An incredible hip-hop line-up has been announced for London’s critically acclaimed open-air concert series South Facing Festival, bringing together some of hip-hop’s most influential acts of all time to Crystal Palace Bowl.
Headlining the event on 1 August is The Roots, whose reputation as one of the most prolific rap groups ever precedes them. With a career spanning decades, The Roots has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary music, blending elements of hip-hop, soul, jazz, and more into their distinctive sound. This marks their first UK headline show in six years, which will be a momentous event for South Facing Festival.
Joining The Roots is De La Soul, an enduring force in alternative hip-hop. Renowned for their witty lyricism and infectious energy, De La Soul has left an indelible mark on the genre with their fun-loving blend of soulful melodies and clever wordplay.
Completing this powerhouse lineup announcement is The Pharcyde, a group from South Central whose debut album, "Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde," remains a classic in the hip-hop canon. The Pharcyde introduced a fresh and innovative sound to the scene, captivating audiences with their distinct style and undeniable talent.
Together, these three iconic groups represent the very essence of hip-hop innovation. Their collective presence on stage promises not only a celebration of the genre's rich history but also a testament to its enduring influence on contemporary music. This is a must-see line-up, offering a rare opportunity to witness the magic of these legendary acts live in concert. Shortee Blitz is set to host alongside some special guests still to be announced.
“We are so excited in bringing together one of the greatest hip hop line-ups in the last ten years featuring three truly groundbreaking live hip hop acts. We are making this into a real celebration of the genre and we’ll be featuring plenty of special guest rappers and DJs to boot.
We are following in the footsteps of some of the most legendary London gigs that also took place at Crystal Palace Bowl such as Bob Marley and the Cure, and I am sure this special event will be remembered for generations going forward!” Rob Waller, promoter, Soundcrash.
South Facing is a multi-day, open-air festival that takes place each summer in the historically significant Crystal Palace Bowl. The festival boasts a huge choice of top-end street food and drink options and is easily accessible from London and all over the South East thanks to the various train and bus routes, including Crystal Palace (TfL Overground and National Rail), Penge West (TfL Overground and National Rail), and Gipsy Hill (National Rail).
Debuting in 2021, South Facing was created with the ultimate goal of having reduced environmental impact. South Facing works with local partners while setting high standards in sustainability for everything from audience experience and travel to recyclable and compostable products.
Previous years have included headline slots from Dizzee Rascal, Supergrass, Sleaford Mods, Max Richter and The English National Opera, and has since seen artists including London Grammar, Richard Ashcroft, Becky Hill, Bombay Bicycle Club, Jungle, Craig David, James, Rudimental and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds grace the stage.
Other acts announced for this year’s event include Jess Glynne, Damian Marley, Love Motion with Grace Jones, Yussef Dayes, and more. Further concert announcements are to follow.
