“Hell yes I’m having a great day! I’m having a beautiful day! I’m happy to be here! I’m happy to be alive!”.

The echoing voice of Sean Daley, better known as Slug the MC of Atmosphere, put into words what the campers at Summer Set Music Festival had been thinking all weekend long. At an intrinsic stage at the center of the festival grounds, surrounded by a few fair rides, the smells of freshly made fair foods and the constant battle of stage lights versus the glow of the crowd, this phrase was uttered and captured the audience before the start of “God Loves Ugly.” Friday night gave a duo of artists that brought a unique brand of energy to the stage.

First, Torey Lanez brought his soulful smooth voice, changing the Grove stage into the groove. The Grove stage, a personal favorite at Summer Set Music Festival, is embedded in a valley surrounded by the trees. Just behind the fans stood a large beacon of fire with cords hanging down for the festival goer to pull. Each tug of the cords launched fire into this air as Torey Lanez did the same on stage. At the end of his set, Torey relieved himself from the stage to join the audience for one last song. Climbing the railing and standing on top of the screaming spectators just as the bass ignited them. The second act of the night was one of the biggest names in hip-hop, Chance the Rapper. Accompanied by his friend and instrumental voice Donnie trumpet, Chance started the show off with the first single from his latest mixtape, No Problems. Chance called out his signature coo and the crowd mimicked. A calling that festival goers would imitate throughout the weekend, along with the wave of people searching for Rick of the Walking Dead's son “Karl!”. The unmistakable blending of brass instruments with the unique voice of Chance the Rapper brought a chilling wave of joy throughout the thousands of on-lookers. The infectious smile of Chance spread amongst the Mainstage as the crowd joined him in a positive dance number. Chance opened with hit after hit of his latest mixtape but made sure to reminisce over Acid Rap and play a couple songs from it. The crowd mellowed out as Cocoa Butter Kisses sent tranquil pulses across them.

While the biggest names took the stage on Friday, Saturday offered a local talent that was “Boomin' like Metro”. Before the heavy hitter hit the stage, a surge of energy was coming from the Saloon stage, located at a bar on the outskirts of the Main Stage. J Plaza, a quick witted rapper from North Minneapolis, brought an instant energy to the stage for anyone willing to listen. The crowd began to grow as the bass got louder, and for Minnesota natives he brought along a special guest in Why Maliq? The two bringing their lyrical prowess that is stasis in Minnesota hip-hop. A talent that comes with being humble is something rare amongst the hip-hop collective, but when it’s found you know you are watching a star in the making. J Plaza took a second to remind everyone that he could see the Main Stage, and that “...every act playing up there, started on a stage like this…” The hard work and dedication was evident as they moved towards the end of the set, finishing with his instant classic “Metro Boomin”.

J Plaza's words were never truer than when Saturday's biggest name in hip-hop took the stage. Like him, this Minnesota native thrived on the smaller stages before amassing his fame as one of the biggest independent acts in the industry. Sway Calloway, of Sway in the Morning, compared Atmosphere’s contribution to Minnesota hip-hop to that of Tupac on the East Coast. Atmosphere made his presence known instantly. Playing old hits that the crowd finished for him, Slug let the main stage have it. Night fell on the venue as Slug and his DJ Ant played a single of “When Life Gives You Lemons” called “Puppets”. Time seemed to stand still as the gospel-like beat played for a man who seemed to side step the time line altogether. After twenty years together the duo still brought an energy that matched acts half their age. The set continued with hits like “Sunshine” and “The Waitress” each with a power message that is definitive of Atmosphere's tenure. In a gathering of beauty in an oasis of nature, Slug was still able to bring the crowd together over “God Loves Ugly”. The incredible thing about this festival was personified in a song that brings out the most energy in Slug. “Trying to Find a Balance” emulates not only the balance between the genres of music playing here, but also the artists themselves splitting their personal life and musical lives. The final act being discussed is another Minnesota native, hailing from Bloomington. He, like the other acts covered, have a balance between music and family.

Berating one of the event staff on stage for not allowing his mother a backstage pass, in a joking manner, MOD SUN (movement on dreams, stand under none) kicked off the festival's last day. Unleashing his new single “Uh uh” for a growing crowd, MOD had the hard task of setting the energy level for the final push and he delivered. A self-proclaimed hippie-hop artist, MOD SUN brought his calming yet energizing brand of music that sucked the fans in from other venues. Overall, Summer Set Music Festival brought an all-star line-up that provided a diversity amongst the genre. Artists like Flatbush Zombies, Logic and J Plaza brought a harder style while MOD SUN and Atmosphere set the mood with a more serene energy. Between the two styles was Chance the Rapper, whose unique voice and story combined with a divine belief and always positive outlook bridged the gap. The songs of these artists spoke to the festival attendees, but I will let them speak for themselves. For a moment in time, 20,000 plus people had “No Problems” escaping reality for three days to spend time in the “Sunshine”. The artists had the stages “Metro Boomin”. While the occasional “Uh oh” moment happened, these mistakes were fixed by reminding everyone to “Shoot Em” with peace signs. Most people sat in the sun just “Trying to Find a Balance” by soaking up the incredible atmosphere with friends who grew closer, and strangers who all became family.

For more information on MOD SUN, follow up for an exclusive interview from the festival and be prepared for a new album coming at the end of September.
Chance the Rapper released his latest mixtape Coloring Book on May 12th, 2016 and it is available on Spotify and SoundCloud.
Atmosphere released their 16th project Fishing Blues on August 12th, 2016 and can be found or iTunes or any streaming outlet.
J Plaza will be releasing his first full project later this year.

All photos by Rachel Anker Instagram.com/rachelanker