Words by Emily Shapiro, Photo by Alex Markow, via Rolling Stone—
The annual Best of the Best concert during Urban Beach Weekend in Miami (or what’s known as Memorial Day Weekend to the rest of the United States) is perhaps the only major U.S. festival where we see the stars of dancehall share equal billing with their hip-hop counterparts. While rappers like Meek Mill, Fabolous and Fat Joe topped this year’s bill, prime time was also reserved for I-Octane and Mavado, who recently signed to DJ Khaled’s label, We the Best, and LargeUp favorite Mr. Vegas closed the show, Shaggy, Serani, Chris Martin, Demarco, Marcia Griffiths, Admiral Bailey and other Jamaican artists also performed, while LargeUp friends Walshy Fire and Jabba were among the concert’s many hosts.
Large Up’s own editor Jesse Serwer was there to experience Best of the Best, covering the gangster rap meets bashment vibes for Rolling Stone. Check his full account to get the full scoop on the ins and outs of one of the year’s biggest dancehall showcases.