Building on the success of 2019’s inaugural SOMETHING IN THE WATER, 2020 will feature expanded programing across an entire week.  In addition to the incredible group of music artists that will be on the beach Friday, April 24th through Sunday, April 26th, Pharrell will expand upon the week by once again bringing the best of what he’s seen around the world back to Virginia Beach, including the brightest minds from the culinary world, technology, environmental sustainability, health & wellness, media and more, from Monday, April 20th, through Thursday, April 23rd.

Full line up and details to be announced soon.  SOMETHING IN THE WATER is produced by Live Nation and Redrock Entertainment Services.

A special “Locals Only” presale for April 24-26 tickets for Virginia residents (restricted to VA zip codes) runs Saturday, October 19^th from 12 PM EST through 5 PM EST. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach box office, or online at somethinginthewater.com, while supplies last. Fees are waived for the in-person purchase, and standard online service fees will apply for online purchases.

SOMETHING IN THE WATER 2019 purchasers will also have access to a Loyalty presale online for the April 24-26 tickets on Saturday, October 19^th from 12 PM EST through 5 PM EST atsomethinginthewater.com, and should look for an email from SOMETHING IN THE WATER with instructions.

For more information please visit: somethinginthewater.com

The post Pharrell Williams’ Something in the Water Returns for Year Two appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Photo Credit: Tracy Mitchell

Something in the water festival was marked in my calendar the second it was announced. How could I not attend? The festival sounded like a dream. Chris Brown, Pharrell, Usher, SZA, Jhene Aiko and others. It was just too good to be true. A festival on the shore of VA beach is a big deal!

Photo Credit: Tracy Mitchell

The weekend started off on a troublesome and drenching foot as strong winds and dark clouds rushed in before people could even take cover. The storm left attendees running for shelter and waiting for updates concerning if the show was still a go or not. Around 6:30 pm the festival app sent out the notification declaring that they were left with no choice but to cancel. This crushed many hearts but seeing that Pharrell remained positive the eventful day was easily a blur and folks quickly moved on.

Photo Credit: Tracy Mitchell

It was Saturday, April 27^th and the day was bright, birds were chirping, and there was an overwhelming sense of positivity in the air. It was 12 pm and doors opened and everyone was ecstatic to pass the gates they waited all day yesterday to pass. Thousands of people from all over the world met at Virginia Beach for an incredible day.

The weather was warm and the sky was blue so everyone knew it was going to be a good day. Walking in, you can see the beach strip packed on the left end and the right as attractions flood the main beach. Surrounding the beach there were food and local business vendors. Our personal favorite attractions was the dance team battle and the Adidas basketball court. Fun fact, people actually thought the Adidas basketball court was just a rumor.

Photo Credit: Tracy Mitchell

After some asking around, we were told this is the most exciting Virginia Beach has ever recieved. On that Saturday, acts such as Asap Ferg, Travis Scott, and more set the energy leading up to the days finale. The night became intense as everyone eagerly awaited the performance from the show’s originator and headliner VA native Pharrell Williams. The hero brought out Diddy, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, and above all else Jay-Z. Fans nearly fainted as Pharrell performed “Frontin'” and the Brooklyn, NY king came out. This was a legendary moment being that Virginia never had anything like this. Pharrell also revealed “Frontin'” was made in Virginia Beach. That explains its iconic breezy and delicate sound. Pharrell really brought hip-hop’s biggest stars to the VA. Beyoncé was even kicking it backstage too watching all the fun.

Another special highlight was Missy Elliot hopping on the mic after her killer performance. Nearly out of breath she said, “Y’all make sure y’all give it up for Pharrell because it took a lot of work and even though yesterday it rained outside he did whatever he had to do to make sure that we are still here today. He made sure he didn’t disappoint Virginia.”

Photo Credit: Tracy Mitchell

It was beautiful to see everyone hit that stage being that they are a few of the main people that really shaped hip-hop. It wasn’t just a VA celebration, it was a celebration of these legends. They are still alive and still being great after all these years. We felt the love in the air radiate from the stage to the crowd of 50,000+ people.

Photo Credit: Tracy Mitchell

On Sunday, April 28th, it was the final day of the festival. We were all still in a shock about everything that went down the previous night. Jhene Aiko set the positive vibes and the other great part about that day was Teddy Riley’s set. He performed hits he’s written and brought out Lil Duval, SWV, and Blackstreet members. We’ve learned a lot from his set too. He excited us when he mentioned Michael Jackson came to Virginia to make “Remember the Time” with him. We didn’t know Virginia held so much vital music history. After that, Charlie Wilson hit the mainstage and set the electric soulful vibes for Chris Brown. Aside from Pharrell’s set, another proud Virginia set was Chris Brown’s. The Tappahannock, Virginia native brought out Virginia’s Trey Songz and the crowd went insane.

Photo Credit: Tracy Mitchell

On the drive, back home I had time to reflect on the experience in its entirety. Out of all the festivals we’ve covered this is one where the bill was stacked with legends. There was a difficult Friday for fans due to storms and then there was the long stretch of a walk from mainstage to the adidas court. However, the overall laid-back atmosphere and vacation-like location made this an event to remember. All eyes are on Virginia and they need to stay there. We finally understand what exactly is in Virginia’s water. Expect more of this festival. Also, expect more Virginia artists making their way through music charts. VA artists are set to change hip-hop in future years.

The post Something in the Water Festival Recap: Pharrell Gives Virginia Something to Be Proud Of appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Festival season for the East Coast just got a lot better. Living legend Pharrell Williams has announced his own three-day music festival titled Something In The Water, which takes place in Virginia Beach and already features an impressive inaugural line-up: Pusha T, SZA, Lil Uzi Vert, Migos, Jaden Smith, A$AP Ferg and the like have been confirmed as headliners. Obviously, Pharrell will be taking to the stage as well.

Check out the event’s description from the man himself (via press release):

“Allen Iverson. Missy Elliott. Dave Matthews Band. Ella Fitzgerald. Virginia has been home to some of the most gifted artists, athletes, and scientists to ever live. And it makes sense – the people of Virginia are one-of-a-kind: uniquely gritty, bold, and brilliant… For the first time, we are harnessing that energy, bringing the great minds of our time and the biggest brands in the world to this great place, and letting the inspiration flow and well deserved opportunities unfold. Virginia needs this right now and the world will see what we Virginians have known all along: there really is Something in the Water.”

It all goes down April 26th to the 28th, and tickets go on sale this Friday (March 8th). Check out more information here.

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A post shared by Something In The Water (@somethinginthewater) on Mar 4, 2019 at 7:21am PST

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The post Pharrell Williams Announces New Festival with Pusha T, Travis Scott, SZA & More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.