In less than 24 hours, thousands will descend upon Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York, New York as Governors Ball kicks off yet another highly-anticipated weekend in music and pop culture. Leading the way, Post Malone, The Killers, 21 Savage and SZA are set to headline the three-day event with additional performances from FLO, Doechii, Reneé Rapp, Sexyy Red and many others. Unfortunately, this year’s festival is missing the presence of Tyla and Victoria Monét who have been forced to cancel their performances at Governors Ball and several other events due to health issues.
“I am gutted to share that I will no longer be able to perform at Governors Ball (NYC), Roots Picnic (Philadelphia) or Blavity (Nashville) this June,” Monét told her fans.
“I am absolutely heartbroken to have to say this but as of right now I won’t be able to proceed with the tour. In consulting with medical professionals it’s become increasingly clear that continuing any festival or tour dates would jeopardize my long-term health and safety,” Tyla added in a separate statement.
Still, the three-day event promises to bring a mix of Pop, R&B, Rap, Rock, Country and more to the stage this June. While this year’s lineup is setup for success, Def Pen has been thinking about those who may be gracing the stage next year. Given the event’s New York roots, we put together a collection of new and/or emerging artists based in the tri-state area who we’d love to see added to next year’s lineup.
Sectiontoo
Latest Release: “HoneyBun”
For decades, Queens has produced numerous stars, including Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent and LL Cool J. However, very few have focused on the borough’s R&B scene, but that could all change in the near future. Sean “Sectiontoo” Lawrence brings a blend of Pop, R&B and Rap that is both reminiscent of the early 2000s Pop and R&B scene and futuristic in its approach. Thus far, he’s caught the eye of Mecc Rashawn of Viper Records, DJ Nyla Symone of The Breakfast Club and even the music supervisors of Spike Lee’s Netflix series, She’s Gotta Have It. Soon, he’ll be catching the attention of critics and fans around the globe with his forthcoming album. By next year, the Queens native could find himself standing on the stage as the doors to Governors Ball open in his home borough.
GROOVY
Latest Release: Crying In The Club
From Drake to Lil’ Uzi Vert, it’s not hard to see how the popularization of Baltimore Club, Philadelphia Club and New Jersey Club has influenced several aspects of the contemporary Pop, R&B and Rap landscape. Raised in the heart of the Garden State, GROOVY is blending the sounds that emerged from the Brick City way back when with the sensibilities he’s developed as an R&B-leaning vocalist. His breakout record, “Jersey Luv,” with B Jack$ has captured TikTok and is evolving into the kind of single that can take him to the next step in his blossoming career. Building off of the momentum he’s created with B Jack$, GROOVY recently delivered a new project called Crying In The Club. While “Jersey Luv” is undoubtedly the most popular single on the project, “Kno Me,” a violin-heavy track about a relationship fading away, is slowly taking on a life of its own. If GROOVY continues to deliver catchy, club-infused R&B tracks, it’s easy to see how he could find his way on to the festival stage in the future.
HDBeenDope
Latest Release: “Prophet”
If you’ve been following our “First To The Aux” series, you already know who this Brooklyn-raised wordsmith is. Raised in the borough that’s produced some of the most prolific MCs ever, HDBeenDope carries on the legacy of Brooklyn’s storied Hip-Hop history with a fiery delivery, a multitude of flows and endless potential. We’re not the only ones who believe in HDBeenDope’s potential either. The New York native has earned a co-sign from none other than Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. This year, he’s already set to the tone with his LABB Pregame Essentials tape and looks to heat up later this year with more new music. Next summer, HDBeenDope would be a great choice to grace stage at Governors Ball, bringing the energy and excitement of New York’s next class of stars in Hip-Hop.
Connie Diiamond
Latest Release: “Shoot”
With a talent like Connie Diiamond, Underdog Season will only last so long. The Bronx native possesses a distinct voice in a crowded field of emerging female MCs that is both confident and dynamic. If you want a drill record, she’s got you. Just check out the “Ghetto & Ratchet” remix with Jenn Carter. If you want a softer, sample-driven vibe, she’s got you. Check out “Rock The Both” with TheRealAi. Not to mention, she can bring out special guests like Billy B, Don Q and several other MCs from around the city. No, the Governors Ball audience isn’t limited to New York, but there’s something special about seeing an artist perform in their hometown and have the opportunity to connect with fans who walk the same streets as them.
TheARTI$t
Latest Release: “Love Somebody”
With the unfortunate loss of Tyla and Victoria Monét on this year’s lineup, SZA is left to carry the flag for R&B at Governors Ball this year. Next year, that could change. One artist who would be eager to jump at the opportunity to perform near her hometown is TheARTI$t. The Newark, New Jersey native employs her ethereal vocals to tell heartfelt stories that pull at the emotions and feelings of anyone who is willing to listen. The idea of seeing TheARTI$t perform the guitar-heavy “Sober” or the soulful “Love Outloud” as the sun tucks itself in for the night and fans sway from side to side in the field of Corona Park would be a sight to behold. With a growing fan base and recent singles like “Love Somebody” and “Inside My Heart,” it’s easy to recognize the appeal of the emerging R&B act and see how she could fit in on any festival lineup.
