Pharrell introduced the return of his annual competition, One thing within the Water, that includes Child Cudi, Lil Wayne, The Clipse, Summer season Walker, Grace Jones, Lil Uzi Vert, Kehlani and extra on Wednesday (March 15).
Sponsored by AirBnB and Walmart, the three-day soiree will happen in Virginia Seashore, Va., between April 28 and April 30. Final 12 months, the competition passed off in Washington, D.C., after Pharrell voiced his disappointment in his hometown’s dealing with of his cousin’s demise the 12 months earlier than. His letter, written in October 2021, mentioned the choice to maneuver the competition as a result of what he known as a “poisonous” atmosphere.
“I used to be disenchanted with how the native municipal authorities dealt with the loss of my cousin’s life,” he advised Billboard forward of final 12 months’s competition. “It’s one factor for the officer to make a mistake, however it’s one other to observe up the best way they did. I didn’t really feel there was sufficient love, respect and reverence for his life. Him being a fellow Virginian, his life and the lack of his life ought to have been handled like anyone else’s. After we begin seeing conditions dealt with otherwise, not solely with African People however with minorities normally dealt with otherwise, then coming again is one thing we are able to take into consideration doing once more.”
Together with a bevy of performances, Pharrell’s team-up with Walmart will look to influence communities in Virginia. “Strengthening native communities is core to Walmart’s DNA,” mentioned Cedric Clark, govt vice chairman of retailer operations for Walmart U.S., in a press launch. “By investing in our associates and within the communities we serve, we assist construct a basis the place individuals can reside their full potential each day. We’re excited to staff up with One thing within the Water, returning to a particular place to Walmart, Virginia’s Hampton Roads, to assist have a good time and empower this neighborhood we’re so proud to be part of.”
Followers will see a blended bag of expertise, together with revered legacy acts equivalent to Wu-Tang Clan, Mumford & Sons and SWV, to burgeoning stars together with Child Laroi, Lil Durk and Latto.
See the complete lineup beneath.
