Rakim, Kreayshawn, Girl Talk Rock Philadelphia's Popped Festival

by Jake Paine

Exclusive: DX was in the building as one of the originators of rhyming about fashion rocked the same stage as the "Gucci Gucci" songwriter.

While Friday's lineup of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Popped Festival featured some acts familiar to some Hip Hop/Rap listeners, Saturday's massive lineup was key to those seeking beats, rhymes and live within the last-minute, weather-induced venue change of Temple University's Liacouras Center.
Friday's (September 23) show, with an estimated 4,000 people in attendance, included performances by The Holdsteady. Lead vocalist/guitarist Craig Finn, a Minneapolis, Minnesota native, has been a longtime affiliate to the duo Atmosphere, as well as a previous collaborator with Doomtree's P.O.S.
Yesterday's (September 24) packed-venue run-down included iconic Long Island, New York emcee Rakim, who performed eight songs, mostly from his Eric B. & Rakim days. Rakim also began with "It's Been A Long Time," his solo success single from over a decade ago.
Northern California's Kreayashawn celebrated her birthday weekend in Philadelphia, with one of her first performances in the City of Brotherly Love. As expected, the Sony Records sensation got the biggest response from 2011 Internet-turned-radio hit, "Gucci Gucci."
A deejay set took place from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Girl Talk. The latter played his signature mash-up's of Rock, Dance, Pop and Hip Hop. He began with a remix of Ludacris and Nate Dogg's "Oh No," with an elaborate light-show. ?uestlove of The Roots was planned to perform, but had to cancel last week. Additionally, ?uest's partner Black Thought (with DJ J. Period) was announced on an early show bill, but stepped out over a month ago.