There are few things that are more dope about living in Minnesota than Soundset. Every year, Minneapolis’s own Rhymesayers bring in the best hip-hop talent from across the country for an epic show that always makes memories for all in attendance.
And this year just might be the best year yet. There’s a new venue (Soundset has moved from Canterbury Park to the State Fairgrounds), and a dope lineup (A$AP Rocky, Future, The Roots, Common, and Anderson .Paak to name a few). What’s not to love?
With all the excitement buzzing, rumors swirling, and preparations being made, the whole experience can seem just a touch overwhelming. Thankfully, we here at KicksOneTwo are Soundset veterans, and we’d like to think that we’ve got having a good time there down to a science, so today we’re filling you in on the ins and outs of Soundset, as well as giving you some of our best tips and tricks. Trust us, you’ll be a Soundset pro by the time you’re done reading this.
Get The Set Times Down
The preparations begin before you even leave the house. The set times for the artists are usually announced a day or two before the event, so make sure you plan to be there in a timely fashion so you don’t miss whomever you were really hoping to see. You don’t want to roll up at 3:00 if Domo Genesis goes on at 1:45, do you? We’re not saying you have to get there right when the gates open (although that’s not a bad idea), but you should be sure to figure out your arrival time in advance.
There’s No Need To Get Super Fresh.
You’re going to get dirty at Soundset. When you’re around 30,000 other people, that’s bound to happen. So there’s no need to throw on your best fit to try and impress the masses…unless you don’t mind messing that fit all the way up. Grab your favorite old t-shirt or a basketball jersey, wear your favorite pair of beaters, and you’ll be all set.
Roll Deep
You’ve got homies. Your homies tend to like the same things you do. Your homies like hip-hop. Your homies are all going to Soundset too. You should all roll together. Big events like this are always more fun when you’re with all your friends, and you’ve got to admit that it’s pretty dope to roll up to any event 15 deep.
Bring The Essentials
Soundset is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got to be prepared for that marathon. Bring a string bag or backpack to carry stuff in in case you get any free handouts or want to buy any merch, and be sure to throw a light jacket or hoodie in there in case inclement weather strikes (it tends to).
Come With An Open Mind
There’s one more thing you need to bring: an open mind. Sure, there’s probably one or two artists on the bill that you’re not too fond of, but try to shelve any pre-concived notions you might have about them. Who knows? Their performance might totally change your opinion. The same goes for meeting people. You’re bound to meet a cool person or two, so be open and receptive! There’s a lot of good conversation to be had in between sets.
Check Everything Out
Sure, the music is the biggest draw at Soundset. But there’s a lot of other cool stuff going on too. Check out the skate comp. Hit the booths and see what the vendors have to offer (our homies from NSOD Clothing will be there, be sure to stop by their booth!). Get some food. Be sure to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Stay Hydrated
We’re not your mom, but we would like to remind you to drink plenty of water while you’re there. As we mentioned earlier, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and you want to make sure that your hydration game is always on ten. Believe it or not, it’s actually not that hard to mix a few waters in between your beers.
What are you the most excited for at Soundset? Is there a particular artist you can’t wait to see? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter, check our Facebook page for daily updates, and, as always, be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the fire sneaker pictures you can handle.
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