By: Destiny Arredondo
Anticipation was high in Dallas, TX, as the inaugural TwoGether Land festival prepared to open its doors. When the festival announced its lineup in February, the excitement was undeniable. Featuring big names like Lil Wayne, Summer Walker, Key Glock, Gucci Mane, Latto, and others, fans had every reason to look forward to this packed weekend.
The festival offered a variety of activities, side shows, VIP areas, food options, and overall entertainment. They were thoughtful enough to provide plenty of hydration stations, which fans greatly appreciated with the intense heat.
Despite the scorching weather, eager fans lined up early to secure a good spot in the crowd. Attendees went all out with their outfits, pausing to take pictures at the numerous photo opportunities the festival had set up. The crowd's attire ranged from short shorts with cowboy boots to basketball shorts and baseball caps, showcasing the diverse audience the lineup attracted.
With various forms of entertainment available, the crowd stayed busy while waiting for their favorite acts. Offerings included live podcast sessions, photo ops, art vendors, local businesses, a roller skating rink, a mechanical bull, and more.
We managed to catch several sets and witness many highlights throughout the festival. Saturday was packed with a mix of today's top artists and a few throwback favorites. From the duo rap group Three Six Mafia to Amaarae and Shaboozey, fans had a wide selection of musical genres to enjoy. Summer Walker closed the night with her biggest hits, and all the broken-hearted girls in the crowd sang every word back to her. The festival's well-organized parking options made it easy for fans to get in and out without hassle.
By Sunday, fans were even more excited. With the success from Saturday, any doubts about having a good time were gone. TwoGether Land had already proven itself. While Saturday featured big names, Sunday had everyone in for a treat. Performers included Maeta, Amerie, That Mexican OT, Mariah the Scientist, The-Dream, Jeezy, and, of course, Latto and Lil Wayne. A standout moment was when That Mexican OT, full of energy, asked, "How do I get down there?" He jumped onto the barricade, rapping along with his fans and igniting the crowd. By the time Latto performed, the energy was sky-high. She delivered a playful and sexy show, even jumping off the stage to take pictures with fans.
The weekend's highlight was Lil Wayne's performance. The atmosphere was electric as he took the stage in a reflective yellow/lime green jacket and pants. The crowd rapped and sang every word of his songs. Once he left the stage, it was clear the fans had an unforgettable experience.
The festival made a commendable effort to celebrate and spotlight black artists, doing so gracefully. It was heartening to see such representation aimed at uplifting and elevating a specific community.
For an inaugural event, the TwoGether Land festival did an amazing job. As a long-time Texas resident, it's great to see high-quality festivals coming to our area. If they return next year, we'll definitely be there.
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