Governors Ball wrapped up the weekend last night with a stellar, career-spanning performance from Kendrick Lamar. Sunday was another eclectic day of music from all ends of the spectrum, featuring sets by Lil Nas X, Pusha T, Black Midi, Girl In Red, and Phony Ppl.
Rap music was on clear display for Sunday. Coast Contra gave some early afternoon rap to the Bacardí stage. The dynamic rap group brought the old school vibes with their “Scenerio Freestyle.” Over on the GoPuff Stage, Central Cee displayed classic UK rap to the New York crowd. He had the fans going wild for his hit song “Doja.”
Leading up to the headlining slot on Sunday, Pusha T brought his rash flow to a wild crowd at the Bacardi Stage with a deep setlist full of crowd favorites and covers. At the same time, Sofi Tukker’s house/pop blend reverberated from the GoPuff Stage sending infectious dance beats through the park. Lil Nas X followed with thrilling dancing and intricate costumes culminating in a giant sing-along to his hit song “Old Town Road”.
It was only fitting that Kendrick Lamar headlined Sunday night because there was truly no better way to end the 2023 edition of the Governors Ball. Fresh off the larger-than-life Big Steppers Tour, Kendrick brought his more stripped-back festival production to the GovBall Stage. It’s hard to imagine how such a mega artist can create an “intimate” festival performance while still bringing every bit of energy you expect. A bare stage with varying backdrops, flanked by lighting from the sides of the stage and vertical laser walls made Flushing Meadows feel like a window into the life of Kendrick Lamar songs. The power and raw energy of Kendrick’s flow echoed throughout the audience who were in awe of what they were witnessing.
With 2023 in the books, we can already start thinking about next year. The move to Flushing Meadows Park was a major success for Governors Ball. The vast park is the perfect venue for a music festival with large field areas and thick tree lines providing shade and texture to the grounds. Fans have easier access via mass transit and the neighborhoods surrounding the park are home to the most diverse local food vendors anywhere in the world. The future is bright for Governors Ball after finally finding the perfect home. After housing multiple World Fairs in 1939 and 1964, the city has kept large festivals away from Flushing Meadows; a trend that has finally ended.
Stay tuned for more artist galleries, as well as a in-depth look into Kendrick Lamar’s historic headlining set in Queens.
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