Blackpink And Jai Paul Made Coachella A Historic Occasion

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Jai Paul Coachella
Philip Cosores

“Did you notice the wind stop?” Blackpink’s Rosé asked a crowd of thousands of screaming fans during their main stage headlining set. “I think it was all the Blinks,” she said. It was an example of how everyone, including the weather, seemed to stop in anticipation of Blackpink’s historic set during day two of Coachella 2023. With artists like the K-pop megagroup, Rosalía, Labrinth, and Jai Paul‘s first-ever concert, day two was certainly one to remember. Let’s recap what we saw.

Friday night, Bad Bunny became the first-ever Latin solo artist to headline the main Coachella stage. This time, Blackpink were the ones making history. The girl group became the first-ever Korean act to headline the festival, and they certainly delivered on expectation. The four pop stars opened with their hit number “Pink Venom” and it didn’t take long for fireworks to light up the stage, mirroring the group’s explosive energy. Everything from their engaging choreography to their black-and-pink outfits were expertly planned. A long stage bisecting the crowd allowed them ample space to move around and highlight their collective force, while the big-screen cameras were more focused on giving each of the individual performers their spotlight moment. After launching into tracks like “Kill This Love” and “How You Like That,” Blackpink gave each member the opportunity to shine with their solo efforts. Jennie was first, singing her solo number “You & Me” complete with a dance break. Jisoo, the last Blackpink member to release a solo track, delivered her song “Flower,” which dropped only a few weeks ago. Rosé was next with a version of “On The Ground” and “Gone” and Lisa came last in the solo act lineup with her track “Money,” which had the crowd screaming along.

Blackpink’s set wasn’t the only historic Coachella performance of the night. All eyes were on Jai Paul, who had his first-ever performance. That’s right — not just his first-ever Coachella performance, but his first time performing live ever. The UK artist gained popularity over a decade ago but took an extended hiatus after his music was leaked online. In 2019, the artist returned to drop his music in an official capacity. Because Jai Paul isn’t used to performing in front of a crowd, much less to a crowd of thousands at one of the biggest festivals in the world, it was clear he had some understandable nerves. Unlike seasoned performers like Blackpink or Charli XCX, Jai Paul didn’t address the crowd during his set or try to hype up the audience. Instead, he walked out on stage and launched straight into the music. Even still, his dance-y beats and impressive falsetto vocals were enough to win over the crowd as he played fan-favorite tracks like “Jasmine,” “BTSTU,” and “Str8 Outta Mumbai.”

Jai Paul
Philip Cosores

Speaking of stage presence, Charli XCX was in full pop star mode. Backed by an electric stage design and small group of immensely talented back-up dancers, Charli showed off her full potential with fun choreography and hyped-up crowd engagement. She continually addressed the crowd during her set, keeping the energy high and eliciting consistent screams of approval from fans. She even shouted out the other artists who would take the main stage after her, saying: “This song is for all my bad girls out there. All the bad girls who came to see me, Rosalía and BLACKPINK in your f*cking area.” It seemed like the entire festival was collectively jumping to songs like “I Love It” and “Vroom Vroom.” She also brought out a surprise guest; fellow singer Troye Sivan joined her for an engaging rendition of “1999” that had the crowd partying like it was 1999.

Rosalía was another seasoned performer who took the Coachella stage. As those watching the livestream at home saw, Rosalía really put her all into her emotional set. At one point, the singer dimmed the lights and poured her heart out to “Diablo.” The singer’s choreography and camera work were un-matched but as a viewer at the festival, it felt like Rosalía was much more focused on giving a performance to the livestream camera rather than to the crowd. Still, she had some touching fan interactions, like when she grabbed one of the cameras and walked out to the crowd barrier to let some fans scream her lyrics into the microphone. Later on in her set, Rosalía brought out a special guest: her recent fiancé, Rauw Alejandro. Together, the two delivered a few tracks off their collaborative EP and shared some adorable moments on stage.

Boygenius Coachella
Philip Cosores

Rosalía and Charli XCX weren’t the only artists to bring out big stars during their set. Labrinth closed out the Mojave tent on Saturday night, inviting none other than Billie Eilish to perform their joint track “Never Felt So Alone” to the delight of the screaming crowd. He displayed his powerful vocals while delivering a number of intimate tracks like “Mount Everest” and “Still Don’t Know My Name.” Similarly, Boygenius’ set had many intimate moments, though the crowd was much more sparsely attended since fans had already started packing in to see Blackpink at the next stage over. The group consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus kicked off their set with the a cappella number “With You Without Them” and a hard-rocking rendition of “$20” before moving into quieter numbers like “Emily I’m Sorry.”

Find more of our Coachella 2023 coverage here.



source https://uproxx.com/pop/coachella-2023-saturday-review-blackpink-jai-paul-rosalia/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.