Music fans will not be burned again. In a post-Fyre Festival world, no one wants to believe the new Lovers and Friends Festival is real. And who can blame them? If you can’t trust Ja Rule, whose whole claim to fame is a song called “I’m Real,†who can you trust? Enter Snoop Dogg. The legendary rapper came to the inaugural one-day L.A. festival’s defense after conflicting reports had fans side-eyeing the whole thing. Music events company Goldenvoice, which also organizes Coachella and Camp Flog Gnaw among others, announced the lineup for Lovers and Friends on Tuesday, boasting acts like Megan Thee Stallion, Ludacris, Jhené Aiko, Lil Kim, Summer Walker, T-Pain, and more. But shortly after the announcement, several billed artists hit it with a “Sorry to this festival.â€
“This is so fake!†Lil’ Kim wrote on Instagram. “I am not a part of this.†Mase commented, “Best wishes on this show but pls take my name off of this flyer†on Goldenvoice’s post. And Twista wanted to know where the money was first, commenting, “Ain’t no deposit hit my account for this show.â€
It seems like he found it because Twista later added “Locked and loaded playin all the hits ya diggg.†Other artists like Usher, Amerie, and Soulection founder Joe Kay did share the event and Snoop Dogg, who says he’s a promoter, reached out to Lil’ Kim to help clear things up. “Lil’ Kim, get at me on the DM so we can get at you about this money,†he offered. So, looks like Lovers and Friends is on? The festival takes place in Los Angeles on May 9. Pre-sale begins Thursday, February 20 at 10 a.m.
Goldenvoice has finally chimed in on the festival’s legitimacy with a brief statement to the Root: “Our festival is 100% confirmed. Lineups are always subject to change.†Consider yourselves warned!
Update, Thursday, February 20, 9:10 a.m.: Lil’ Kim is going to Lovers and Friends after all. Snoop Dogg worked his magic and got her that money. “Thank uncle @snoopdogg guys cause if it wasn’t for him this would not be happening but y’all know how much I love Cali and Uncle Snoop,†the rapper posted on Instagram with a photo of the lineup. The check has cleared, the bag is secured, and the festival is a go.
Update, Friday February 21, 2:15 p.m.: Even though there was a brief moment when no one was showing up to this music festival, Lovers and Friends has added a second date with all new acts. Doja Cat, Akon, Donell Jones, Mýa, and more join the line up on Friday, May 8. On Saturday, May 9, the original lineup, including the double-booked Megan Thee Stallion, will perform as planned. She’s also booked at Broccoli City Festival in the DMV that weekend, so if you couldn’t get those tickets, we’ll see you at Lovers and Friends.