The show will go on.
On Tuesday, Goldenvoice announced its inaugural Lovers & Friends Festival. The star-studded concert boasts a dream lineup for hip-hop and R&B fans, with performances from Ms. Lauryn Hill, TLC, Usher, Nelly, Foxy Brown, Eve, Brandy, Monica, and many more.
Shortly after the lineup was announced, fans became alarmed that they were being sold another Fyre festival after a few of the artists on the bill including Ma$e, Twista, and Lil’ Kim claimed they had nothing to do with the fest. Kim denied her involvement on her Instagram Story, writing, “This is SO FAKE! I am not a part of this.”
Mase also chimed in (“Best wishes on this show, but please take my name off of this flyer”), while Twista claimed that he hadn’t received payment for his performance. He later retracted his comment and confirmed his attendance. “Locked and loaded playing all the hits,” he said.
Despite the conflicting reports, Snoop Dogg—who along with Goldenvoice is a promoter and booking agent on the show—assured fans that it’s real. In a video PSA, he said the lineup is “100 percent confirmed” and told Lil’ Kim to contact him directly to clear up any miscommunication over the booking.
“Lil’ Kim, get at me on the DM so we can get at you about this money,” he told Kim, who has since removed her original Instagram Story. “As far as everybody else on this show, 100 percent confirmed.”
Goldenvoice, the promoter behind Coachella, also provided confirmation. “Our festival is 100% confirmed. Lineups are always subject to change,” the AEG-owned company told Variety.
Soulection Radio CEO and co-founder Joe Kay, who is booked to DJ the event, also addressed the concerns. “FYI: This festival is put together by @goldenvoice. They do Coachella & so much more,” he said. “They don’t miss or do fake shows. The organizers deal with the artist’s agencies and then the agency deals with the artist and their mgmt team.”
Lovers & Friends is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 9 at the Grounds at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. Tickets go on sale Friday with prices starting at $145. See the lineup below.