Today, Mempho Presents dropped its long-anticipated lineup for the RiverBeat Music Festival, taking place this May 1st through 3rd at Tom Lee Park. It was a dramatic reveal, the only advance warnings being a “Stay tuned” post in late January and a teaser posted yesterday, with many fans commenting, “lineup, please!” and the like in the weeks leading up to today’s announcement. But, once again, the stellar slate was well worth the wait.
The biggest news may be Wu-Tang Clan, the oft celebrated hip hop group with true surviving power. Mempho Presents has brought them to town before (see this 2019 Memphis Flyer article about them prior to that year’s Mempho Fest), and the rap legends seem to have a true affinity for Memphis. And, in keeping with past RiverBeats playing host to high-caliber, old school hip hop artists, from the Fugees to Public Enemy, there will be plenty of other such artists this year as well, including De La Soul, Salt N Peppa, and Ice Cube.
Plenty of other genres will be represented, from the Red Clay Strays’ country sounds, to indie stars like the Dave Matthews Band, St. Vincent, and Lord Huron. And, in keeping with RiverBeat’s commitment to local talent, some of this city’s best and brightest will also be there, from Boo Mitchell’s Royal Studios Jam, featuring the Hi Rhythm Section, to Dead Soldiers, Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage, DJ Squeeky, Turnstyles, Optic Sink, DJ Nico, South Memphis Jeff, and a Memphis Rap OGz showcase hosted by Al Kapone and DJ Zirk, featuring Tela, Gangsta Blac, Frayser Boy, and Kia Shine, and Tom Skeemask.
For more details, including ticketing options, visit riverbeat.com.