The 2017 edition of the South by South West, music conference in Austin, Texas kicked off over the weekend. Although there was some performances, the real action doesn’t begin until this week with several music showcases from Def Jam, Dreamville, HotNewHipHop, The Source Magazine, Atlantic Records, TIDAL, and others.
From signed musicians to up-and-coming independent artists, I’ve compiled 17 artists you absolutely should NOT miss if you are attending the annual music conference. Check it out below.
RICK ROSS
With his 9th studio album, ‘Rather You Than Me’ dropping this Friday, you know Rick Ross is going to light up the VIBE Magazine showcase with new songs and special guests. The performance will take place March, 16th at The Mazda Studio from 12:35 am to 1:05 am.
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DREAMVILLE
One of the most successful teams in the industry, Dreamville, will have their own showcase at Old School on March, 16th, beginning at 8:30 pm. Catch performances from the team’s own: Bas, Cozz, Ari Lennox, Omen, J.I.D, Lute, Ron Gilmore, and a set from DJ Nitrane.
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2 CHAINZ
A staple in hip-hop, 2 Chainz, has an extensive catalog that is sure to turn a party up. The Atlanta rapper has been one of the most consistent artists of this era. You could see Chainz at EMO’s on March 16th at 10:45 pm.
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MIKE WILL MADE-IT
Mike WiLL has been in the studio heavy working on his forthcoming project, ‘Ransom 2’. The mega-producer, has produced for the biggest names ranging from Rihanna to Drake. With two showcases scheduled, the producer may just drop some new shit off the upcoming ‘Ransom 2’.
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METRO BOOMIN’
Responsible for many of the hits topping the charts, Metro Boomin’ is an absolute can NOT miss. Metro will be doing a 1-hour set at Antone’s on Friday, March 17th. You know he’s guaranteed to bring special guests out.
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DJ ESCO
Future’s sidekick, DJ Esco, has had been very influential figure in music. The electrifying DJ always keeps the crowd going as he plays different trap sounds, while rocking the audience. Find Esco at Empire Garage March 15th and Mohawk Outdoor on March 18th.
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A$AP FERG
The Trap Lord had a very successful run through last year’s SXSW showcases. This year he’s minimized his work load to one show, but it is sure to be worth it. Ferg will be at 800 Congress March, 15th at 1am.
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TY DOLLA $IGN
Get ready to get ratchet with Ty Dolla $ign. The LA superstar will perform as part of Atlantic Records showcase with TIDAL at Stubb’s on Saturday, March 18th. Ty will go on at 11:10 pm.
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DAVE EAST
Dave East is one of the most lyrical new artists out. The New York-product displayed his deadly lyrics on his L.A. Leakers freestyle, which you can watch HERE. East will also perform at Stubb’s March 16th.
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KENT JONES
DJ Khaled’s artist, Kent Jones, broke out last year with the single, “Don’t Mind.” Kent dropped a new single over the weekend. Catch the Miami-representative performing at Empire Garage on Thursday, March 16th at 10:30 pn.
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MAXO KREAM
Maxo Kream has a nice blend of sounds that is influenced by the south. The Houston-born rapper will close things out at the Palm Door on Sixth Patio on March, 16th at 1:30 am.
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KAP G
Atlanta has one of the most influential sounds in the industry. Atlanta rapper Kap G is keeping the scene alive with his trappy sound. Since his single, “Girlfriend,” the Mexican-American rapper has been on the up-and-up. See Kap G at the Atlantic Records, “Make Trap Great Again” showcase.
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G. PERICO
Los Angeles rapper, G. Perico, has stayed true to the traditional West Coast sound. If you haven’t yet, listen to his recently-released ‘Shit Don’t Stop’ project. G will perform at the 512 Rooftop on March 16th at 12:30 am.
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DON MYKEL
Uptown, New York’s Don Mykel has been bodying freestyle after freestyle and consistently putting out quality music. Don will show off his skills at two Source Magazine showcases, being “Respect the Plug” on March 15th and “Legally Loud 4” on March 16th.
ZOEY DOLLAZ
FreeBandz rapper, Zoey Dollaz, is one of the nicest new rapper out of Florida. His new single “YAYAYA” featuring Future and Koly P is a party-starter. Catch Zoey performing at The Source Magazine showcases, “Respect the Plug” on March 15th and “Legally Loud 4” on March 16th.
ROCKY BANKS
One of the hungriest up-and-coming rappers, Rocky Banks, was one of my “Indie Picks of the Week” last year and has really continued to develop. His recent project, ‘Trust In Banko’ proves he will be a mainstay in hip-hop for years to come. Rocky will do two showcases. See Rocky at The Palm Door on Sixth for the “Welcome to tha South” showcase on March 15th and March 16th at the “Fresh Picks” showcase at Club 512 Rooftop.
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SAINT JHN
Brooklyn’s SAINt JHN, is an emerging rapper/singer who has a different sound than other New York artists. After going on tour with Post Malone last year, SAINt is destined to show the world he’s a force to be reckoned with. See SAINt’s melodic performance Saturday, March 18th at Empire Control Room.
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