Last year, I was privileged enough to cover JMBLYA 2017 and this year, we’re doing it all over again but only bigger and better with the hit traveling music festival making a comeback not only in Dallas and Austin; but also in Houston, Texas where the festival was founded back in 2013.
In addition to the long awaited Houston date at the Sam Houston Race Park, this year’s lineup is bigger with J. Cole, MIGOS and Cardi B headlining this year’s festival. The event also marks Offset and Cardi’s reunion since the latter revealed her baby bump during her SNL performance this past weekend.
Other artists taking the stage at the 3-city event include Kevin Gates, Playboi Carti, Jack Harlow, Ski Mask The Slump God, Trippie Red, Cozz and Killy. Special guests include Bub B, Trae The Truth and DJ Mr. Rogers.
The festival is also J.Cole’s first show of the year and is currently the ONLY announced 2018 Texas show. JMBLYA 2018 will also be the very first post-incarceration show for Kevin Gates. Meanwhile, the festival will be a first for up-and-coming rappers Jack Harlow and Killy.
Lil Uzi Vert performed at the festival last year and since then he has performed at the VMA’S with Ed Sheeran and even won the “Song of The Summer” for his hit song “XO Tour Life” at the same awards show. So who knows what’s in store for Jack and Killy after their JMBLYA performances.
The term “Bigger and Better” for this year’s event does not end with the lineup, either. The team is also expanding the bars that serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; and for the festival goers who go for the music and not the sun, they’re also adding more shaded areas so you can enjoy the music with your beer in hand without worrying about unwanted tan lines (aka me).
(READ: 5 Reasons Why JMBLYA is Set to be the Next Coachella)
Fortunately for me, I was still based in Dallas when I first covered the event but since I’ve moved to Toronto, I am traveling to cover the even for the second year and I know a lot of festival goers will be traveling as well.
If I did not have other things lined up I would totally go to all 3 dates this year because each city gives off a different vibe. All three states are vibrant and full of life and good vibes but for the sake of comparing them, Dallas is this little bubble that just stays mostly happy all year round, I lived in Dallas for the longest time so I can attest to this plus, it’s so chill there I actually miss it and I can’t wait to be back. Austin is more diverse in culture, they also have good food and if you like outdoor activities then you can do that once you get over the festival high that makes you want to jump around for 2 days lol, Houston has really really and I mean really good food and if you love museums they have a lot of those too oh and you also get easy access to the beach, that being said it’s save to say that each stop would be a different experience. So if you’re in town for all three dates I highly suggest going to all three during your trip, I promise it’s worth it.
I can personally attest that JMBLYA is one of the most organized events I’ve been to considering that they are ALWAYS sold out, meaning there are thousands of people in the audience, the vibe that this festival gave out last year still gives me chills to this day.
Watch out for the post-game article coming soon on When in Manila.
JMBLYA
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