02 July 2016 (gig)
06 July 2016
BST showcased an eclectic mix of hip hop, jazz, and pop rock, and the talent managed to shine through despite the initial downpour that proved British summer is well and truly here. Kendrick Lamar and Florence were the two big name acts that proved to draw in the crowds and both acts should be praised for their captivating performances. Despite this, the two artists could not be more juxtaposed, and although this could have been a risky billing for BST, in some ways the two acts complemented each other brilliantly.
Kendrick is hip-hop’s hottest act right now after releasing the transatlantic chart topper To Pimp a Butterfly last year. The Compton rapper managed to bring the angst and rage to his performance despite the restricted volume that comes with all Hyde Park gigs. Backed by a tight live band, Lamar whipped the crowd up into a frenzy with his well- known tracks such as King Kunta and B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe
Florence flitted and galloped around the stage barefoot in her sheer and floaty gown and enraptured the crowd with her haunting and intoxicating voice. In some ways the performance was a celebration for the singer as it was her last performance after an 18 month long tour, and she encouraged the audience to engage by asking everyone to put away their phones and share the love with their fellow festival goers. Florence’s performance was beautifully shrouded in a golden veil of the setting sun and reflected beautifully the whimsical nature of the songstress’s set.
On the smaller yet still important Barclays stage, the jazz extraordinaire Kamasi Washington was arguably the best act of the night and blew the crowd away with his playful and electrifying performances. Following the release of his three hour masterpiece "The Epic" and his recent UK tour, the Californian saxophonist is known to many for his work and collaboration with fellow BST performer, Kendrick Lamar. Despite his strong musical connections, Washington was able to put on an engaging and impressive set independently with highly skilled band. The fact that Washington and his band was visibly having just as much fun as the crowd was the most gratifying moment of the evening..
By Maddy Comber
