Gov Ball NYC 2021 Recap

Unlike the previous years, This year’s governor’s ball music festival was held at Citifield. There were many acts from Hip hop and R&B all the way to pop and rock. Small artists and big artists blazed the multiple stages set up throughout the parking lot. Me, being the musicophile that I am, was obviously hyped about the selection of artists this year and every year. My best friend, Cara also came to visit from Texas, making it all a bit sweeter. So let me share a little bit of my content and tell you about my favorite performances.

Day 1

Kehlani

Watch the full performance on @Alwaysprai

We kicked off our festival with the amazing Kehlani. And she came through looking like a queen with the vocals and dance moves to match. I’ve been a fan of Kehlani’s artistry from the beginning. But wow, was it amazing to witness her growth as an artist. She’s really a big deal! It’s funny because, during her performance, the songs that people know least are the songs that I love most. So I was trying my best not to go too hard. I’m also so happy that I got to see her perform “water”. I’ve literally been watching the choreo’ over and over again.

Billie Eilish

Oh Billie, what a gem you are. Let me just say that EVERYONE could use a little Billie in their lives! She’s a complete vibe. I felt so lucky to be able to see her perform. Her energy was on 100. Finneas was up there doing amazing per usual. The one thing I will say is that she’s not a projector. So they could’ve turned her vocals up a little more because we could see her clearly but sometimes we couldn’t hear her. Nevertheless, she sounded amazing.


Day 2

Pink Sweat$

Now this performance was really special for me because I’ve always been enamored by Pink Sweat$, including when I saw him perform at SXSW 2019. So it’s safe to say, I felt like a proud fan watching him on the big stage at Governor’s Ball. Undeniably Pink Sweat$ has one of the strongest brands out there. Everything from the imagery to the messaging is on point. I love the teddy bears, hearts, flowers, and most importantly the Pink. I also love how it relates to him. Because Pink Sweat$ is definitely a lil’ teddy bear. He’s also so humble about his growth.

Megan Thee Stallion

The muthaf**kin texas hottie! I don’t care what anyone has to say Megan is that chick and will always be that chick! It’s no secret that Megan looks good and makes good music. But props to Megan for continuing to elevate her performance. It can be hard continuously topping yourself. When you’re as big as her your only competition is yourself. So I respect her hustle, especially as a fellow black woman from Texas. I loved seeing everyone rap her lyrics. I was also hella hype, trying to shake my a** in the crowd. Not gonna’ lie they were hyping me up.

Cordae

Cordae is such a little cutie to me. I think he’s an incredibly talented and smart young man. His performance was high quality. Energy, tone, and crowd participation on point! Now there were too many teenagers at his performance(which I figured). We were close at first. But a mosh pit broke out before his performance even started and that’s when we knew we had to go. Lol,’ But we we’re still hype.

Amine

Please don’t sleep on Amine. I feel like too many people slept on his last album, Limbo, which is a masterpiece. So I knew Amine was going to be lit but I didn’t think the crowd would be. But to my surprise, the crowd was the perfect amount of lit and chill, talk-about vibes! He performed the perfect compilation of old and new songs. I also commend his crowd participation. It was so unique to him and I loved it! For instance, he mashed up his single, Spice Girl with Wannabe by Spice Girls. He also warmed the crowd up with a rendition of Caroline before getting us lit to the original version.

Finales- J.Balvin & Asap Rocky

https://vimeo.com/624012957

J. Balvin

J. Balvin performed at the Honda stage which was right in front of one of the 21+ lounges. I always try to see as many people as I can at festivals. But you’re girl be tired. So I always choose one or two artists in the day to watch from the lounge. Let’s just say J. Balvin was the perfect artist to do this for because the vibrations all around were crazy. You could hear him all over the venue. I couldn’t help but dance and enjoy the moment. And you can tell everybody else felt the same. His performance was one of the last of the night so the fireworks came out perfect timing.

Asap Rocky

Asap Rocky was the last performer of the night. It was funny listening to the crowd talk about his boo, Riri (Rihanna). Shhh, but badgal riri may have helped with his turnout. Either way, I’ve always loved Asap so I had to stop by. He did a great job. His performance was a little overrated, but that’s why we love him.


Day 3

Amaarae

Now Ammarae is the creator of vibez. Yes, not vibes but ‘vibez’. Her music is so relatable. it makes me feel so understood. I guess you could say I’m a ‘sad girl’ Lol’. With such amazing music, you’d hope her performance would be the same… And indeed it was! Her tone sounded so good and authentic. Her artistry is a perfect match for the festival feels. She also didn’t disappoint with her crowd engagement.

Princess Nokia

Talk about a showstopper! Princess Nokia isn’t afraid to be herself. And I love that about her. She’s wild and crazy with the unique artistry to back it up. By wild and crazy, I mean she mooned us in response to discovering that she was already flashing us her boob the whole performance. I thought it was funny. We’re all human and sh*t happens. Why not make it a joke? Overall her performance had the energy we all needed.

Umi

https://vimeo.com/623991370

Umi is a powerful soul with star quality. Everything was beautiful. She was beautiful. Her aura transcends through the whole audience. You can feel her through her music. She’s definitely doing what she’s born to do. She was one of the reasons for my attendance. And I’m so happy that I got to see her perform.

Burna Boy

I’m extremely proud of Burna Boy for lighting up the stage the way he did. It was a simple setup. No dancers, a simple live band, and only one talented backup singer yet the performance felt so elevated. Burna boy deserves every bit of his international stardom. And I’m so excited that Afrobreats is crossing over. Music brings us together. This performance was powerful in its nature. It didn’t need a bold message or anything crazy. It was perfect.

Smino

Smino is my boo! I’m a real Smino fan. So I was definitely more hype than the average person to see him. I knew he was going to be great because I saw him at Moma PS1’s, ‘Warmup’ show in 2019. And I was mesmerized. He looked and always looks so good on stage. He’s confident and talented, with his own sex appeal. What more could you ask for? If you don’t have any Smino in your library. Download his music now!

Other Artists

I say other artists because 21 Savage didn’t show up. Young thug came on an hour late. So we missed his set. And Ellie Goulding went on on time. But she didn’t sing any of the songs I know. So we just chilled and watched her from the 21+ lounge. These two hours were pretty anti-climatic. But we were so tired that we didn’t even trip.

Post Malone

https://vimeo.com/623987485

Post Malone is such a star. I’m pretty satisfied that we ended the festival with his performance. He did continue to repeat that his vocals were off. But I thought they were great. He projected well. He worked the stage and had a cool setup. My favorite part was that he sang his old and new records. It brought me so much nostalgia. It also made me realize that I’m actually a big fan of Post Malone. I actually know all of his music. And shoutout to him for bringing out Roddy Rich, 21 Savage, and Young Thug! Let’s Go!

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