A weekend of Neon & Sin: Day n Vegas in review

DAY n VEGAS 2019 is officially over and was one for the books. Not only did this festival stack the lineup with top-tier headliners all 3 days, DAY N VEGAS also set the stakes high having their debut in Las Vegas. A land of risk and pleasure, Vegas is another world amongst us of something out of a fairytale. So it seemed fitting that this would be the location for the festival when the lineup was initially released. People were stunned. This festival announcement came out of nowhere and had hype built up before people could even book a flight.

Other than the lineup a huge reason for anticipation was due to the fact that this festival was presented by Golden Voice, the same giant who presents Coachella and Camp Flog Gnaw. No doubt this festival filled its plate full on the first buffet run. The question now is was the food edible and will it be served again next year?

Let’s review.

DAY 1 - 11/01/2019

DAY N VEGAS tested stamina over the weekend with 3 stages. The main stage was Jackpot which mainly hosted top headliners like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, Roll The Dice stage which had well-known established artist who can also be considered and seen as top-tier headliners like Young Thug, then the Hunnid stage which hosted up and coming artist as well as lower billed headlining artist such as Lil Tracy and Xavier Wulf.

However lineups are subject to change as we all know and this lineup did indeed change before and even during the event every single day. This festival was unpredictable out of the gate and kept everyone from stage hands to fans guessing what would happen next for better or worse.

The first day seemed like a perfect intro into what festival goers could expect the weekend to look like. Not too wild, not too mild, just right. The energy level was in constant shift depending on the artist. The vibe was chill, until 1:45 p.m. This was the first set of the day where you could visibly see people truly get comfortable and let loose amongst likeminded strangers.

Denzel Curry is one of those artist who no matter what will always have a high energy performance matched to a high energy crowd. At this point in his career, anything less would be looked at sideways. The energy he has brought over the past years has built him up for explosive festival sets, and this one set the tone for the weekend with an explosion.

The festival then returned to a more relaxed vibe with chilled out sets. That was until Comethazine played a heated set in a bullet proof vest followed by Xavier Wulf on the neighboring stage screaming “WHO?!” at the top of his lungs. Again, these are two artist who people will never question in terms of intensity when it comes to their mosh pits. Keep in mind these sets had sets in-between them with the main stage.

The Jackpot stage had Nav and Miguel back to back at this point as well. The lineup was very yin-yang. At one moment you are raging throwing elbows and crowd surfing strangers, the next you're swaying back and forth with your best friend or even a stranger to melancholy beats. This is the diversity people want in a festival lineup and this festival delivered in spades.

Day 1 had moments that shined brighter than others. One of the top 3 moments of the day had to be the moment where Lil Uzi Vert “gave it back to the crowd” during his set. Due to travel delays, Uzi was moved from the Jackpot stage to the Roll The Dice stage. This made a set meant for a bigger stage somewhat more intimate since he was moved to a smaller stage. Towards the end of a very active set, Uzi began to perform “XO TOUR Llif3” when he suddenly stopped it mid-way. Uzi made a point to note how much this particular song had changed his life.

In a heart-felt movie made moment Uzi told the crowd “this is yours now, you know the words” then proceeded to toss the microphone into the crowd. And this was one hell of a toss. The mic went at least 20-40 feet into the air almost disappearing into the night sky.

For some reason, this moment stuck out to me the most out of the entire festival. I loved everything about it and so did the crowd. When the song dropped a second time everyone and their mother was screaming it so loud the opposite side of the strip could hear it. I have not seen Uzi do something of this nature since his legendary tower dive in Miami at Rolling Loud.

Because at this point Uzi does not care. He has adjusted to fame and success, now he seems to just chase his own attention to not be bored of life. Whatever the case may be for Lil Uzi Vert, you can always expect love and rage at his set.

Probably the most notable day 1 moment for the majority of festival goers was J. Cole and all of Dreamville in the same place at the same time. Cole has always been a strong voice for activisim and civil rights, his stage setup was a perfectly timed reflection of that. The stage setup represented an election headquarters with signs everywhere saying “COLE 2020” as well as “THE FALL OFF” which is to be rumored to be promoting J Cole.’s next future album. Day 1 was undoubtedly a success and perfect start to an epic weekend.

DAY 2 - 11/02/2019

Day 2 was a bit more steamy with more acts that tend to have mosh pits and lots of action. From the first act to the last, day 2 demanded more stamina right out of the gate at 12 p.m. with Kid Trunks representing hard in memory of his friend Xxxtentacion. However the crowd seemed to gather in heavy mass when Sheck Wes performed. From there on every set had a solid amount of people and the festival was in full swing.

The biggest change of this day was obviously Travis Scott dropping off the lineup and being replaced with multiple artist (which indeed did help make up in a big way for Scott being absent). However the next biggest changes came when Playboi Carti was delayed due to travel cicrumstances like Uzi was. His set was moved 3 hours back and to the Roll The Dice stage. Trippie Redd was also moved from the Roll The Dice stage to the Jackpot stage. This didn’t stop people from running back and forth between sets. I ran into Kid Trunks during all of this chaos and he told me has was honored to be on an inaugural lineup with such a powerhouse lineup.

Saturday can be thought of as a hybrid strand of cannabis. The energy constantly being tossed through highs and lows of different vibes depending on the artist.

DAY 3 - 11/03/2019

It was very relaxed for those who moved around, but if you choose to stay in the pit to get closer to the main stage then you were most likely packed body to body all day at the Jackpot stage.

Day 3 by far packed the most anticipation for the majority of festival goers. With the Kendrick Lamar set to close out the show and back to back major headliners on the Jackpot stage from start to finish, the day looked beyond promising. However, like the previous days there would be schedule changes that would need to be planned to accordingly.

I started my day out by meeting up with the brother duo that is Hippie Sabotage. Kevin and Jeff Saurer are no strangers to hip-hop/rap despite what some may think. In fact, they told me their roots bloomed from hip-hop/rap and that they have a deep love and appreciation for the genre.

Mowgli: So this is the first ever Day N Vegas, and I’m really curious to hear both of your thoughts and feelings about being included on this festivals inaugural year. Also curious if you were maybe intimidated with the fact that this is mostly a hip-hop festival?

Jeff: To be honest we came from hip/hop production, that’s how we came up. So it’s an honor to be included in this scene and for us to play our piece out here. And it’s definitely a little intimidating playing our vibe to a straight up hip-hop festival, but like I said we like hitting every scene out there from alternative indie stuff to all the rap/hip-hop stuff. So we’re gonna bring our normal show and hope for the best.

Kevin: When we played Day N Night we opened for Chief Keef, and that went great. So I think after that we’re mentally prepared and ready to rock and roll man.

Mowgli: I like that. Mentally prepared, spiritually and emotionally prepared too I would think? I feel like you guys are very in-tuned with the spiritual energy at shows. I’ve been to at least 4 shows of yours now including when you toured with Azizi, and that was a very interesting mixup the fans loved it, I loved it. So I’m curious, where are you guys going to be going next, in 2020? I mean your whole career, are you content with where you’re at right now? Or you haven’t even peaked yet is what you’re thinking?

Kevin: Na. Its been a steady incline especially with the shows, we’ve been able to add people every year. So I think in the spring we’re gonna be doing Red Rocks, which will be our biggest solo show to date in March. And then for the spring tour some of our biggest shows are in Washington, Portland, we’re doing a HUGE show in Atlanta. So we’re ready to take it to another level honestly. 

Jeff: Internationally. We’re trying to branch out. We’re trying to hit Lollapalooza out there and we got some stuff we can’t really announce yet. 

Mowgli: You guys have done Lollapalooza in the states?

Kevin: Chile and Argentina, we haven’t played Chicago. The crowd response in South America was truly humbling. Devil Eyes popped off this year like crazy for us and that was really one of the earliest indicators to see people who don’t speak English singing it word for word. There was like 10 to 20,000 people in the arena. So it was just an incredible feeling that gave us the confidence to really just attack this year and going into 2020 really just stepping it up.

Mowgli: That’s a huge culture shock. People singing your words to you from another culture.

Kevin: People came to the hotel to take pictures with us in South America!

Mowgli: Followed the bus there?!

Kevin: Yeah! So it just felt amazing, we’re super humbled to be apart of it honestly.

Mowgli: I love it. So last thing I really wanna know from both of you is who do you want to collaborate with right now? Number one artist you want to get with right now no matter how big or small?

Jeff: Number one that we still - I’ll say it every year is Kendrick. I’m from Sacramento, West Coast, live in L.A.

Kevin: We want to work with the goat man.

Jeff: YBN Cordae, I really fuck with his new shit. I would love to do something with him.

Mowgli: Oh wait, I also heard a rumor you guys are Young Dolph fans?

Kevin: OH I love Young Dolph!

Jeff: We were listening to him on the way here!

Kevin: Yeah, he just released a new single on Halloween, I forget what it’s called like “Trick Or Treat” or something we we’re listening to it on the way here.

Mowgli. That’s beautiful! I love it, thank you guys and I’m looking forward to your set today!

With the gates opened people were ready for the final day. Boogie turned the crowd up on the Jackpot stage at 12:45 with fast paced beats followed by Doja Cat who mellowed the crowd down with melodies as cool as the festivals nights. With other hot acts on other stages, installations for photo opportunities, food truck galore, and a merch line that was constantly filled all weekend long there was no shortage of possibilities to occupy festival goers time. But at 2:45 Flatbush Zombies took the stage to another level. Flatbush is a group that demands crowd participation or else they will literally just stop their set and wait for the crowd to open up the pit. There are no bystanders aloud with the zombies. Ski Mask The Slump God would keep this energy up with a heavy set featuring appearances from DJ Scheme, Pouya, and Danny Towers (whom are all currently touring together on The Stokely Tour). Kali Uchis would then turn the crowd down once more with her relaxing set which featured 4 male dancers whom would put Uchis on a shinning crystal shell like the queen she is.

There was then a warning message on the stage screens that warned some artist performances may include simulated gunshots. This was very thoughtful and smart on behalf of the minds behind the scenes of Day N Vegas. Brockhampton then took the crowd by storm with a very colorful performance. Their matching orange outfits were accompanied by two huge crosses.

Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q would then perform high energy performances back-to-back. Despite technical difficulties during ScHoolboy Q’s set, he managed to push through it with a smile and even asked the crowd what songs they wanted to hear.

Tyler, The Creator would then keep the majority of the crowd waiting for his set creating anxiety and high anticipation. Those who ventured out of the massive crowd were able to catch a glimpse of many other note worthy acts whom played in-between on the two other stages such as Slowthai, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Tracy, and YBN Cordae; another artist that gathered a massive crowd at a smaller stage which mixed in with food trucks and lines to said food trucks.

When the noise flared and the lights cued, Tyler walked out and stood stationary before giving an electric performance in his most recent IGOR styled theme. The crowd was clearly all for him and his set. He even played “Yonkers” which he doesn't seem to do much now a days. Classic. During his set a lookalike was boosted by the crowd waving at Tyler sporting the signature suit and wig and glasses. To end his set, he once again acknowledged his doppelgänger.

This time though he made his wish come true. “You may never get a chance to stand next to greatness ever again… get up here.” Tyler and his admiring fan exchanged a short conversation in which we learned his name was Rob which for some reason was hilarious. The fan then got his picture and returned to the crowd a hero. The crowd even chanted “ROB!” at one point. Beyond one of the most enjoyable and notable moments of the entire weekend.

After the most anticipated set-change wait of the entire weekend, it was finally time. Kendrick Lamar was finally set to take the stage. The first song had the crowd moving in mass. Accompanied by stunning visuals, heated flames, and even fireworks, Kendrick did not disappoint.

With such an amazing set and even fireworks at the end, this felt like the end of an amazing festival wrapping up in picture perfect way. But nope. Young Thug was still set to play the Roll The Dice stage which somewhat felt a little off. Some headed out exhausted ready to sleep while some went to an afterparty, but those who stayed would be greeted by Young Thug who would officially finish off the last set of this weekend long festival.

The Big Picture Overall:

Nothing is overnight and nothing is ever easy. While Day N Vegas faced criticism from some and technical difficulties galore, they still delivered an unforgettable weekend. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, if you wanted to have an awesome weekend and had a positive attitude then you most likely did. But if you are someone who doesn’t deal with sudden random change well or can’t make stern choices on who to see over someone else, then you may have been disappointed.

Overall I personally give this festival 4 out of 5 stars. 5 stars to me can never be handed out the first year of a festival. They are still trying to cement their name as a top festival and that requires multiple years or being active. However, they set themselves up as a major competitor in the festival scene to be potentially iconic like Coachella, which again is also ran by the same company putting on this event. So they’re in good hands.

With solid branding and exclusive merchandise designed for this year only, this festival has the perfect formula to become an annual festival. Based off how this first year played out and by the reactions from the crowd it’s easy to say the people want this festival to return next year. Hopefully they didn’t blow the budget this year with such a star-studded lineup as many festivals have done in the past.

A good indicator of this festival returning next year is indeed the fact that it sold-out well in advance. I even met a guy whose girlfriend bought them 2 overpriced tickets as a surprise for his birthday from a club promoting scalper and the tickets turned out to not be valid. This shows there was beyond a demand to get into this festival.

FOMO has people regretting not securing tickets earlier. If Day N Vegas does come back next year it will sell out without a doubt once again. So to answer the questions presented at the beginning of this piece, yes, the food was indeed edible and I hope it’s served again next year. Worth it. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to experience this festival next year I highly recommend you make the trip.