French Montana closed out SXSW with an explosive set at The FADER FORT in Austin, Texas, on Saturday. The Coke Boy opened with Big Sean’s Detroit mixtape cut “Mula” and MMG’s “Actin’ Up.”
During his nearly 40-minute set, he served up his hits “Pop That” and “Ocho Cinco,” and brought out his Bad Boy boss Diddy for the remix to “Same Damn Time” and “It’s All About the Benjamins.” Macklemore even hit the stage to perform his hit “Thrift Shop.”
French is currently headlining a tour across the U.S. and will release his debut Excuse My French on May 21.
All eyes were on Earl Sweatshirt, who made his SXSW debut during several showcases in Austin, Texas, over the past week. Following in the footsteps of his fellow Odd Future members, who invaded the stage in 2011, the much-buzzed-about rapper staged a solo set at The FADER FORT on Saturday.
Wearing a yellow T-shirt that said “Knowledge Reigns,” the 19-year-old was joined by DJ Flying Lotus as he performed material off his upcoming album Doris including his Tyler, the Creator-produced single “Whoa.”
Get a preview of what to expect from Earl’s Coachella set next month.
Usher made waves at South by Southwest with a surprise set at the Fader Fort in Austin, Texas. Amidst rumors that he would close out Friday’s festivities, the R&B superstar was greeted with cheers when he appeared during Cincinnati rock band The Afghan Whigs’ set. He performed a stripped-down medley of hits including his Grammy-winning single “Climax” and took time out to send his best wishes to Lil Wayne.
“One of my fellow artists and good friend, Lil Wayne, is going through a real hard time right now, ya’ll,” said Ursh. “I just want to send a lot of positive attitude about his state and a lot of positive energy out there right now. Can you guys make some noise for Lil Wayne one time?”
He then lightened the mood with an acoustic performance of “OMG” and beatboxed his way through “Bad Girl.”
“You have officially turned me into a beatbox artist,” he joked to the crowd. “This isn’t really my shit, you know. South by Southwest brings out the best in me.”
He closed with an cappella version of “U Got It Bad” as the audience sang along.
“I love you so much, South by Southwest,” said Usher before making his exit.
Solange pulled into Austin, Texas, for several performances during SXSW. On Thursday, she took the stage at the Fader Fort for a sizzling set consisting of material off her EP True. Sporting a green floral patterned pantsuit, the fashionista and her band, including collaborator Devonté Hynes, jammed to her crowd-pleasing single “Losing You.”
“I want to see ya’ll dance,” said Solo as the audience grooved to her funky tune.
BET and ASCAP teamed up to celebrate music’s fresh faces at the “BET Music Matters Showcase” during SXSW in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. T.I. headlined the concert, which featured performances from some of today’s rising stars including ScHoolboy Q, Bridget Kelly, BJ the Chicago Kid, Lecrae, and Joey Bada$$.
Chrisette Michele hit the stage to perform new material off her upcoming album Better. The evening capped off with a performance from Tip. In addition to staging his biggest hits, he brought out some special guests including Trae Tha Truth, Kendrick Lamar for “Memories Back Then,” and Pharrell, who danced onstage during “What You Know.”
Backstage, the King held court with his wife Tiny and pals including Usher and Pharrell.
Music’s breakout acts and established stars crashed into Austin, Texas, for the 2013 mtvU Woodie Awards during South by Southwest on Thursday. Machine Gun Kelly shared hosting duties with sister duo Tegan & Sara, while Trinidad James and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis hit the stage to perform. T.I. even surprised the crowd by joining his Hustle Gang affiliate Travi$ Scott onstage.
Winners included The Weeknd (FOMO Woodie), Earl Sweatshirt (Breaking Woodie), Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (Branching Out Woodie), and Machine Gun Kelly, who took home Woodie of the Year.
“Who said dreams don’t come true muthafucka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you all so much!!!!” tweeted the Bad Boy rapper after his victory.
The half-hour mtvU Woodie Awards special airs Sunday at 8 p.m. on MTV and mtvU.
Nardwuar is back at it. The quirky Canadian caught up with A$AP Rocky and his A$AP Mob in Austin, Texas, during SXSW. Pretty Flacko introduced the members of his crew and was surprised by Nardwuar’s knowledge of obscure facts from his past. A$AP shared his love for Angie Martinez and other female rappers, how he found the girl in the “Wassup” video, and getting inspiration from sex, while Nardwuar presented him with vinyls from Cam’ron and Harlem World. Watch the crew show love to Nardwuar.
With a week to go before the release of her EP Armor On, Dawn Richard brought her live show to the frontlines of SXSW with an intimate set at Cielo in Austin. The Hearts leader commanded the stage with her interlude “Change” mixed with Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U” and also reprised her remix of Frank Ocean’s “Novacane.” Also check out the promo photo for the EP’s first single “Bombs,” inspired by her New Orleans heritage.
