Rathfarnham, be prepared.
Tens of thousands of people will flock to Marlay Park this weekend to the seventh iteration of Longitude. Now, you know all the big acts. We all know the credentials of A$AP Rocky (if he manages to get out of Swedish jail), Cardi B and Future, so if they float your boat, I won't hold it against you. However, this list is for the others.
Five acts per day, just as Cormac from Tallafornia would want.
Friday
Lil Uzi Vert
The 5ft 4" Philadelphia rapper is pound-for-pound one of the best acts of the whole weekend. Lil Uzi has got energy for days, even when performing some of the more emotional songs on his setlist. With label issues marring his past 18 months, get ready for him to channel his frustrations into a frenetic performance.
J.I.D
A signee of J. Cole's Dreamville Records, J.I.D has had a whirlwind past 18 months. Part of the 2018 XXL Freshman List, J.I.D released his second album DiCaprio 2 to universal acclaim. J.I.D's musical stylings are very much lyrically top-heavy, with an ability to switch up his cadence to bring a song along expertly. A must-see for the hip-hop purists.
Flohio
Flohio supported Rico Nasty in Dublin a couple of months ago and was easily the highlight of the night. The bass-heavy beats are offset by Flohio's relentless flow, although she has a penchant to deviate from genre norms. Flohio has the ability to have the crowd in the palm of her hand, regardless of venue.
Kneecap
Having included their profile piece in ID on Rewind Recommends, Kneecap have the ability to bring tents down with their bilingual hip-hop onslaught. Anyone who has seen the Belfast trio before know what to expect, especially considering their show at Body & Soul blew a generator.
JyellowL
Another Irish entry onto this list, JyellowL is hip-hop to the bone. His EP Me and Me 2 was just over 20 minutes in duration, yet solidified JyellowL as a staple of Irish urban music. Capable of melody alongside barnstorming rhymes, you are guaranteed to come away suitably impressed.
Saturday
Dave
Isn't that the lad from Glastonbury? Now, I can't categorically deny that Alex from Glasto will somehow appear in Marlay Park to recite Thiago Silva again, but I doubt it. Either way, Dave is an absolute machine. His album Psychodrama is a masterpiece, and his live show is just as good.
AJ Tracey
The man Alex replaced for that Glastonbury performance will also be playing on Saturday. Now, that won't guarantee a live rendition of Thiago Silva, but we can dream. Either way, Tracey's music is a multitude of different genres blended by his unique voice. The performance of the garage-infused 'Ladbroke Grove' will be a highlight of the whole weekend.
Denzel Curry
Denzel Curry is on one of hip-hop's best waves at the moment. After his critically-acclaimed Ta13oo album, Curry returned under a year later with ZUU. Curry's gig in The Academy last December might have been the sweatiest place I've ever been in, so expect moshpits and topless lads.
JPEGMafia
JPEGMafia's long-awaited Irish debut is nearly upon us. His album Veteran was one of the best albums of 2018, highlighted by its experimentation and glitch-hop sensibilities. 'Peggy' has a penchant for volatile yet captivating live performances, so Rathfarnham better be ready.
Nealo
Yet another Irish entry, Nealo represents a more relaxed performer. Complete with live band, Nealo has a unique selling point that not many acts will have over the course of the weekend. Having only began recording hip-hop music last summer after years in the hardcore punk scene, Longitude represents another step on the road to world domination for one of Irish urban music's most unique voices.
Sunday
Brockhampton
The 'best boyband since One Direction' are back on Irish shores, having sold out The Helix on their last visit. The group are at home showcasing the sheer variety of their back catalogue, so expect to go through the gaunlet of emotions throughout their set.
Vince Staples
Long Beach City's very own Vince Staples has performed at nearly all of Ireland's big festivals. Even so, the rapper has impressed every single time. Furthermore, his music has become more multi-faceted as time has gone on. Seeing Staples perform tunes from the Kenny Beats-led FM album is a must.
Little Simz
Little Simz is this lineup's gem. Easily one of the best rappers coming out of the UK, she has come into her own this year. Her album GREY Area is an honest and breathtaking account of her life. Also, Inflo's production on a huge soundsystem is bound to sound magnificent.
Why-Axis
One last Irish act for good measure. Why-Axis is another Irish urban act who can deviate between genre without fuss. If you're looking for a funky injection this weekend, Why-Axis is the man for you.
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