Jay-Z Announced As A Headliner At Bonnaroo
Events By Patrick M. on February 9, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Seeing that Jay-Z was just announced as a top performer on Bonnaroo’s MySpace (remember that site?), I couldn’t help but wonder, who’s selling out more in this arrangement? The hippie jam band fest in cohorts with the Hip-Hop’s icon of individual capitalistic gain? Or the self-proclaimed street hustler taking to the stage about as far from the Marcy Projects as anywhere this side of the moon.
I’d say the music festival. Jay-Z’s never fronted his reasoning for entering the game, and if that means playing “On to the Next One,” in 100° heat for 100,000 smelly, sunburned 20-year-olds wondering when Widespread Panic goes on, so be it. As for the organizers, I understand their efforts to gain mass appeal, but they’re probably turning off more people than they’re going to bring in. Remember how well Kanye went over?
Of course, as with any respectable corporate kingpin, Young Hov is a true professional. I fully expect him to give the people what they want with a solid, if not particularly memorable performance. I still won’t be making the trip down there though.
Because as far as music fests go, it’s all about SXSW these days anyways.
Bonnaroo 2010 Lineup Includes Jay-Z, Weezer, Flaming Lips [MTV]
UPDATE– The full list of confirmed performers has been updated, courtesy of www.bonnaroo.com.
Dave Matthews Band
Kings of Leon
Stevie Wonder
Jay-Z
Tenacious D
Weezer
The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs perform “Dark Side of the Moon”
The Dead Weather
Damian Marley & Nas
Phoenix
Norah Jones
Michael Franti & Spearhead
John Fogerty
Regina Spektor
Jimmy Cliff
LCD Soundsystem
The Avett Brothers
Thievery Corporation
Rise Against
Tori Amos
The National
Zac Brown Band
Les Claypool
John Prine
The Black Keys
Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers
Jeff Beck
Dropkick Murphys
She & Him
Against Me!
The Disco Biscuits
Daryl Hall & Chromeo
Jamey Johnson
Clutch
Bassnectar
Kid Cudi
Baaba Maal
Kris Kristofferson
Medeski Martin & Wood
The xx
GWAR
Dan Deacon Ensemble
Tinariwen
Wale
Deadmau5
The Melvins
Gaslight Anthem
Miike Snow
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Dr. Dog
They Might Be Giants
Punch Brothers
Isis
Blitzen Trapper
Blues Traveler
Miranda Lambert
Calexico
OK Go
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Martin Sexton
Lotus
Baroness
Dave Rawlings Machine
Mayer Hawthorne and the County
Japandroids
Jay Electronica
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Ingrid Michaelson
The Dodos
Manchester Orchestra
The Temper Trap
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Tokyo Police Club
The Entrance Band
Local Natives
Brandi Carlile
Mumford & Sons
Rebelution
Diane Birch
Monte Montgomery
Julia Nunes
The Postelles
Lucero
Here We Go Magic
Hot Rize
Neon Indian
B.O.B
Needtobreathe
36 Comments
love him or hate him(for some silly reason, i know the haters will post to this)…
jay is still THE name in hip hop music and NO ONE is bigger as far as stature. I still say he is the only hope for hip hop to return to massive events like the super bowl halftime.
“I couldn’t help but wonder, who’s selling out more in this arrangement?”
Well Jay always said that Can Knock the Hustle, was meant to be taken as ‘don’t knock my cross over hustle’ so that would be fitting with him.
Even though that shit is less than an hour away, not even a Jay appearance could draw me into that shit lol. Too too many two’s: too much dirt, too much traffic, too much drugs, sweat, cops…shall I continue? The county where it’s located has never been kind to Negroes so I steer clear.
Anyways, sellout? Nah, money for all involved. After Glastonbury, we all should realize that it’s not selling out. Dude is a worldwide star. He’s going where the biggest crowd is.
As for the festival, they’ve always been about growth. You don’t buy all that land just so people can hang out each year.
“But we all have our own lil constantly changing moral compass and code don’t we?” from this article/post: http://daily-math.com/weblog/?p=2528#more-2528 sums up my first reaction your position for me, Gotty. Its like you’re saying “since money is involved, Jigga is justified rocking for these Paul Shirleys.” Fuck that. Selling out is selling out. You can paint that horse the color you choose but we BOTH it is what it is. Maybe it’s just this: http://www.bvonmoney.com/2010/02/07/jay-z-money-problems/. We’ll really know when the line-up is released.
^^ What are we talking bout Chucky?
Selling out how? Because he’s performing for Canadians? Because the show aint “hip hop”? Lets grow up here, you name me your favorite artist and tell me they would go do this gig if they were offered. The are entertainers , they are paid to entertain. Its just that simple.
IMO when you do a show where the majority of the audience doesn’t know or care about your music, you’re selling out. To me attempting to cross-over is selling out, especially when your sound changes to fit the new audience. You telling me Jay wasn’t offered Rock the Bells or SXSW or Summer Jam for that matter?
You really think the people in Tennessee aren’t familiar with Jay-Z? You do realize that rap is at the forefront of popular music? The same guy who did a opening sequence for the largest sporting event in this country.
“Selling out” is what you do when you compromise yourself or your brand to make a dollar. And what music did he make that was sell out-esk? Or whats his “new” crossover sound? He may have hot and cold flashes in the booth but selling out…I dont think so.
p.s. he’s done Summer Jam countless times. He’ll most likely do it again this year.
You telling me Jay wasn’t offered Rock the Bells or SXSW or Summer Jam for that matter?
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You obviously aren’t too in tune w/how big Bonnaroo is. I’d be willing to guess the money they take in trumps all three of those combined lol. Summer Jam? That shit been dead and it’s limited to a small region. SXSW is more for rising talent and it’s definitely not about bread. Rock The Bells? So you think Jay is gonna let Nas cut him a check?
Yeah…uhm…yeah.
His “sound changing”? Hmm…life’s experience change people or they should. I’m okay with what he’s done thus far.
Again, in terms of bread, audiences, etc., this isn’t a selling out move @ all. Shit, you go to a Jay concert now and half the crowd is not Black (interpret that how you want). So selling out isn’t even valid. He ain’t Jay from the block anymore, the motherfucker is a megastar.
Let’s celebrate the fact that one of our own made it, on his terms (for the most part) instead of trying to constantly find chinks in the armor.
Even though that shit is less than an hour away, not even a Jay appearance could draw me into that shit lol. Too too many two’s: too much dirt, too much traffic, too much drugs, sweat, cops…shall I continue? The county where it’s located has never been kind to Negroes so I steer clear.
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You want to give me a little backstory on this last sentence Gotty?
Cause me and some of my friends are planning on going to Bonnaroo.
The man has been a sellout since in my lifetime vol.1 (vol.2 was my shit and america gangsta), in my opinion, i can tell because he tried to put out a re-mastered copy, of ‘…in my lifetime vol.1′, 4-5 years after the original came out….i mean megastars such as mike jackson, prince, and stevie didnt put out a remastered copy of there debut album to appeal to there fan-base…na!! he did it to appeal to the new fan base he acquired from the success of ‘…in my lifetime vol.3′ and ‘the dynasty’ which were the albums that really put him in a whole different category of fame….and vol.2 boosted his pop acclaim also with the production, but he still kept most of his lyrics ebonic….
^ in my lifetime vol 1 was his second album not his debut.
And what the hell does a remastered anything have to do with selling out. That whole argument was lol was a joke right. lol
You want to give me a little backstory on this last sentence Gotty?
Cause me and some of my friends are planning on going to Bonnaroo.
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If you ain’t dealing dope, you have no worries. But plain and simple, Bonnaroo takes place in Manchester TN. The cops there don’t play and seem to work close w/TBI (Tenn. Bureau of Investigations). I can count three of my partners, incl. my brother, who caught fed cases b/c of traffic stops that occurred in the county Manchester is located in. For my brother’s case, there was a whole lot of trickery that went on that left a sour sour taste in my mouth.
BUT, they’ve learned to play give and take a lot w/Bonnaroo participants so I wouldn’t stress it. It’s just for me, I don’t fuck around there. Never have and never will. Simply don’t like or trust their asses. Only way I’ll go is if Jesus makes a special appearance on stage w/Jay or Nas or some shit.
You really think the people in Tennessee aren’t familiar with Jay-Z?
I’m saying I’d bet the majority of the audience wouldn’t drop a dime to see him if not for this venue. I been thru tennakey 6 times in 2010 and have yet to hear Jigga on the radio. I understand its a festival and all but my point is dude hasn’t made a JayZ album since the Black Album, everything else is a money grab. IMO he’s only checking for this for the headliners check which means he’s selling out to me. If SXSW drew 100K he’d be there, too. Summer Jam IS his fanbase, that venue is in the chemistry of his success, he wasn’t bringing that beach chair there.
His “sound changing”? Hmm…life’s experience change people or they should. I’m okay with what he’s done thus far.
His verbs haven’t changed, only the backdrop. He’s been saying the same thing on 90% of his records since RD; I’m a hustling ass drug dealer; “I got”; oh yeah, I used to sell drugs. Yeezy has shown growth, Nas has stepped in a few different lanes, 3stacks…nuff said; Common went there, came back, went there again and is on the way back; even Cubes sound has matured, he’s more sage than “summer vacation”. I’m not okay with what he’s done musically, to me he’s borderline wack now, word. Why, he’s yet to put away childish things. I’m not knocking his hustle but WE knows he ain’t fucked with Rock The Bells which is HipHop but will do this and Glastonbury where the fans didn’t even want his ass for the check. C’Mon Son, That’s selling out.
Chuck, by your logic, Jay should stick to the hood, right?
I mean, why do some “country” show, when he can do some “club” jawn, right?
NO.
Dude, when you’ve reached Jay’s status, you keep moving, keep evolving. Even he said so himself, the old Jay is GONE. He’s not coming back.
One of my favorite phrases is “The only man who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measure anew every time he sees me, while all the rest go on with their old measurements, and expect them to fit me.”
Jay isn’t going to fit YOUR expectations of him, and quite honestly, I would call him a sellout a lot quicker for that if he did.
I been thru tennakey 6 times in 2010 and have yet to hear Jigga on the radio.
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false, esp. considering he just performed here a few mths ago too.
Jay isn’t going to fit YOUR expectations of him, and quite honestly, I would call him a sellout a lot quicker for that if he did.
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word. I’d rather see Jay push the envelope, breaking down doors and setting the bar for the next generation, as opposed to doing the same old song and dance half the cats who came in the game before him are doing. Rap is getting real real stale and if someone isn’t helping to make the changes needed for it to grow to the next level, it’ll be eclipsed by the next big thing.
Chuck, by your logic, Jay should stick to the hood, right?
What I’m saying is stop acting like JayZ isn’t a sellout for only playing this for the check. I don’t think he has evolved because of stunts like this. Nothing about him has changed, that’s the illusion. Since he hasn’t broadened his sound, persona, image or intentions, why would this even be on his radar? Money grab. He’s not elevating the art, being true to his fanbase (they will be at summer jam, rock the bells and SXSW) or even being true to his catalog.
If thats okay with you then fine, that’s you but if he’s the face of hiphop to the world, no wonder the art stays losing. No wonder the art as a whole is viewed as not having integrity and easily led astray. We’ll do anything for money.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrDIOVXx-y8 Jay z at a festival was so 2008.
false, esp. considering he just performed here a few mths ago too.
You talking about the show at Vanderbilt? A tour stop in November? I’m saying the mainstream conscious of that demographic. Sure he has fans but considering the other acts on the lineup, this seems like an odd event for him. Not a broadening of his horizons, just odd. Remember this album is all on him, out of his pocket. He’s jumping the shark on this one.
I would sit thru GWAR to see Stevie Wonder. That’s on the Bucket list.
looks like the little homie Gnauzshir has no problem playing this festival either, guess he also sold out, lol.
What I’m saying is stop acting like JayZ isn’t a sellout for only playing this for the check
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I dont think when you do a show like this, its just the check. The check is apart of it sure but its also a statement. From his stand point this is another place where he can come and extend his brand movement.
I’m saying I’d bet the majority of the audience wouldn’t drop a dime to see him if not for this venue.
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I think you clearly miss the reason of why they would cut him a headliner check….they wanna expand their audience.
Let’s also get one thing clear. Jay isnt in this thing for the love. Does he love it? Sure I bet he does. But he is a business. And any artist that establishes themselves in the game carries themselves as a business. All of them. Thats part of the reason that his enemies respect him. But to use the fact that he doesnt limit his show to just “rap” venues (and I say limit b/c he JUST did SJ last year) is a ridiculous statement. Especially if you realize that majority of rap music is purchased by white america that haves no real connection to the street situations that rappers alludes to.
You still need to tell me your favorite rapper that would not do this show if asked. And dont worry, I’m clearly hear all night.
looks like the little homie Gnauzshir has no problem playing this festival either, guess he also sold out, lol.
Nah because him and Jr. Gong have played almost everywhere together from festivals to benefits to HIP HOP SHOWS. My point is JayZ doesn’t play those.
Let’s also get one thing clear. Jay isn’t in this thing for the love. Does he love it? Sure I bet he does. But he is a business.
Most sell-out moves are strong business moves. This is the equivalent to Halle showing her tits in Swordfish, Ving Rhames and Wesley Snipes in too wong fu, Colin Powell speaking on that WMD shit that he didn’t even believe because its about advancement at the expense of self. Jay doesn’t do HIPHOP festivals but will do a non-hiphop festival just to get paid. That a sell-out move. “I love you, you were my brother/you traded your soul for riches” – Nas “Ether”
KINGDOM COME 2 IN STORESNOW
Chuck, can I call you Chuck, we seem to be talking in circles. I say ” Jay-Z expands his brand not compromises it, which I believe is very intelligent” You say ” He sells out b/c he doesn’t ‘because he’s not just in the hood’. Its all very wonderful but clearly we view things on totally different plains. So I’ll say this…..I’m right, you’re wrong, I win , you lose lol. CHEERS!
You’re not understanding my argument. He’s selling out because he doesn’t participate in hiphop festivals not because he’s headlining this one. He doesn’t consider his core fanbase because he’s forcing them to stand beside 100000 of the sunburned. He’s not hood (see the cordoned off Oprah interview)but those who made him are and they go to Rock the Bells, which he doesn’t.
Neither one of us wins because he’s getting the check.
@dura-cell…ya u are right, my bad, i was speed typing…but thats the album i met to say cause thats the only album he re-mastered….
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when u re-master a album that already did good numbers you are trying to get a different type of audience that was not already interested in your music to begin with. Hence you are selling out your ‘core’ fan base to gain more popularity from other genres of music.
Dura-Cell says:
February 10, ‘10 at 3:47 am
……But he is a business. And any artist that establishes themselves in the game carries themselves as a business. All of them. Thats part of the reason that his enemies respect him. But to use the fact that he doesnt limit his show to just “rap” venues (and I say limit b/c he JUST did SJ last year) is a ridiculous statement. Especially if you realize that majority of rap music is purchased by white america that haves no real connection to the street situations that rappers alludes to.
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Thats what being a sell-out consist of, IMO…if you came into the game as a hardcore street hip-hop artist, than 6-7 years later you are doing soft rock/pop albums for a different fan base you let your original fans down….why try to cater to a crowd that has no idea what it means to be homeless in a urban environment surrounded by poverty, violence, and one parent homes? I will tell you why he did it: he sold his soul to make his story seem out of the ordinary…when in all reality there are millions of people still in that urban environment fighting the struggles of poverty, violence, and broken homes…thats what being a sell-out is all about, forgetting where you came from.
ps. doing a summer jam concert is not the same as other ‘rap’ venues.
^^Church!
The artists doing “rap venues” don’t headline major festivals. Of course Nas is going to headline Rock the Bells, because on a multi-genre ticket, he is a B-list attraction at best, there’s not much of a choice to be made.
@ BLAZEdaCANNONz
It always kills me when people refer to Jay-Z’s beginning as “hard core” You name me ONE hardcore track off RD. Just ONE. He was a drug dealer, so he rapped about drug dealing. He’s not a drug dealer anymore so at best the only thing he can do is make references here and there.
When he came into the industry, he came in as and exec. Look it up. He did sign to priority as an artist, he brought them Roc-a-fella. I’m sorry to break yours and Chuckys heart but he’s been that business minded artist since day one.
lol, and what soft music has he release now that he’s selling out? His last singles were “On to the next one”- which is just another chest thumping song that rappers do all the time. Empire State of Mind – it has pop success but in what way was it catered to his new disconnected fan base? Run this Town- Another pretentious rap song. And DOA which instead of jumping on the ban-wagon of auto tunes success like a real sellout would, he disses the idea. His album before that…American Gangster.
The only thing you can really draw a line and say ‘he’s different from this rapper is’… he acknowledges that he’s older and can’t rap about the same things in the same ways anymore.
Now you two seem to be stuck in some sorta box and I can’t help that shit. But let me help u out…you gotta let go of that ‘keep it real’ mantra that yall seem to be carrying. To me keeping it real, is about telling the most truthful things , instead what you may feel someone may want to hear.
He was a drug dealer, so he rapped about drug dealing. He’s not a drug dealer anymore so at best the only thing he can do is make references here and there.
But thats all he raps about drugs, the benefits and credibility it gave him, IN EVERY SONG. You brought up AG, which casts him as Frank Lucas. Thats proving my argument against his “growth” and “evolution” as an artist. Said growth would justify him headlining this venue.
@AEI Nas is not B-List, A-List or whatever, he’s an artist, not on the level but similar to Stevie. Is Stevie B-List, too?
But thats all he raps about drugs, the benefits and credibility it gave him, IN EVERY SONG.
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hey you get no argument from me there. But that attribute to the “catering music to his new pop fans” stance that yall have taken.
I didn’t say he “evolved” as an artist. I did say that he’s atleast honest about where he’s at. I said he cant rap about the same things in the SAME ways.
He will forever make hustler music because no matter what position he’s in, he still considers himself that. I also never said that his growth would justify him doing the show. I said that he’s an entertainer and its his job to do shows. Its how artist make the bulk of their money. And you know what…in over 24 hours you still haven’t named me ONE artist that wouldnt do the show. SMH….
I think its amazing that people cant except it when people are doing something other than something they’ve already done. everybody has their definition of evolution and progress,
(everybody saying Hov done changed like i came this far to stay the same) bottom line is nothing anybody does is gon make everybody happy but I for one am glad to see Jay do shit like this instead of seeing him be stuck in place like T.I. and niggaz like Jeezy.Everybody is an expert at something and dope just happens to be Jay’s cup of tea but the one thang we gotta admitt that dude is the master of freakin the same dis 100 different ways, but its always gon be a nigga out there that just want his eggs scambled
“Nas is not B-List, A-List or whatever, he’s an artist, not on the level but similar to Stevie. Is Stevie B-List, too?”
How is that a relevant comparison? Stevie Wonder’s commercial and historical success and significance outstrips that of Nas’ by a considerable margin to say the least.
In terms of large-scale touring, Nas is indeed b-list, if that, as evidenced by his placement on this tour, or any other multi-genre tour he might have done/do.
And you’ve already contradicted your own point:
“IMO when you do a show where the majority of the audience doesn’t know or care about your music, you’re selling out.”
Let me get this straight – the Bonnaroo crowd has no interest in Jay, but they’re lining up for Nas? lol.
Yeah i agree wit dat cuzo
Damn im late, havent been near a computer in a couple days….
Dura-Cell says:
@ BLAZEdaCANNONz
It always kills me when people refer to Jay-Z’s beginning as “hard core” You name me ONE hardcore track off RD. Just ONE. He was a drug dealer, so he rapped about drug dealing. He’s not a drug dealer anymore so at best the only thing he can do is make references here and there.
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Sorry to disappoint you but RD was not his debut as a artist, yes it was his debut album, but if you were truly a fan of Jay-z (as i WAS) u would of remembered him rapping along side children of the corn which was a “hard-core” rap group consisting of young harlemites that spit lyrics with raw passion.
I would like to argue that 22-2s was a ‘hard-core’ rap song on RD which he talked about killing, murdering, and other such ventures that he doesnt no include in his lyrics anymore. Hell, he even had a track on that album that took place in a underground club, and eventually the show got shut down cause they was smoking the ‘refer’….i think thats pretty hardcore in its self…i mean to put that on a album.