Situated next to the grand Queen Mary in Long Beach, the 2018 Smokin’ Grooves Fest presented a one-day sampling of some of the most incredible hip-hop and R&B acts out there today. The lineup included both new and legendary acts that filled the Long Beach Harbor with incredible sounds. Festival attendees were treated to three stages worth of Talent, the main stage the “Free Your Mind” stage, the “Smokin” Stage and the “Groove” Stage. With a relatively small festival area and rotating act times, determined attendees could catch a portion of almost all the performances.
The day kicked off with Spencer and Tiara Thomas, but things really heated up when Nonchalant took the Smokin’ Stage to bring his unique take on R&B including his hit “Mixed Signals”. Up next was a relatively new performer, Childish Major who until recently has been producing for artists such as J. Cole, Lil Wayne, and 6lack. Based on the response when he jumped into the crowd during his performance of “Woo$ah,” he proved he is a fan favorite and just as exceptional behind the mic.
Singer/songwriter Quin took the stage next and with a flowing white cape she owned the stage with her carefully crafted grooves and versus. Other highlight performances were turned in on the “Smokin’” and “Grooves” stages by Lion babe, Ari Lennox, Smino, Bruno Major and 90’s influenced, Xavier Omar. OVO Sound’s DVSN also graced the stage with their unique sound. Perhaps one of the strongest performances came from JMSN who tore up the stage with both his incredible vocals and intense guitar playing.
While fans could get up close and personal at the two stages, the “Free Your Mind” stage was home to both new acts and legendary acts like The Roots who brought Busta Rymes onstage, Yesiin Bey, Miguel and Erykah Badu. Newer performers like Masego, Soulection, Jhene Aiko and NxWorries featuring Anderson Paak were very warmly received by the crowd as well.
A treat for those with keen eyes was the chance to spot and interact with artists like Jimmy Jam, 6lack, Isiah Rashaad and the Free Nationals who were roaming the grounds enjoying the performances. It was a truly relaxed and intimate setting.
Long Beach natives commented it was refreshing to see the City get some much-deserved love for hosting such a legendary event and it certainly helps cement the LBC as a cultivator of culture in Los Angeles.
Words by Marlin Munoz. Photos by Visual Thought and AJ Lising
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