The 8th annual Rock the Bells festival will come to New York City on September 3rd, showcasing some of hip hop’s most popular musicians. Just in time for Labor Day weekend, heavy hitters in the hip hop industry will be performing on Governors Island for a jam packed concert.

Over 30 performers will be in attendance on four different stages across the island. The hip hop festival will surely bring together music lovers with an exciting and energizing way to end the summer. A-list acts including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nas and Erykah Badu will be headlining Rock the Bells. With unique set lists, these hip hop musicians will be performing their internationally known albums in its entirety.

Ms. Lauryn Hill is set to perform her most famous songs from “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which is sure to please the audience. Her album has gone platinum several times, also receiving five Grammy awards including Best New Artist and Album of the Year. Hill’s 1998 album put her on the map and has had an outpour of loyal fans since.

Erykah Badu is set to perform her album entitled “Baduizm.” Often referred to as the Queen of Neo-Soul, Badu’sperformance of her 1997 album will bring fans back to the days of her hit singles, including the famous “On & On.”

Badu’s albums have reached platinum, and she has won a Grammy award for her collaboration with Jill Scott on “You Got Me.” Through her neo-soul songs, she is known to incorporate her emotions, thoughts, and politics into her lyrics.

For his Rock the Bells performance, Nas will light up the stage with his debut album, “Illmatic.” The album was released in 1994, but is still considered to be one of the best of his career. Popular singles include “One Love” and “The World is Yours.” Nas has released over a dozen studio and compilation albums, making him a prominent rapper in the hip hop industry.

The rapper will have special guests AZ, Pete Rock and DJ Premier join him during his performance. Other famous musicians to take the stage include Cypress Hill, Common, Mobb Deep, Raekwon and Ghostface, Immortal Technique, and Doom.

Mos Def and Talib Kweli join forces as Black Star as well. The list of acts to take the stage on Governors Island is long and still growing, with more performers to be announced. Surprise guests are also on the lineup, leaving the audience with a surprise feeling.

Rock the Bells is a festival that has toured around the country, promoting the music and culture of hip hop. The tour is presented by Boost Mobile, powered by Blackberry and in association with GUERILLA UNION.  General admission tickets for the Governors Island concert are $99. For VIP access to the show, tickets are available at $199.

The VIP access includes opportunities to meet the musicians, two drink tickets, a Rock the Bells shirt, poster, backpack, and credentials. Along with its stop in New York City, the Rock the Bells tour will be making its way to three other cities across the country.

Having already performed in Los Angeles on August 20th, Rock the Bells kicked off its first show at the San Manuel Amphitheater. August 27th’s show was  in San Francisco at Shoreline Amphitheater, and the final Rock the Bells concert will be in Boston on September 10.

Governors Island will be buzzing with excitement for the full day performances of hip hop’s finest artists.

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About the author

Sarah Dayan
I'm a Brooklyn native with a strong love for New York City, traveling, photography, writing, and music. I have my Bachelors degree in psychology and communication, and my Masters degree in school counseling. Through my writing, I want to share all my fun experiences in New York City.

1 Comment for Rock the Bells Comes to New York City

brian

This is going to be an amazing concert!!! Nas is one of the greatest of all-time and seeing him perform tracks from one of the greatest albums of all-time is crazy. if people can go and don't they are really missing out

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