The 10 Best Things We Saw At NXNE

Jazz Cartier & Shad @ The Budweiser After Party (6/19/2015)

What’s a festival without a secret show? On Friday night, Budweiser threw a crazy after party at an intimate pop-up venue beside Yonge & Dundas Square, and invited both Shad and Jazz Cartier to lead the turn-up for a few lucky attendees. After Hollerado and Born Ruffians rocked the main stage, 200 partygoers at Yonge & Dundas carried a giant ticket (but actually) through an alleyway to a secret location nearby, where ‘Cuzzi channeled his signature raw energy for a little crowd-surfing, and Shad shut it down with a stream of heartfelt bangers.

Allie @ Adelaide Hall (6/17/2015)

We kicked off NXNE with the effortlessly cool future-R&B upstart Allie. Backed by DJ/producer Birthday Boy on the decks, the zen Toronto-based songstress treated us to a dreamy playlist of electro-soul and pacifying rhythms, showcasing fan favourites (“Private Island,” prod. 2nd Son) and previewing a couple of new cuts (“I Can’t Wait” prod. Birthday Boy). Allie’s smouldering voice captivated a tightly-packed Wednesday night crowd, and her meditative live show got our minds right for the week’s festivities.

Kate Tempest @ Adelaide Hall (6/17/2015)

There’s no better feeling than making a brand new music discovery, and NXNE gives you that opportunity night after night. We weren’t sure what to expect from Mercury Prize-nominated poet, playwright, and rapper Kate Tempest, but just moments into her set, it was clear something special was about to happen. Tempest unites the double-time grime sound of South London with acapella slam poetry, a combo that gradually turned heads until an entire near-capacity crowd was transfixed by her rapid-fire bars. An acapella performance of the emotional call to arms “Hold Your Own” left a once rowdy hip-hop crowd virtually paralyzed, convincing the previously uninitiated—Kate Tempest is the truth.

Raz Fresco @ Drake Underground (6/18/2015)

Toronto’s hip-hop scene is ripe with talent, and rapper/producer Raz Fresco proved it, blowing the roof off of the Drake Hotel on Thursday night. The resident of “Screwface City” played the middleman to New York emcees Heems and Bishop Nehru, but the local artist was easily the most hungry and energetic act on the bill. Highlighted by spurts of acapella bars, new fans were promised some real bangers on his upcoming release Pablo Frescobar. Raz certainly commands attention, and with performances like this, we can see why. The man is on fire. (Written by Aidan D'Aoust)

Sean Leon & CMDWN @ NXNE Hub (6/18/2015)

The city is buzzing for Sean Leon’s upcoming mixtape Black Sheep Nirvana, and his headlining performance at the Complex Canada/BEVSTMODE NXNE showcase on Thursday night gave us another reason to believe the hype. Before Leon took the stage, Teo Nio brought out CMDWN’s Ca$tro Guapo and Fiji for a performance of their monster anthem “We Are Not.” If their brief set is any indication, we can look to the CMDWN crew to make some big moves in the next year. Next, BEVSTMODE affiliate and PARTYNEXTDOOR's touring DJ CRSB held it down with an energetic set of his own, before Vancouver producer Ekali took the reigns for a set of remixes and original bangers. Once energy levels were suitably lit, Sean Leon commanded the stage with a ferocious presence, electing to let the crowd shout the massive hook from “This Ain’t 2012” while he thrashed along, playing the role of his own hype man. After a show like this, anyone who might have thought Toronto’s new generation rests on the laurels of Drake was suitably silenced.

Brendan Philip @ Drake Underground (6/19/2015)

Friday night at NXNE was on a level, with the futuristic R&B vibes of Brendan Philip filling the Drake Underground with festivalgoers looking to catch a wave. Bathed in projected visuals, Brendan explored the stage, twisting through a selection of cuts from his debut self-titled EP for Dine Alone Records. Bandmate Jahmal Padmore’s jangly guitar work (with maxed-out reverb) gave Phillips space to play, and a guest appearance from Keita Juma on the collaborative single “Come Over” gave an intimate set a celebratory conclusion. Often intense, always sensual, Brendan Philips’ performances take you on a journey of self, with combustible synths, 808 bounce, and confessional lyrics as your guide.

DCF @ The Rivoli (6/19/2015)

DCF is probably your girl’s favourite songwriter, and if you happen to catch a show, he just might become yours too. The Toronto-based singer/producer brought his arsenal of hooks to the Rivoli for a set of guilt-free pop jams on Friday night. David is a born performer, and backed by a two-piece band, songs like “John Cusack” and the Lights-sampling “Down We Go” sounded stadium-ready.

Drew Howard & Birthday Boy @ The NXNE Block Party (6/20/2015)

On Saturday, NXNE, NUDE, and the East Room teamed up to throw the first ever NXNE Block Party, an afternoon east-end parking lot party with food, art installations, and no shortage of good tunes. The outdoor vibes were right, with Clairmont The Second, and Harrison queuing up fire for the casual dance party, but a performance by Toronto rapper Drew Howard took it to the next level. Previewing songs from an upcoming collaborative EP with producer Birthday Boy, Drew Howard’s energy felt restricted on the small stage, but it was a nice teaser for what the emcee may be capable of.

Rae Sremmurd @ The Danforth Music Hall (6/20/2015)

Tupelo, Mississippi's favourite unlicensed swag locksmiths Rae Sremmurd put their infinite energy levels on display at the Danforth Music Hall on Saturday night. After an elevating opening set from NXNE MVP Jazz Cartier, the brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy unleashed the SremmLife hit parade, strictly enforcing their “No Flex Zone” policy. Many are quick to write-off the Sremm Brothers as a some-hit-wonder novelty act, but a skilfull command of the sold-out crowd proved that they’re no joke.

Ty Dolla $ign @ Yonge & Dundas Square (6/21/2015)

Ty Dolla $ign’s signature salacious anthems might have been a little racy for the Sunday night open-air crowd at Yonge & Dundas Square—especially when you consider the controversy that led to the removal of Action Bronson as a festival headliner. That said, the Taylor Gang crooner flexed his vocal chops, performing his own hits (“Or Nah,” “Paranoid”) as well as high-profile features (Jeremih’s “Don’t Tell ‘Em’ (Remix),” YG’s “Toot It And Boot It”), gradually winning over the crowd during the course of his 40 minute set.