The beauty of Sole DXB is that it aims to shed light on hip-hop's cultural value as opposed to it being mere entertainment. As a result, the festival has always hosted an innovative and eclectic array of rappers and DJs, showcasing the genre's evolution. Judging by the large crowds for previous sets, it is hoped locally based promoters are taking notes and will follow Sole DXB's lead to widen the net when bringing musical talent to the UAE. With ex-Clipse man Pusha T the biggest name on the bill, here are other acts worth catching over the weekend.
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Friday: NxWorries
An indie hip-hop supergroup featuring singer and rapper Anderson Paak and producer Knxwledge. The duo announced themselves with debut album Yes Lawd! last year; with 19 atmospheric tracks, it is an expansive, relaxed set of neo-soul vocals and languid beats. Let's hope we get to see Paak spend some time behind the drum kit because he is also explosive with the sticks.
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Saturday: Teyana Taylor
A star in the making. The New York singer-songwriter is signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music label, with the rapper reportedly overseeing her upcoming debut album. As an accomplished dancer as well, expect to hear some new tunes and see slick choreography when Taylor takes the stage on Saturday.
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Saturday: HER
It is very tough to keep a low profile while people label you for future fame. But 20-year-old California-based soul singer HER (real name Gabi Wilson) has managed to do so, by revealing scant information about her background, while amassing fans including fellow R'n'B singers Alicia Keys, Bryson Tiller and Wyclef Jean. Her set on Saturday is an opportunity to see what all the buzz is about.
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Read more:
[ How J Cole's has always been more concerned with substance than style ]
[ New Delhi rapper Prabh Deep is becoming known for his socially conscious rhymes ]
[ A peek into the glamorous world of social media star Rashed Belhasa ]
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