances of the MC's set.

Lil Wayne & The Roots Gave New Orleans Its Magnolias

Trombone Shorty (left) and Black Thought | Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban

The sound of jazz trombones and the gleam of Mardi Gras colors transported West Philly to the bustling streets of New Orleans for the closing set of Roots Picnic 2024. The ode to the Big Easy featured natives like Lloyd, PJ Morton and the marvelous Trombone Shorty , all of whom helped deliver a celebratory tribute that matched the city's vibrance.

Lloyd floated to the stage singing The Roots' "Break You Off," and delved into his own catalog with "Get It Shawty" and "You." Morton soon followed with a soulful run of his R&B records, including "The Sweetest Thing" and "Please Be Good."

With anticipation on full tilt, Black Thought welcomed the festival closer to the stage with a message: "It's only right if Philly pays homage to New Orleans that we bring out Lil Wayne." And right on cue, Wayne drew a wave of cheers as he began "Mr. Carter."

Wayne strung together his biggest Billboard-charting and street hits, including "Uproar," "Hustler's Muzik" and "Fireman." The performance was a rousing cap-off to the weekend — and it clearly meant a lot to the rapper to rep his city in such grand fashion.

"This is a dream come true," Wayne said. "It's a motherf–ing honor."

11 New Music Festivals To Attend In 2024: No Values, We Belong Here & More

Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

New Music Friday: Listen To New Albums & Songs From Sexyy Red, Charlie Puth, Vince Staples, Aaron Carter & More

Don't slide into your Memorial Day weekend without stocking your New Music Friday playlist with fresh tunes. Here are new albums and songs from Trueno, Shenseea, DIIV, and many more.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, which means we're inching closer to another music-filled summer. Less than halfway through 2024, we've received a veritable bounty of new music from Green Day , Taylor Swift , Billie Eilish , Kacey Musgraves , Zayn … the list goes on and on.

Clearly, no matter which musical world you inhabit, 2024 has had something for you — and the slate of today's releases continues that streak. Pull up your favorite streaming service — or dust off your record player — and check out this slate of new music that's fresh out of the oven.

Sexyy Red — In Sexyy We Trust

The #MakeAmericaSexyyAgain train is unstoppable. Amid numberless recent accolades — including five nominations at the 2024 BET Awards, including Best Female Hip Hop Artist and Best New Artist — Sexyy Red has dropped a new EP, In Sexyy We Trust . By the sound of "Awesome Jawsome," we all live in Sexyy's lascivious, irresistible universe: "Give me that awesome jawsome, suck it, baby, use your teeth / Shake your dreads between my legs, do it for a G." (Take that under advisement.) And with more than 8.3 million YouTube views for her "Get it Sexyy" music video, legions are clamoring for her second official release without a doubt.

Vince Staples — Dark Times

If you're currently rounding a difficult corner in your life, Vince Staples ' latest album is a trusty companion. Take the first single "Shame on the Devil," where he licks his wounds amid thick isolation and friction with loved ones. "It's me mastering some things I've tried before that I wasn't great at in the beginning," he said in a statement . "It's a testament to musical growth, song structure — all the good stuff." By the sound of this haunted yet resolute single, Dark Times could materialize as Staples' most realized album to date — and most hard-won victory to boot.

Aaron Carter — The Recovery Album

By all means, we should have Aaron Carter alive, healthy and, yes, recovered. But the beloved singer unexpectedly died in November 2022. (He accidentally drowned in his bathtub after taking sedatives and inhaling a spray cleaner.) Still, the 2000s-era teen star, who gave us "I Want Candy," "Aaron's Party (Come Get It)" and "That's How I Beat Shaq," left us with a poignant, posthumous statement in The Recovery Album : "Tomorrow is a new day / Tryin' to shake the pain away / 'Cause I'm still in recovery," he sings in the title track. Carter, who was open about his struggles with addiction, substance abuse and mental health, is also in the news for a rough ride of a documentary, Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter . But if you'd rather focus on Carter the artist, The Recovery Album shows that his considerable talent remains undimmed.

DIIV — Frog in Boiling Water

The idiom of a frog in boiling water is a familiar one, but it's never quite unfolded in music like this — and DIIV, one of rock's most impressionistic acts, is the band for the job. In a press statement, the group, led by Zachary Cole Smith, called Frog in Boiling Water a reflection of "a slow, sick, and overwhelmingly banal collapse of society under end-stage capitalism." To wit, tracks like "Brown Paper Bag," "Raining on Your Pillow" and "Soul-net" sound like dying in a beautiful way. "Everyone Out," another album highlight, provides a clear, critical directive.

Shenseea — Never Gets Late Here

To hear Jamaican leading light Shenseea tell it, she's been boxed in as a "dancehall artiste," but she's so much more than that. "By next year I want to be international," she said back in 2018. "An international pop star." Her second album, Never Gets Late Here , might be that final boost to the big time she's chasin. Throughout the sticky-sweet album, the genre traverser tries on disco vibes ("Flava" with Voi Leray), an Afrobeats tint ("Work Me Out" with Wizkid ), and a bona fide, swing-for-the-rafters anthem in the power ballad "Stars." "Everyone is looking at everything I'm going through," she recently told Revolt , "which is special because they can see the fight I'm getting, but still see me pushing and persevering."

Trueno — EL ÚLTIMO BAILE

Argentine phenom Trueno — a rapper, singer and songwriter of equal fire — has been on a sharp rise ever since his debut, 2020's Atrevido . This time, he's especially leaning into his rap skills as he pays homage to his beloved hip-hop. And, as he explained to Rolling Stone , he's been diligently crafting this artistic culmination. "We also don't want to rush anything. We're working day and night on it," he said of EL ÚLTIMO BAILE . "I'm an artist who's all about albums and big projects, so I'm immersed in this." We're about to be, too.

Yola — My Way

Yola has been nominated for six GRAMMYs to date; this impressive feat has thickened the momentum behind her latest batch of music. For her new My Way EP, the British singer/songwriter tapped GRAMMY-nominated producer Sean Douglas , who's worked with everyone from Lizzo to Madonna to Sia . Not that this synthesist of progressive R&B, synth pop, electronica, and more needs a reintroduction. But if you're not already on board with this musically keen, lyrically conscious artist, songs like "Future Enemies" should lure you there.

2025 GRAMMYs To Take Place Sunday, Feb. 2, Live In Los Angeles; GRAMMY Awards Nominations To Be Announced Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Coachella

10 Times Hip-Hop Has Given A Voice To Mental Health: Eminem, J. Cole, Logic & More Speak Out

From the message of "The Message" to Joe Budden's vulnerable podcast and Jay-Z speaking about the importance of therapy, read on for moments in the history of hip-hop where mental health was at the forefront.

In a world of braggadocio lyrics, where weakness is often looked down upon, hip-hop can often seem far from a safe place to discuss mental health. 

But underneath its rugged exterior, hip-hop culture and its artists have long been proponents of well-being and discussing the importance of taking care of one's mental health. Openness about these topics has grown in recent years, including a 2022 panel discussion around hip-hop and mental health , co-hosted by the GRAMMY Museum, the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective, and MusicCares in partnership with the Universal Hip-Hop Museum. 

"Artists are in a fight-or-flight mode when it comes to being in this game," said Eric Brooks, former VP of Marketing & Promotions at Priority Records who worked with NWA and Dr. Dre . "And there need to be strategies on how to deal with the inner battles that only happen in the mind and body."  

The panel only scratched the surface of the many times hip-hop culture has illuminated critical mental health issues that often remain hidden or under-discussed in the music industry. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, read on for 10 times hip-hop has shone a light on mental health. 

J. Cole Apologized To Kendrick Lamar

A long-simmering beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar was reignited in March 2024 when Metro Boomin' and Future released " Like That ." The track featured a scathing verse from Kendrick, where he took aim at  Drake and J. Cole , and referenced the pair's collaborative song " First Person Shooter ." 

The single begged for a response, and J. Cole, under what was presumably a significant amount of pressure, surprise-released his Might Delete Later . The album featured "7 Minute Drill," in which Cole calls  Kendrick's  To Pimp, A Butterfly boring. 

But the same week Cole's album came out, he apologized  to Kendrick onstage at his Dreamville Fest, saying it didn't sit right with his spirit and that he "felt terrible" since it was released. Cole added that the song didn’t sit right with him spiritually and he was unable to sleep. Cole subsequently removed "7 Minute Drill" from streaming services. 

Strong debate followed about whether or not Cole should have removed the song. However, many heralded Cole’s maturity in the decision and said it was an important example of not doing things that don’t align with one's true emotions, and avoiding allowing others expectations of you weight down your own physical and mental health.

SiR Spoke Candidly About Depression & Sobriety

Although an R&B artist, TDE singer SiR is hip-hop adjacent, having collaborated with former labelmate Kendrick Lamar on tracks like "D'Evils" and " Hair Down ." SiR recently spoke with GRAMMY.com about the troubles that followed him after the release of his 2019 album Chasing Summer .

"I was a full-blown addict, and it started from a string of depression [and] relationship issues and issues at home that I wasn't dealing with," SiR says . After the Los Angeles-based singer had hit rock bottom, he found the spark he needed to do something about it. His initial rehab stint was the first step on the road to change.  

"I was there for 21 days [in 2021]. [The] second time, I was there for two months and the third time wasn't technically rehab…I did personal therapy, and, man, [that] did wonders," he recalls. 

SiR also tackled the stigma many Black communities place on therapy and seeking help for mental health issues. "I would've never done something like that if I was in any other position, so I'm thankful for my issues because they led me to a lot of self-reflection and forgiveness," SiR says.

Big Sean Educated His Audience About Anxiety & Depression 

One of the biggest challenges in addressing anxiety and depression is the feeling that those issues must be kept under wraps.  In 2021, Big Sean and his mother released a series of videos in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, in which the GRAMMY nominee opened up about his battles with depression and anxiety. 

In one of those videos, Sean and his mother discussed  the importance of sleep and circadian rhythms when managing depression and mental health issues. In an industry that prioritizes the grind, the hip-hop community often overlooks sleep — much to its detriment.

"Sleep is the most overlooked, disrespected aspect of our well-being," said Myra Anderson, Executive Director & President of the Sean Anderson Foundation and Big Sean's mother. "Even one day without good sleep can mess up your hormones severely." 

As a busy recording artist, Sean concurs that, for him, a lack of sleep contributes to challenges with anxiety. “If I’m not in the right mindset, I don’t get the right sleep,” says Sean in the mental health video series. “Then that anxiety rides high, and my thoughts are racing. I’m somebody that lives in my head.”

G.Herbo's "PTSD" Addressed The Impact Of Street Violence

Eastside Chicago's G. Herbo is an artist vital to the city's drill music scene. On "PTSD," the title track of his 2020 album, Herbo raps about his struggles coping with violence and loss. 

"I can't sleep 'cause it's a war zone in my head / My killers good, they know I'm hands-on with the bread / A million dollars ahead, I'm still angry and seeing red / How the f*ck I'm 'posed to have fun? All my n— dead."  

The lyrics echoed the realities of what G. Herbo grew up seeing in O-Block, considered by many to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago . But it wasn't just a song title; G. Herbo was diagnosed with PTSD in 2019 and began therapy to manage it, showing that even rap's most hardened have opened themselves up to professional help. 

"I'm so glad that I did go to therapy," G. Herbo  told  GRAMMY.com in July 2020. "I'm glad that I did take that leap of faith to just go talk to somebody about my situation and just my thoughts and get 'em to a person with an unbiased opinion." 

Joe Budden Opens Up About His Darkest Times  

In 2017, on the "Grass Routes Podcast," rapper-turned-podcaster Joe Budden opened up about multiple suicide attempts and his lifelong battle with depression. 

"For me, there have been times where I've actually attempted suicide," Budden shared. "As open as I've been when it comes to mental health, it wasn't until retirement from rapping that I was able to dive into some of the things the fans have seen." 

Never one to shy away from rapping about his mental health struggles, Budden songs like " Whatever It Takes " peel back the layers on an artist fighting his demons: "See, I'm depressed lately, but nobody understands / That I'm depressed lately, I'm sorta feelin repressed lately." 

Budden continued to be a champion for mental health that year, including on his former Complex show "Everyday Struggle," where Budden  broke down  while discussing the suicide death of fellow rapper Styles P's daughter. 

In recent years, Budden has uses his wildly popular "The Joe Budden Podcast" as a tool to discuss his own struggles and raise awareness of mental health issues. 

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five Broadcast A Serious "Message "

Hip-hop culture has long used rap as a tool to highlight mental health and the everyday struggles of its community. Released in 1982, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five's "The Message" is an early, effective example of vulnerability in hip-hop.

"The Message" described the mental health impacts of poverty and inner-city struggle, describing desperate feelings and calling for support in underserved communities: "I can't take the smell, can't take the noise / Got no money to move out, I guess I got no choice." Perhaps the most recognizable lyric comes from Melle Mel, who raps, "Don't push me cause I'm close to the edge/I'm trying not to lose my head." 

Eminem Got Honest About Depression While In Rehab

On "Reaching Out," Queen and Paul Rodgers sing "Lately I've been hard to reach / I've been too long on my own / everybody has a private world where they can be alone." These lyrics were sampled on the intro to Eminem 's 2009 single "Beautiful," a raw tale of the rapper's struggles with depression. Half of the song was written while Eminem was in rehab, including lyrics like "I'm just so f—king depressed/I just can't seem to get out this slump." 

The lyrics pierced the core of Eminem's audience, who were able to see the parallels between the struggles of a rap superstar and their own issues. The song reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Best Rap Solo Performance GRAMMY Award. In an  interview  with MTV about the song, Eminem said it was an important outlet for him at a challenging time. 

But it was far from the first time Eminem has discussed mental health. One of the earliest examples was in his song " Stan, " where Eminem rapped from the perspective of an obsessed fan who ended up killing himself and his wife after Eminem failed to respond to his fan mail. In a 2000 interview , Eminem told MTV that he wrote the song to warn fans not to take his lyrics literally. 

Logic Sparked Change With A Number

One of the most impactful moments hip-hop has seen regarding mental health and sparking change was when Logic released his song "1-800-273-8255" in 2017. The record, named after the real National Suicide Lifeline Prevention phone number, which is now 988, hit the top three on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Following the song's release, the British Medical Journal released a  study  sharing data that showed the song contributed to a 27 percent increase in calls to the prevention hotline that year and may have even contributed to an actual reduction in deaths by suicide. 

Logic's single further proved that rap music's impact extends well beyond charts and sales. "1-800-273-8255" highlighted the connection artists have with their fans, as well as the ways music can be a tool to cope with challenges like mental health and suicidal thoughts. 

Kid Cudi Opened Up About Suicidal Urges  

Cleveland's own Kid Cudi has never shied away from putting his emotions on record, rapping vividly throughout his career about his struggles with mental health. Cudi records, like the hit single "Pursuit of Happiness," are brutally honest about trying to find happiness in a world filled with trials and tribulations. 

In a 2022  interview  with Esquire , Cudi recalled checking himself into rehab in 2016 for depression and suicidal urges. He had been using drugs to manage the weight of his stardom and even suffered a stroke while in rehab. "Everything was f—ed," Cudi said. 

Cudi took a break to develop stability, returning to the spotlight with the 2018 project Kids See Ghosts in collaboration with Kanye West.. Today, Cudi and his music remain pillars of strength for those facing similar challenges.   

Jay-Z Detailed The Importance Of Therapy & Getting Out Of "Survival Mode"

In 2017, Jay-Z released his critically acclaimed thirteenth studio album. 4:44 was packed with lessons on family, mental health, and personal growth.

An  interview  with the New York Times , Jay-Z discussed how helpful therapy had been to him. Therapy helped the rap superstar in his interactions with other people — something that had been hardened growing up as a black man in Marcy Projects. "I grew so much from the experience," he told the Times .

"I think the most important thing I got is that everything is connected. Every emotion is connected, and it comes from somewhere. I understand that, instead of reacting to that with anger, I can provide a softer landing and maybe, 'Aw, man, is you O.K.? You're in this space where you're hurting, and you think I see you, so you don't want me to look at you. And you don't want me to see you,'" he said. "You don't want me to see your pain."

The album also unpacked Jay-Z's infidelity. "I'll f— up a good thing if you let me," he raps on "Family Feud." In the same interview, Jay-Z shared that growing up in the hood put him into "survival mode," impacting his abilities to be a good partner and husband earlier in life. 

"You shut down all emotions. So even with women, you gonna shut down emotionally, so you can't connect," he reflected. "In my case, like it's, it's deep. And then all the things happen from there: infidelity." 

"I Made My ADHD Into My Strength": Understanding The Link Between Rap & Neurodivergence

• 1 GoldLink Talks Vision Behind 'Diaspora,' Tour With Tyler, The Creator, Musical Roots & More
• 2 New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From Khalid, Mariah Carey, NAYEON, And More
• 3 9 Lively Sets From The 2024 Roots Picnic: Jill Scott, Lil Wayne, Nas, Sexyy Red, & More
• 4 New Music Friday: Listen To New Albums & Songs From Sexyy Red, Charlie Puth, Vince Staples, Aaron Carter & More
• 5 10 Times Hip-Hop Has Given A Voice To Mental Health: Eminem, J. Cole, Logic & More Speak Out

• Okayplayer 25
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GoldLink Announces First Headlining Tour This Summer

Of the left-field's myriad MCs, GoldLink has emerged as perhaps it's most promising contestants. Recent collaborations with Kaytranada , FALCONS , Chet Faker and Sango show an uncanny ability for laying his subdued verbal over a dynamic range of productions, which has garnered the attention of at least one iconic producer in Rick Rubin , as the Def Jam cofounder is reportedly working on GoldLink's new album. What's more, the DMV rep will be embarking on his first headlining tour this summer, jumpstarting the affair right hear in BK on June 9th and capping things off in Vancouver on June 26th. If you're looking for some new funk, jump back to peep the tripped-out, party-clad visuals for his Kaytra collabo "Sober Thoughts," just hold tight for word on the new album. Peep the dates for GoldLink's headlining tour below. Grab a copy of his single on iTunes today.

Tour Dates:

6/9 - Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade

6/10 - New York, NY - SOBs

6/11 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Upstairs

6/12 - Philadelphia, PA - Voltage Lounge

6/13 - Montreal, QC - NewSpeak

6/17 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy

6/18 - Oakland, CA - The New Parish

6/19 - Dallas, TX - Bomb Factory

6/20 - New Braunfels, TX - Whitewater Music Ampitheater

6/23 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry

6/24 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's Rock Club

6/25 - Rothbury, MI - Electric Forest Festival

6/26 - Vancouver, BC - The Alexander

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Past Events

Here are the most recent UK tour dates we had listed for GoldLink. Were you there?

• Thu 14 Jul ➙ Sun 17 Jul Super Bock Super Rock 2022 A$AP Rocky, Brockhampton, Foals, Hot Chip, GoldLink…

August 2021

• Fri 20 Aug ➙ Sun 22 Aug Lowlands Festival 2021 Altin Gün, Amelie Lens, Arlo Parks, Aurora, Balthazar…

August 2020

• Fri 21 Aug ➙ Sun 23 Aug Lowlands Festival 2020 Amelie Lens, Ben Klock, Bring Me The Horizon, Caribou, Cavetown…
• Sat 13 Jun ➙ Sun 14 Jun Manchester, Heaton Park Parklife 2020 Tyler The Creator, Khalid, Lewis Capaldi, Skepta, Jorja Smith…
• Fri 12 Jun ➙ Sun 14 Jun London, Gunnersbury Park Lovebox Festival 2020 Tyler The Creator, Disclosure (2), Khalid, Robyn, Jorja Smith…

November 2019

• Tue 19 Nov London, O2 Academy Brixton GoldLink
• Mon 18 Nov Manchester, Albert Hall GoldLink
• Sat 16 Nov Glasgow, The Garage GoldLink
• Thu 14 Nov Birmingham, O2 Institute GoldLink
• Sat 14 Jul ➙ Sun 15 Jul Afropunk Fest Paris 2018 SZA, Wizkid, Nneka, Sandra Nkake, Mahalia…
• Tue 10 Jul ➙ Thu 12 Jul Fresh Island Festival 2018 Lil Pump, GoldLink, J Hus, Stefflon Don, Tim Westwood…
• Fri 6 Jul ➙ Sun 8 Jul London, Finsbury Park Wireless Festival 2018 J. Cole, Post Malone, PartyNextDoor, Big Sean, GoldLink…
• Thu 21 Jun ➙ Mon 25 Jun Secret Solstice 2018 Agent Fresco, Ali Love, All Day I Dream, Alvia, Anton Fitz…

December 2017

• Tue 12 Dec London, Electric Brixton GoldLink
• Sat 9 Dec London, Electric Brixton GoldLink
• Wed 7 Jun London, Heaven GoldLink

September 2016

• Sat 24 Sep London, Alexandra Palace AfroPunk Fest - Power To The Party Grace Jones, Laura Mvula, Word Sound Power, Young Fathers, SZA…
• Fri 23 Sep Manchester, The Warehouse Project M.I.A., mura masa, Section Boyz, David Rodigan MBE, GoldLink, Jungle, Novelist, SG Lewis, Sian Anderson, Josey Rebelle, Will Tramp, Now Wave DJs …

August 2016

• Fri 12 Aug ➙ Sun 14 Aug Flow Festival Helsinki 2016 Massive Attack, Young Fathers, Iggy Pop, Jamie XX, Four Tet…
• Fri 15 Jul ➙ Sat 16 Jul London, Victoria Park Lovebox 2016 Major Lazer, Katy B, Run The Jewels, Chronixx, Stormzy…
• Sat 11 Jun ➙ Sun 12 Jun Shoreham-by-Sea, Brighton City Airport (Shoreham) Wild Life Festival Disclosure (2), Annie Mac, Skepta, Busta Rhymes, The Avalanches…
• Sat 11 Jun ➙ Sun 12 Jun Manchester, Heaton Park Parklife The Chemical Brothers, Ice Cube, Sigma, Gorgon City, Stormzy…

December 2015

• Wed 2 Dec London, XOYO GoldLink

September 2014

• Thu 4 Sep London, The Old Blue Last GoldLink, Pearls Negra, Its Nate, Motive, Lily Mercer
• Wed 3 Sep Manchester, Aatma GoldLink

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Who Is GoldLink? The DMV Rapper Talks the Allure of Anonymity, Finding Success, and "The God Complex"

The 21-year-old enigmatic DMV rapper has one of the best projects of the year, so far.

No one knows who GoldLink is. With the exception of a few producers and a handful of fans, the 21-year-old rapper is anonymous, just a name and some music. He has friends and family who are in the dark about his work as an MC. There’s a quote on his SoundCloud that sums up his hesitation: “The moment God is figured out with nice neat lines and definitions, we are no longer dealing with God.”

GoldLink’s debut project, The God Complex , draws inspiration from everything from soul to house. The fierce rhymes are positioned over beats from mostly unknown producers. Each sonic decision adheres to his “God Complex” concept: a mindset where beliefs are defined by personal ability and privilege. Plus, you’ve never seen God's face. The approach comes from a story an ex-girlfriend’s dad told him in high school.

“He always thought that if anybody wanted to imitate anybody, we should imitate God because God’s perfect,” he explains. “We should never try to be the next Malcolm X or the next nigga. We should be God. Even though we can’t be perfect, we should try.”

GoldLink refers to his sound as “Future Bounce,” a term coined by one of his primary producers, Lakim. “You know how everyone’s calling that sound Soulection and Sounds of Tomorrow?” says GoldLink. “Future gets thrown around with that. It's that mixed with some hood shit.”

While some of his music is a blissful journey through upbeat textures and playful lyrics, there’s something ominous about much of the EP. For the 26 minutes on  The God Complex , you’re on a ride moving between light and dark. On "When I Die,” the record's final track, the ride stops. You hear a car crash. In the background, you hear a line from Left Eye ’s contribution to  Donell Jones ’ "U Know What’s Up" : “The passion's deep and filled with heat/Living this life on the hustle, I barely get enough time.”

“When I wrote [“When I Die”], I put myself in the mentality of, what would happen if I died today? Right now?” GoldLink says. It makes for a sincere, but frightening, look at his state of mind:

View this video on YouTube

When I die, I hope my momma get to read that poem When I die, I just want my father to apologize When I die, I hope my ex don't uncover my lies When I die, I wonder if Que gonna live through me Before I die, somebody tell Sango that I need that beat

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised between the capital’s 58th Street and Cheverly, Md., GoldLink grew up in and out of motels after his house burned down when he was two years old. “I didn’t really care, but when somebody asked, I was like, 'We live in a hotel,"" he says. "I thought it was a new house and didn’t even realize."

His dad, a parks and recreation worker, left his mom, a secretary at a law firm, before GoldLink hit puberty. With one brother almost a decade older and out of the house, he and his mother moved to Bowie, Md., and, eventually, to Virginia because his mom "liked it better.” For eight years, he didn’t speak to his father. His relationship with his mother wasn't very different. 

“My mom and I weren’t that close when I was growing up because she was gone seven days of the week; she was always in church,” he says. His EP may be titled The God Complex , but GoldLink isn’t exceptionally religious. The quote from Christian philosopher Rob Bell on his Soundcloud is something that he found during a random Google search: "I’ll put in a generic thing—God—and just read all the quotes about it.”

At 18, GoldLink finally began to make amends with his dad after finishing high school. At the time, he says he only cared about “being cool and girls,” and never paid attention in class. With no money or desire to go to college, he settled on rap.

“At the time I thought, ‘My mom hates me, my dad hates me. I don’t have a family. Fuck it, I might as well do something for me.’ I was a smart kid. I knew that it’s typical for a black kid to say, ‘I’m just going to rap,’” he says. “I was like, ‘I’m going to rap, but I’m going to study, I’m going to figure out what this is and how to put it together.’”

From Big L to KRS-One to Canibus to Kurupt , GoldLink studied the creative processes of his favorite artists. He became a student of the game and didn't limit himself to rap. Edgar Allan Poe, Def Jam Poetry , Pink Floyd , Grimes , and Lykke Li all factored in.

As polished as his works sound, he’s not backed by a label or major label producer just yet. In 2012, a local D.C. studio Indie Media Lab, run by his now-manager Henny Yegezu , started a program attempting to replicate Toronto’s “The Remix Project” called “The Movement.” Yegezu waived the studio time fee, and GoldLink was the most talented of the crop. 

“The first thing he did on a mic at some homie’s crib sounded good,” Yegezu explains. “He didn’t grow up like, ‘I’m going to grow up to be a rapper, writing all the time.’ His voice is probably one of the strongest things. Once the program was done, I let him record for free.”

Yegezu took a gamble on GoldLink; he wasn’t in the DMV scene, he didn’t have a video, he didn’t have a real single, he wasn’t at open mics, and he didn’t care enough about making music. But he was talented.

“We’re the closest people, but he was so hard-headed and stubborn,” says Yegezu. “I started to get nervous. Can I work with him, no matter how talented he is? It was hard for me to let it go because I really did believe in him.”

GoldLink ventured to a few other studios and producers, but came back in Spring 2013 to settle down and put in work with Yegezu. The two would surf SoundCloud for hours, ripping songs and rapping over them, which is how they got hip to Sango , Kaytranada , and more.

“The point was to [not know many of the producers],” GoldLink explains. There’s Louie Lastic , an engineer at Indie Media Lab, and Fingalick , a producer from Lithuania they reached over email. Teklun is from Baltimore; Lakim and Bunx// Jaylen!  are all from Virginia. 

{ "id": 134874854 } A lot of the homies I grew up with listen to GoldLink and don’t know it’s me.

The tape received praise from major music sites— Pitchfork gave it a 7.9 , it made Complex’ s Best Albums of 2014 (So Far) list. The sinister video for “When I Die” hit 100,000 views on YouTube, even without him in the short film. He describes the rollout as “fucking perfect.” For now, he hasn’t inked any deals and wants to see how far him and his home team can take the industry on their own. Almost six months before his debut project dropped, GoldLink released a handful of loosies on his SoundCloud. First it was a remix of Kaytranada’s “On & On,” followed by “Creep,” “The Heart,” and more. Then came his 9-track debut, The God Complex , with production from Louie Lastic and Fingalick, which delved into the realm of “Future Bounce” along with skittering beats, ecstatic, staccato raps, and GoldLink’s outstanding attention to detail—both lyrically and sonically—on a number of mixed tempo tracks.

His debut project is set for an iTunes re-release on July 22nd, but tonight, July 9th, he’ll be performing at Westway as part of Electric Circus’ “The Players Ball.” Next month, he’ll be at DC’s Trillectro show. Tonight isn’t his first live performance but it’s his first headlining show in NYC. The enigma around his moniker is dissipating.

“A lot of the homies I grew up with listen to GoldLink and don’t know it’s me,” he says, laughing. “So when everybody finds out it’s going to be like, ‘Oh that’s our little nigga, that’s our little nigga.’”

For more from GoldLink hop over to his Soundcloud now . For tickets to his show in NYC tonight, RSVP here and get yourself ready with the premiere of the  aywy. and Fortune  remix of "Ay Ay" below:

Lauren Nostro is the music news editor at Complex. She tweets here .

RELATED:  Listen to GoldLink's New Song "Planet Paradise" RELATED:  GoldLink's Video For "The God Complex (When I Die)" Is a Short Film RELATED:  Listen to GoldLink's New Song Called "One Step Back"

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Since 2018, only approximately 4% of Infectious Diseases Society of America fellows have been pharmacists. 

East Tennessee State University’s Dr. David Cluck, an associate professor in ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacy Practice, has earned a rare honor for a pharmacist – being named a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). 

The IDSA is the nation’s leading infectious diseases professional society, and Cluck was recognized in this year’s class of distinguished physicians and scientists from the United States and around the world. 

“This honor represents a milestone in my career that is indicative of the time and effort I have put into caring for patients, educating trainees and engaging in clinical research,” said Cluck, who specializes in Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy and is the course coordinator for the college’s Infectious Diseases course. He maintains a clinical pharmacy practice in infectious diseases at Johnson City Medical Center.  

Dr. Sarah Thomason, chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, recognized Dr. Cluck for his contributions to the pharmacy profession.  

“Dr. Cluck is a valuable faculty member within the college in teaching, scholarship, clinical practice and service,” said Thomason. “He is very deserving of this national recognition that honors his professional achievements in infectious diseases.”  

Applicants for IDSA Fellowship must be nominated by their peers and meet specified criteria that include continuing identification within the field of infectious diseases, national or regional recognition, and publication of their scholarly work. Nominees are reviewed and elected by the IDSA Board of Directors. Fellows of IDSA work in many different settings, including clinical practice, teaching, research, public health and health care administration. 

“The 128 individuals chosen to receive the FIDSA designation this year have demonstrated a commitment to advancing ID, and we are proud to honor their work and dedication,” said Steven K. Schmitt, MD, president of IDSA. “These ID physicians and scientists represent a community of leaders around the globe who are on the front lines of research and clinical care and represent the passion and commitment to educate and protect us from dangerous illness. We all benefit from their vital contributions to our communities, and I am proud to work and learn alongside them.”   

Learn more about the IDSA and a full list of fellows at www.idsociety.org . 

Learn more about the college at etsu.edu/pharmacy . 

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy was founded in 2005 by the community with a mission to develop progressive, team-oriented pharmacists who improve health care, focusing on rural and underserved communities. The college has earned numerous national awards and accolades for service, scholastic achievement and clinical training.   

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