Somewhere between the heat, the rain, and the music, New York came alive.
words and photgraphy by Darius ‘DJ’ Jennings
Through the heat and humidity of Queens, New York, Governor’s Ball celebrated its 16th year. The air was filled with positivity, great music, and thousands of festival-goers singing along to their favorite artists. With New York’s biggest music festival beginning and the Knicks’ historic run in the NBA Finals, the city felt different this year.
Friday kicked off with an exceptionally strong start. The Dare continued the high-energy momentum into the afternoon on the Snapchat Stage, delivering his entire set in a suit, through the sweltering heat, without losing any of his infectious energy. It made for a striking contrast to Mariah The Scientist, whose mellow and calming voice created a softer moment before the evening headliners.
KATSEYE took the main stage and, despite the much-felt absence of Manon, fans erupted with their Pinkies Up, becoming the largest audience for a non-headliner. The first day closed out with Lorde, who highlighted her generational run as a Grammy-winning artist, returning to Governor’s Ball with beautiful lighting, camera movement, and a precise, high-production set.
Saturday proved to be the biggest hurdle of the festival, as in typical Governor’s Ball fashion, inclement weather rolled in. It caused the complete cancellation of several sets many fans had been looking forward to, including Kali Uchis and Blood Orange, with Blood Orange later rescheduled for Sunday. Although the weather cut the day short, fans still had the chance to enjoy other acts, food, and installations — though understandably, this did not make those who came specifically for Kali very happy.
Despite the rain, K-Pop global stars Stray Kids made their debut in a show-stopping set, mesmerizing fans who had waited quite literally all day to see them, holding banners, flags, and signs for specific members of the group.
“For one weekend, New York felt a little different.”
By Sunday, festival-goers had more energy than ever, with early attendees catching local star Lexa Gates opening the main stage. With better weather and a stacked day ahead, Slayyyter delivered an insane, high-energy set around her new album Wor$t Girl In America.
And even with that set still echoing, Sunday had many more beautiful moments ahead. Khamari was a clear standout on the smaller stage, offering a nod to D’Angelo while performing songs from his latest work, To Dry a Tear. The crowd sang along to I Love Lucy and Acres, creating an intimate connection between him and his audience.
Khamari’s set became a perfect segue into the rest of the evening, as Clipse and Dominic Fike — who stripped down to his underwear — showcased remarkable crowd control and energy.
Closing out Governor’s Ball was Harlem’s very own A$AP Rocky, with a massive set design, SWAT actors, a helicopter, and his classic high-octane energy. A$AP moved through older songs as well as newer ones from his album Don’t Be Dumb, offering a timely reminder that Rocky is, and has always been, one of hip-hop’s biggest successes.
If you are ever looking for a reason to go to New York, Governor’s Ball offers one. From K-Pop to EDM, R&B, indie sounds, and of course hip-hop, the festival moves through genres with ease. With food from all five boroughs, it also gives you and your friends a taste of what New York has to offer.
Governor’s Ball is a place for core memories to be made — whether through digital photos or Hennessy’s physical photostrips. It is one festival to watch, and one to try your hardest to finally make it out of the group chat for.
