It’s #FlashbackFriday!
We’re entering year three of this pandemic and glimpses of “normal” life surface here, and there. But we all know things are just not the same. Luckily, before all the new strands entered the picture, CDHQ’s co-owner, Maria Myraine, ventured out to Philadelphia in the Fall of 2021 to attend Made in America! The annual, massive, festival pioneered by Jay Z and produced by Roc Nation, was sold out for its 2-day lineup of artists during Labor Day weekend. Despite flooding that occurred just days prior to the festival kick-off, hundreds of vaxxed, and masked festival-goers gathered at the Parkway.
The weekend also served as the 10th anniversary of the iconic festival, as well as a celebration of Jay’s wifey, Beyonce. In the past, we’ve spotted the power couple backstage at the festival. This year, the two were absent – Kehlani did shout Bey out during her set tho! The line-up was heavy and impressive, but some standout performances definitely came from one of the headliners, Lil Baby – whose set included a surprise appearance by Lil Uzi Vert.
Harlem also came to represent as A$AP Ferg brought his infectious New York City energy and turned it all the way up for his set. Performing fan-favorites, Ferg definitely put on for NYC, as the crowd rapped along while matching his vibe.
Young Thug also took to the stage, decked out in an all-pink fit, that had many of us wondering how (tf) was he wearing a pink jacket in 80+ degree weather?? Nonetheless, Thugger’s performance was electrifying and without a doubt, had the crowd amp’ed from the jump.
As dominant as Trap Rap has been in recent times, there’s still a lot of love and respect for the gritty raps – especially those provided by none other than Griselda! Comprised of Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine and Westide Gunn, the trio brought the element of rawness to the Festival.
While the fellas definitely came to represent in the festival, it wouldn’t have been complete with some feminine energy to compliment the festival’s essence. Kehlani, or bae-lani, came onto the stage for her set as the sun set – definitely setting the mood for her R&B sounds. Backed by a live band, Kehlani’s smoky vocals and smooth delivery was refreshing! She even took the moment to engage with the fans, making it an even more intimate and one of those “you just had to be there” moments.
And lastly, but surely not least, it wouldn’t be Philly if the City of Brotherly Love’s own, Meek Mill didn’t make an appearance. Meek jumped on during Lil Baby’s set as well as Meg Thee Stallion’s set – where he just HAD to perform “Dreams and Nightmares” (because who doesn’t love rapping along to the build-up of that song)?!
Overall, despite the pandemic, Made in America’s loyal fanbase came by the numbers and truly made this one helluva experience – face mask and all.
