Soundset 2016 marks my 5th year attending the festival and 1st year with a press pass but before I get into everything let's rewind to my first experience which happened in 2010. I'd never been to a music festival, let alone one that focused strictly on hip-hop so I didn't really know what to expect. As we walked through the gate, I could see a halfpipe with skaters, a car show, a DJ tent, B-Boy / B-Girl tent, merch tents, and one massive stage. I walked around the festival to check it all before heading into the crowd at noon. I was so captivated by the spectacular lineup, that I didn't end up leaving the crowd until it was over. Yes, I stood in the crowd without food or drinks for nine and a half hours. It was the most exhausting, epic thing I have ever experienced. I was sunburn, dehydrated, and excited to come back next year. Ever since then, it has become tradition for me and my closest friends to go every year. To get an idea of artists they book, here is who I have seen there. Atmosphere, Method Man & Redman, Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf, Lupe Fiasco, most of WuTang, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, Big KRIT, Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Mac Miller, Snoop Dogg, Tech N9ne, Busta Rhymes, Juicy J, Schoolboy Q, Joey Bada$$, Sean Price, Dizzy Wright, Nas, Cypress Hill, Pusha T, Chance, G-Eazy, Ab-soul, Flatbush Zombies, J Cole, Ice Cube, Big Sean, Ludacris, Logic, Hopsin, to name a few of the bigger artists. As you can see, the creators of the event have a good taste in hip-hop.

Every year, the creators of Soundset add more events and activities as if the massive one-day festival isn't enough. Of course there is a pre-party and after party but this year they are offering open mics, art shows and more. It's actually being held at a brand new venue this year because they sold out the last one (30,000+). If you are still reading this and still planning on not coming, please don't because you must not love hip-hop as much as I do. If you are planning on coming, make sure you buy your ticket now because the prices go up at the door. See you there!

www.soundsetfestival.com | BUY TICKETS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 -- 5 PM -- OPEN MIC @ FIFTH ELEMENT -- FREE

Fifth Element will be hosting an open mic. Registration is 5:00 - 6:00 PM, or until the list is full / at capacity. There will be five winners chosen who will then receive (2) General Admission tickets to Soundset and a confirmed slot to perform at the first ever Soundset Open Mic!

FRIDAY, MAY 27 -- 7 AM -- SWAY IN THE MORNING LIVE BROADCAST @ FIFTH ELEMENT -- FREE

Sway In The Morning will be broadcasing LIVE on SiriusXM Shade 45 from Fifth Element! This event is FREE and open to public as space permits. Line up early!

FRIDAY, MAY 27 -- 6 PM -- DAN MONICK'S RHYMESAYERS 20 ART SHOW @ HENNEPIN AVE S -- FREE

Come check out some work photographed by long-time friend and collaborator Dan Monick from the Rhymesayers 20th Anniversary Concert.

FRIDAY, MAY 27 -- 7 PM -- EROTIC CITY ART EXHIBIT @ CO EXHIBITIONS -- FREE

Stop by Co Exhibitions to check out the Erotic City Art Exhibit, featuring new work from some of the top graffiti artists in the country, including some from Soundset 2016's live painters!

SATURDAY, MAY 28 -- 2 PM -- SKATE JAM WITH DC @ FAMILIA HQ -- FREE

Food, giveaways, and skating with DC's Davis Torgerson, Chris Cole, and Carlos Iqui!

SATURDAY, MAY 28 -- 7 PM -- OFFICIAL BEFORE PARTY @ FIRST AVENUE -- $20 ADV

Join Grieves, deM atlaS, DJ Abilities, Kevin Abstract, Sarah White, Nazeem & Spencer Joles, and DJ Adatrak; Hosted by Mr. Peter Parker!

SUNDAY, MAY 29 -- 10 PM -- OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY @ FIRST AVENUE -- $15 ADV

Join Questlove, Get Cryphy, Butta 45 DJs, and very special, surprise guests; Hosted by Brother Ali!