Snoop Dogg, the iconic rapper, actor, and cultural phenomenon, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unique style and charisma that seep through each of his songs. Among his extensive discography, “Young, Wild & Free,” a collaboration with Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars, stands out as one of his best-selling and most celebrated tracks, having achieved a remarkable six-times platinum status.
“Young, Wild & Free” was released in 2011 as part of the soundtrack for the film Mac & Devin Go To High School, a stoner comedy starring Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. The track is an anthem celebrating youth, freedom, and carefree living, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and a laid-back attitude. Its infectious melody, coupled with the smooth vocals of Bruno Mars, creates a compelling and irresistible vibe that resonates strongly with audiences worldwide.
The song’s success can be attributed not only to the individual talents of Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Bruno Mars but also to the synergy created by their collaboration. Snoop Dogg’s iconic rap style, Wiz Khalifa’s distinctive flow, and Bruno Mars’ soulful voice combined seamlessly to create a chart-topping hit that continues to captivate listeners.
Commercial Success And Cultural Impact
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 01: (L-R) Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg attend Hot 97 Summer Jam 2014 at MetLife Stadium on June 1, 2014 in East Rutherford City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
“Young, Wild & Free” swiftly climbed the music charts upon its release and became a cultural phenomenon. Moreover, its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics struck a chord with a diverse audience, transcending age and cultural boundaries. The track’s upbeat and uplifting nature made it a staple at parties, clubs, and gatherings, further cementing its place in popular culture.
The song’s commercial success was unprecedented, earning multiple certifications and further critical acclaim for both Snoop Dogg and Wiz. Achieving a six-times platinum certification signifies its immense popularity and enduring appeal, solidifying its place as one of Snoop Dogg’s most commercially successful tracks to date.
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 13: Wiz Khalifa (L) and Snoop Dogg perform on stage at the Wiltern on December 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Getty Images)
Years after its initial release, “Young, Wild & Free” continues to enjoy widespread popularity and remains a timeless anthem for embracing life’s moments of joy and freedom. Its legacy extends beyond mere commercial success, as it has become a soundtrack for countless individuals seeking to embrace life with a carefree spirit.
Moreover, the song’s impact goes beyond music, resonating with fans as more than just a catchy tune. It embodies a philosophy of living life to the fullest, encouraging listeners to celebrate their youthfulness and revel in the moment, a sentiment that has contributed significantly to its enduring popularity.
In conclusion, Snoop Dogg’s collaboration with Wiz Khalifa and Bruno Mars on “Young, Wild & Free” stands tall as a testament to the power of collaboration, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics. Its six-times platinum status is not merely a reflection of commercial success but also a testament to its cultural impact and the lasting impression it has made on listeners worldwide. The track continues to inspire and uplift, solidifying its place as a timeless anthem for generations to come.
Halloween may be over, but Lucky Daye‘s video for “That’s You” keeps the spooky season going just one more day. In it, Lucky plays the hapless familiar to a sexy succubus in his native Louisiana, going out into the New Orleans streets to seduce women to bring back for her to feed from. Each would-be romantic encounter ends with Lucky’s mistress taking his latest love interest back to her bedroom, then taking their souls. Throughout, Lucky’s face betrays his ambivalent feelings about this arrangement, and the video ends with him covering up the evidence with a bayou bonfire.
Ahead of the new song’s release, Lucky teased the involvement of Bruno Mars. He had been flying under the radar for much of 2023 as he let the last of his Silk Sonic/Vegas residency hangover subside before contributing songwriting and production to “That’s You” alongside D’Mile. With their involvement, “That’s You” sounds a little like a Silk Sonic remnant, carrying over a little of the ’70s-throwback, big-band R&B feel from that project into Lucky’s contemporary approach. The combination works well, providing a sultry but heartbroken vibe reflected in the steamy visuals. As far as a follow-up to his 2022 debut album Candydrip goes, “That’s You” is a compelling jumping-off point.
Welp, Bruno Mars had a nice little vacation there, but it looks like he’s back to being one of the busiest guys in show business soon. After wrapping up a successful Las Vegas residency and humbly bowing out of Grammy consideration for the 2023 awards, Bruno had been flying relatively under the radar for most of the year. Today, though, rising R&B star Lucky Daye announced that Mars would be joining him on his new single, “That’s You,” alongside frequent production partner D’Mile. He also included a snippet of the song, which drops this Wednesday, November 1 — the perfect start to cuffing season.
It’s a big look for Lucky; not only has Bruno’s presence supercharged singles from the likes of Cardi B and Gucci Mane in past years, but “That’s You” arrives just as Lucky is looking to capitalize on having one of the best R&B albums of 2022 amid an overall resurgence of the genre which saw him collaborating with the red-hot Victoria Monét ahead of the release of her well-received album, Jaguar II. Lucky was also one of the beneficiaries of Silk Sonic foregoing the Grammys, receiving nominations for several awards at this year’s ceremony including Best R&B Album, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song. With Bruno on his side, he may be adding to his collection of hardware soon enough.
“That’s You” Feat. Bruno Mars & D’Mile is out on 11/1.
From the vibrant shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, emerged a musical sensation destined to shape the soundscapes of modern pop. Peter Gene Hernandez, the world’s adored Bruno Mars, didn’t always bask in the dazzling lights of international acclaim. He began as a young boy, imitating the iconic moves and voice of Elvis Presley amidst Waikiki’s bustling tourist attractions. Those formative years were more than just fleeting childhood moments; they were the foundational blocks of an illustrious career. The enthralling city of Los Angeles called out to this budding talent, promising opportunities the Hawaiian Islands couldn’t offer. With dreams larger than most, and talent that surpassed even that, by 2023, Mars had an astounding net worth of $180 million, as referenced by CAknowledge.
Career Highlights & Accolades
BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 13: American singer Bruno Mars poses during a portrait session on January 13, 2011 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Marco Prosch/Getty Images)
Before arenas resounded with fans chanting his name, Mars was the powerhouse behind several hits, writing for other musical talents. Operating under the intriguing banner of the Smeezingtons, he sculpted a reputation as a stellar songwriter, while simultaneously preparing for a takeover. The world wasn’t ready for the storm that was his debut, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Tracks became anthems, awards became routine, and Bruno Mars solidified his place in pop royalty. His subsequent albums, Unorthodox Jukebox and 24K Magic, further attested to his unmatched versatility. From capturing the essence of old-school funk to pioneering contemporary pop sounds, Mars’s discography is a testament to his eclectic and expansive musical palate.
Personal Life & Highlights
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 28: Recording artist Bruno Mars winner of, Album of The Year, Song of The Year, Best R and B Album, Best R and B Performance and Record of The Year poses in the press room during the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/FilmMagic)
While his music is a global phenomenon, Mars is a master at keeping his personal life discreet. However, those privileged enough to glimpse behind the curtain know that the layers to his persona are as varied as his musical genres. Relationships, family, trials, and triumphs—all subtly influence the rich tapestry of his songs. Beyond his auditory art, Mars is recognized for his distinct fashion sense. A seamless blend of retro elegance and contemporary flair, his style is as iconic as his voice, making him a trendsetter both on and off the stage.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 30: Halftime performer Bruno Mars speaks at the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show Press Conference at Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 30, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/FilmMagic)
Mars’s ventures aren’t restricted to crafting chart-toppers. His entrepreneurial ventures reveal a shrewd business acumen. A notable example is his close association with SelvaRey, a premium rum brand. But it’s not all profits and playlists for this pop star. Mars is deeply conscious of the world around him. His donation of $1 million towards the Flint water crisis relief is evidence of his commitment to catalyzing positive change. Such gestures prove that his realm of influence, though rooted in music, extends to pressing issues of societal importance.
Thanks to his massively successful Las Vegas residency and other shows, “Versace On The Floor” singer Bruno Mars has been considered one of this generation’s greatest performers. Unfortunately, his Israeli fans won’t be able to witness his charismatic moves live as they’d hoped to do.
On Saturday, October 7, Mars was slated to headline his second show in Tel Aviv’s Park HaYarkon. However, the concert was canceled due to the ongoing conflict between the country’s forces and Hamas militants. The news was shared in an announcement on Live Nation Israel’s official Instagram page.
“Bruno Mars concert scheduled to take place tonight is canceled,” the note read. “All ticket purchases to the show will receive an automatic refund to the credit card through which the purchase was made. We stand with the residents of Israel, IDF fighters, and the security forces in these difficult moments.”
However, many fans weren’t pleased to read the message, and they shared their frustrations in the comments section.
“We want a show. We don’t want money!!” wrote one. “Until we managed to buy tickets for this show, and we waited months for it!!! There was already one show, and everyone who had to come today will not be able to enjoy it. Please make another show. This is not fair!! The dream is completely shattered.”
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“We deserve a show on another date. Some people have been expecting this. My heart goes out to all the residents and wishes for their safety,” wrote another.
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“Why just not move the date?? Why cancel? Why have I been waiting for this show for two months? Why just smash the dream? Everything is ruined,” replied another.
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Bruno Mars’ first show, scheduled for October 4, did take place.
Bruno Mars is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
While 2023 represents the 50th year of hip-hop, it’s also the 75th anniversary of one of the labels that has had a huge hand in making hip-hop the global phenomenon it is today. Today, Atlantic Records announced its plans to celebrate making it three-quarters of a century (especially in an industry that has seen so much upheaval almost from day one), which include a year’s worth of vinyl reissues of classic and contemporary albums that have defined its first 75 years.
The campaign will kick off in October and include 90 albums from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Bad Company, Booker T & The MGs, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Christina Perri, Coldplay, Foreigner, Gucci Mane, Jack Harlow, Janelle Monáe, John Coltrane, Kehlani, Led Zeppelin, Lupe Fiasco, Matchbox Twenty, Otis Redding, Phil Collins, Ray Charles, Velvet Underground, Willie Nelson, and more. Some will be special pressings; others will be releases that have never been on vinyl before. There’s also exclusive, limited-edition merch, and partnerships with Vinyl Me, Please and Acoustic Sounds.
The collection will be curated by Atlantic Records chairman/CEO Craig Kallman, who’s been working on it for years. “It was stacks of paper making sure we didn’t miss anybody,” he said in a press release. “It was painstakingly done. There was a lot of internal debating… We tried to include records that were culturally significant, that were groundbreaking for the company, that were blowout sales successes. It was about records that defined the label and the culture of the company.”
Kallman had a personal investment in much of that history, joining Atlantic in 1991 after his dance label, Big Beat Records, was acquired by Atlantic. And although he said he thought it’d be cool to limit the run to 75 titles, he found he just couldn’t, resulting in the 90 planned releases (might as well up it to 100, Craig!). From the names of the albums included, it looks like a worthwhile endeavor and we can’t wait for the year ahead.
Atlantic Records and Uproxx are both independent subsidiaries of Warner Music Group.
If there are two things Louisville, Kentucky is known for, they are music and bourbon (and college basketball, but that’s another story). The Bourbon & Beyond Festival combines the best of both. Boasting 40 brands, a slew of workshops, and a focus on food that pairs well with both the beverages and the entertainment, Bourbon & Beyond kicks off this Thursday, September 14 and runs through Sunday, September 17 at the Kentucky Exposition Center-Highlands Festival Grounds. We’ve got the set times below.
This year’s lineup includes headliners Bruno Mars, The Black Keys, The Killers, and Brandi Carlile, as well as a who’s-who of rock and blues, from Train and Duran Duran to The Black Crowes and Blondie. Other highlights include Buddy Guy and Mavis Staples, Hozier and Brittany Howard, The Avett Brothers and Spoon, and Jon Batiste and Ryan Bingham. I also see The Gaslight Anthem, Michelle Branch, Babyface, Aloe Blacc, and Fantastic Negrito on the flyer, so this looks like a winner of a festival. You can get more info here.
Thursday’s headliner, Brandi Carlile, hits the stage at 9:15 for a 90-minute set, while The Killers are scheduled for the same time on Friday night. Saturday’s got The Black Keys going on 9:15 and on Sunday, Bruno Mars closes things out at 9:05. You can see the rest of the set times in the IG posts below.
Nick Cannon’s becoming almost as well-known for his bad music takes as for his many, many kids. While he occasionally has hits — take his Mount Rushmore of female rap, for instance — he’s just as quick to make a crotchety comment about the modern state of rap music that proves his non-stop daddy duties have probably left him out of touch.
His latest thoughts, courtesy of his own Amp Radio show The Daily Cannon on Monday, certainly won’t help in that regard. If anything, he’ll be facing down hordes of angry Swifties and the BeyHive like The Electric Mayhem after negatively comparing both Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to Bruno Mars. A bold choice, inciting two of the most hyperactive fan bases at the same time like this.
Debating with his cohorts about which artist he’d rather see on tour, he declared, “No offense, I would rather go to a Bruno Mars show than a Beyoncé or Taylor Swift show.” He then questioned, “Who got more hits?” insisting, “I am a Beyoncé fan. I still believe Bruno Mars actually has more hits records.” Wow, that’s a bold claim. If only there were some publication, established 100 years ago, that could numerically track the performance of artists’ singles… oh yeah, wait:
According to Billboard (via XXL), it ain’t even close. While both have the same number of No. 1 hits (eight), Beyoncé has 21 top tens and 81 total Hot 100 appearances to Bruno Mars’s 32, of which 18 have been top tens.
Bruno Mars is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Now that Weekend One of Coachella 2023 is approaching, it’s never to early to start looking ahead to possible headliners for the festival’s next few years. This year, the wildly successful music and arts festival returns for the second showing of its post-COVID-19 era. Featuring headlining sets from chart-topping K-Pop phenom BLACKPINK, Grammy-winning R&B maestro Frank Ocean, and world-conquering reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny, this year’s Coachella is certainly heavy on the star power. But, even though it feels as if Coachella tastemakers select the biggest and brightest of today’s music stars to headline the festival, there are still quite a few acts that have curiously not yet headlined. As exhilarating as record-breaking tours are, Coachella is still a dependable site for iconic cultural moments — from the still-shocking Tupac hologram in 2012 to Beyoncé’s legendary tribute to historically Black colleges and universities in 2018.
The ideal Coachella headliner should be popular enough to appeal to a wide demographic, respected as an artist that delivers quality work, have the ability to put on an arresting show in terms of physical performance and setlist sequencing, and, most importantly, have at least an hour and a half’s worth of undeniable hits and notable songs. The archetype of the Coachella headlining act has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, and with the latest edition of the festival boasting its most populist and globalist lineup yet — the possibilities are endless.
Here are 10 artists that could theoretically headline Coachella in the next few years:
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber has been a cultural touchstone and musical force for the better part of two decades. With hits ranging from “Baby” and “Boyfriend” to “Sorry” and “Peaches,” The Biebs has been cranking out hits across five non-holiday studio albums — four of which have received Grammy nominations. Far removed from his bowl-cut days, Justin Bieber has grown from a teener-bopper phenomenon to a global powerhouse. He’s dipped into wide range of genres making him fit for a sprawling headlining set. He can supplement his standard Top 40 smashes like “Love Yourself” and “Ghost” with hits across reggaeton (“Despacito”), country (“10,000 Hours”), and afrobeats (“Essence”). Also consider: headlining Coachella could be a nice way to formally wrap up his Justice World Tour — which was unfortunately cut short due to health concerns. Of course, it’s not a requirement, but Bieber has a wide selection of surprise guests to pull from — Ludacris, Usher, Diplo, Wizkid, Tems, Daddy Yankee, Chance the Rapper, the list goes on. Plus, Bieber loves Coachella, and has appeared in sets from the likes of Daniel Caesar and Jack Ü.
Ed Sheeran
Having already headlined comparable festivals like Glastonbury, Ed Sheeran is an easy fit for a Coachella headlining slot. From “The A Team” and “Don’t” to “Perfect” and “Bad Habits,” the British singer-songwriter has a decade’s worth of hits to pull from — and we haven’t even mentioned smashes like “Shape Of You” or “Thinking Out Loud” yet. The timing also lines up particularly well. Ed could make a stellar 2024 headliner. He’s dropping his new album, – (Subtract), in May and the supporting tour for that record concludes in September, leaving him ample time to rest up and put together a fresh set for the following summer. On that front, Ed has been handling solo stadium shows for years now, and between his hilarious onstage banter and his riveting use of the loop pedal — he knows how to captivate a crowd. It also goes without saying that Ed’s reach extends across a wide range of audiences, and his potential surprise guests prove it. Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Burna Boy, Stormzy, Fireboy DML, and Chris Stapleton are all plausible choices for his set’s surprise element.
Taylor Swift
For an artist like Taylor Swift, headlining Coachella is undoubtedly a matter of “when,” not “if.” Currently in the midst of her record-breaking Eras Tour, Swift is the ideal Coachella headliner. With hits ranging from 2008’s “Teardrops On My Guitar” to 2022’s “Anti-Hero,” she has an overwhelming amount of songs to pull from, and her current tour — which pays tribute to each of her ten wildly successful studio albums — is refining her setlist sequencing skills each and every night. Taylor also understands how to steer the dynamism of her live shows; she’s equally capable of reigning over flashy stage production (think the moving “Look What You Made Me Do” platforms from the Eras Tour or the giant snake from her Reputation Stadium Tour) and crafting slower, more intimate moments with fan-favorite ballads like “Enchanted” or “All Too Well.” Moreover, if the timing works out, then Taylor could use a Coachella headlining set to commemorate finally releasing the remaining Taylor’s Version albums (her eponymous debut, Speak Now, 1989, and Reputation).
Rihanna
Sure, Rihanna has pretty much forsaken us to prioritize her makeup and lingerie empire (and who can really blame her?), but every now and then, Rihanna The Pop Star reemerges to placate our collective hunger. After returning with a pair of songs for the Academy Award-winning Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — including Best Original Song nominee “Lift Me Up” — Rihanna treated us to two performances that showed off different sides of her onstage capabilities. Although her headlining slot at the inaugural Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show received some lukewarm initial reviews, her set has proven to be a pop culture phenomenon, sparking trends that have reached high schools, nursing homes, and everywhere in between. Her heartfelt performance of “Lift Me Up” at the 95th Academy Awards also showed off her ability to handle a stage with just a microphone and a ballad. Between her most recent musical showings and a decade and a half’s worth of undeniable smash hits to her name, Rihanna can easily hold down a headlining set at Coachella. Whether she makes it a victory lap or the catalyst for a new album and tour, Rihchella is destined to be a career highlight. The “Love On The Brain” singer could also bring out jaw-dropping surprise gets like Jay-Z, SZA, Calvin Harris, Nicki Minaj, Buju Banton, and, of course, A$AP Rocky.
Dua Lipa
Although she only has two studio albums under her belt, Dua Lipa is more than ready to take on the Coachella mainstage. Between smash collaborations like “One Kiss” (with Calvin Harris) and her own staggering roster of solo hits — “New Rules,” “Levitating,” and “Don’t Start Now” among them — Dua’s catalog is more than capable of anchoring a headlining set. Last year, the three-time Grammy-winner embarked on her Future Nostalgia Tour which visited four different continents over the course of 82 shows. A true spectacle of fashion, vocals, choreography, and stage and lighting design, that concert tour helped further sharpen Dua’s stage presence and performance ability. With past performances at Glastonbury and We The Fest, Dua is already familiar with working festival crowds, and the historic number of streams her albums garner proves that audiences genuinely enjoy her music. The Future Nostalgia Tour featured supporting acts such as Megan Thee Stallion, Tove Lo, and Caroline Polacheck — all of whom are strong candidates for surprise guests. Nonetheless, Dua could also reunite Silk City (Diplo & Mark Ronson), bring out Calvin Harris, or treat festival goers to appearances from Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Miguel, Martin Garrix, or Miley Cyrus.
Nicki Minaj
After clinching the first solo female rap song to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in nearly 25 years — while in between album cycles, at that — Nicki Minaj is an easy pick to headline the Coachella Stage. The “Do We Have A Problem” rapper has enough hits to fill two Coachella sets with no repeats. She’s been handling legendary stages and arenas around the world for over a decade now, and her endlessly quotable bars are tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime crowd interaction moments. Armed with hits ranging from “Itty Bitty Piggy” to “Super Freaky Girl,” a Nicki Minaj Coachella set would be a perfect storm of pop smashes, street anthems, euphoric throwbacks, and undeniable classics. Let’s be real, only Drake can compete with a setlist of so many possibilities. With past headlining performances at festivals like Wireless and Hot 97 Summer Jam, the Queens rapper is more than familiar with massive stages. There’s also the fact that Nicki Minaj has not dropped an album since 2018. Although she’s still been ever-present with hits ranging from “Yikes” and “Whole Lotta Money” (with BIA) to “Tusa” (with Karol G) and, most recently, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” a Coachella headlining set could be the perfect way to launch her fifth studio album.
Shakira
With Bad Bunny already making history as Coachella’s first Latin American solo headliner, why not continue the festival’s increasingly globalist approach by tapping one of the biggest crossover stars of the century, Shakira? While the Colombian powerhouse has long established herself as a hitmaker with seminal pop smashes like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Waka Waka,” and “Whenever, Wherever,” she’s been having something of a re-peak in 2023 as she preps the release of her forthcoming twelfth studio album. This year, the Grammy-winner has already notched a pair of Top 10 hits, one with Bizarrap (“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”) and another with Karol G (“TQG”) — a testament to her longevity and ability to connect with audiences across generations and languages. In 2020, the “She Wolf” singer headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Jennifer Lopez, and she’s also embarked on a whopping six headlining world tours. As a multi-instrumentalist, belly dancer, and vocalist, Shakira can entertain the Coachella Valley in a multitude of ways. There’s also the fact that the “Beautiful Liar” singer could bring out a wide range of surprise guests from Beyoncé and Rihanna to Maluma and Rauw Alejandro.
Bruno Mars
Isn’t it kind of crazy that Bruno Mars hasn’t headlined Coachella yet? Widely hailed as one of the best performers in contemporary mainstream pop music, Bruno Mars has delivered two highly memorable Super Bowl Halftime Show performances, a pair of acclaimed Las Vegas residencies (one solo and the other alongside Silk Sonic partner-in-crime Anderson .Paak), and three global headlining concert tours. Since his 2010 debut, Bruno Mars has garnered 18 top ten hits on the Hot 100, eight of which reached the summit including “Grenade,” “That’s What I Like,” and the four-time Grammy-winning “Leave the Door Open.” An entertainer in truest sense of the term, a Bruno Mars Coachella set could take several transfigurations. He could use most of the time to flaunt his skills as an instrumentalist on the drums, piano, and guitar, or he could have a dance-centric set that also displays his vocal chops. Regardless of what the set looks like, it is almost guaranteed to be one of the liveliest headlining sets to ever grace Coachella. Bruno is more than capable of headlining the festival on his own, but he could surprise the Indio Valley with special guests like Cardi B, Eminem, and, of course, Anderson .Paak.
Paramore
The recent trajectory of Coachella headliners has skewed more pop-heavy than the festival’s rock and alternative roots. With a career spanning nearly twenty years and a handful of crossover hits that sit at the zenith of mainstream pop, Paramore is the perfect act to bridge Coachella’s past and present. The Grammy-winning punk-pop band has three worldwide headlining concert tours to their name, and they are currently in the throes of their This Is Why tour in support of their chart-topping album of the same name. Known for exhilarating live shows packed with hair-raising instrumental breaks and virtuosic vocal performances, Paramore is one of the strongest contemporary live acts that have yet to headline Coachella. Last year, Billie Eilish brought out frontwoman Hayley Williams as a surprise guest at her headlining set. Whenever Paramore gets their chance to headline, Hayley could return the favor — or she could opt to bring out guests like Olivia Rodrigo, who pulled from the band’s seminal “Misery Business” for her own Grammy-nominated “good 4 u.”
Lil Wayne
Hip-hop has had a presence at Coachella headlining sets for years dating back to Beastie Boys in 2003. With a discography as prolific as his, Lil Wayne is an obvious pick to continue that legacy. Like his YMCMB mentees Drake and Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne has the perfect catalog to construct a headlining festival set out of. From just the sheer amount of music he’s released, Wayne could dominate Coachella with just his mixtape cuts, let alone his bevy of crossover pop hits and rap anthems that have ruled myriad Billboard charts. With over two decades of hits ranging from 1999’s “Back That Azz Up” to last year’s Grammy-nominated “God Did,” Lil Wayne’s catalog is one for the ages, and a stage as big as the Coachella Stage is the perfect place to remind the world why he’s one of the most successful and acclaimed rappers of all time. Wayne’s 2023 touring popularity might make it a tough sell, but something like Lil Wayne and Friends could make a lot of sense, especially with a plethora of potential surprise guests — Drake, Nicki Minaj, Juvenile, Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper, and Rick Ross among them.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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