- Words Notion Staff
Dive into 10Trax of the very best artists playing at Wireless Festival this July, from Cardi B to Tyler the Creator to Dave.
With summer’s arrival, festival season is coming in hot – and as ever, chief among them in the UK will be Wireless, Europe’s preeminent celebration of Black music. Split over three weekends in three locations, from Crystal Palace and Finsbury Park in London to the Birmingham NEC, it’s the centre of the calendar for any discerning music fan.
This year’s festival is stacked with huge names at the headlines and lower down the bill, from A$AP Rocky to Megan Thee Stallion to Dave to Nicki Minaj to Tyler the Creator to Little Simz to Roddy Ricch – the list is practically endless.
It’s an almost overwhelming amount of talent to sift through, but we’ve got your back. To celebrate the imminent festival coming in just over a month’s time, we’ve selected 10Trax of the very best artists Wireless has to offer, giving you just a taste of the excitement that’s to come.
The Wireless Festival takes place from 1-3 July then 8-10 July, and you can book tickets here.
"In The Fire" by Dave
“Fire” is right enough – this seven-minute opus from UK hotshot Dave’s latest album was performed in thrilling style at this year’s BRIT Awards, and its hard-hitting lyrics encapsulate Dave’s socially conscious, vulnerable approach to rap perfectly.
"Sundress" by A$AP Rocky
The legend of A$AP Rocky is built upon his freeform approach to creativity, and that’s all on display on the absorbing psychedelia of the irresistible track “Sundress”.
"WAP" by Cardi B (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
It was the sound of the summer two years ago – only back then, we didn’t have festivals. Now, Cardi B’s blockbuster tune “WAP” is ready for the crowds, and with Megan Thee Stallion also on the bill, who can say what surprises her set might bring?
"Good Days" by SZA
R&B queen SZA’s “Good Days” arrived amidst a tough Christmas for everyone back in 2020, and it proved to be the perfect tonic for those cold and isolated days. Now, it’s ready to claim its place as a carefree summer tune to be enjoyed in the company of others.
"EARFQUAKE" by Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator sent “EARFQUAKE” to Justin Bieber and Rihanna, who both turned him down, so he went and recorded it with his own vocals. The lesson of the day there – bet on yourself.
"Los Pollos Hermanos" by Knucks
Wireless is stacked with big international names this year, but there are plenty of homebrewed stars to enjoy in the line-up. Take rapid riser (and newly minted Notion cover star!) Knucks, whose slick bars will be delivering the only Breaking Bad dialogue sample on the Wireless bill.
"Introvert" by Little Simz
Little Simz has become the pride of the UK rap scene with the release of her massive album ‘Sometimes I Think I Might Be Introvert’, and she’s ready to reap all the awards with a big spot at Wireless.
"Thot Shit" by Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion’s “Thot Shit” lit up social media last year with its clapback at misogynistic politicians, and it’s ready to be screamed along with alongside as big a crowd as possible.
"Wet Dreamz" by J. Cole
J. Cole has an almighty line-up of classic tunes ready to send festivalgoers into nostalgia, an chief among them is the mellow “Wet Dreamz”.
"War" by ArrDee
Another one for the home crowd – TikTok sensation ArrDee’s team up with fellow UK rap hotshot Aitch is a blast of braggadocious energy.