Last weekend, Brockwell Park was inundated with festival goers, whether it be for Friday’s scintillating Project 6, or Saturday’s We Out Here festival. However, it was perhaps Sunday’s Cross The Tracks which held the most anticipation. With a mammoth line-up promised, thousands of punters flocked to south east London for another day of quality music from some of the most exciting names in the world.
In comparison to the previous days, Cross The Tracks promised something unique with more of a relaxed vibe, boasting sounds from a slew of genres including R&B, jazz, afrobeats, indie and more, western it be more emerging talent or legendary performers. However, the biggest talking point of the day came from Erykah Badu’s camp, who sadly announced that the legendary singer was too ill to perform the festival’s coveted headline slot on the main stage. A set which many people had travelled far and wide to witness. Instead, much to my personal delight, US rap kingpin Freddie Gibbs replaced the singer for the main slot alongside DJ and producer Madlib, who had both previously played at Project 6 on Friday. A relatively seamless transition to keep most fans happy.
The festival was already bustling by early afternoon with thousands of eager eared festival goers making the most of the Bank Holiday weekend. First on the list was Ghanaian collective SuperJazzClub who are currently making their names as one of the most exciting and innovative groups coming out of Africa right now through their unique, genre-bending output. Tracks such as “WICKED” and “Paradise” were received well by the ever-growing crowd. The collective is a definite one to watch over the coming months and years.
Next on the list was critically acclaimed American hip-hop producer Madlib with a DJ set, accompanied by live drums and acoustics. Skipping through old school rap classics and more contemporary house, the stalwart was able to get heads bobbing and received rapturous applause throughout. Arguably the loudest cheers happened when West London rapper, Lord Apex, appeared on stage twice to freestyle over a westcoast-infused beat. The pair recently worked together on Lord Apex’s debut studio album, The Good Fight, with Madlib providing the beat for title-track, “The Good Fight”.
Over on the other stages, emerging talent such as vocalist Sekou proved why he’s renowned as one of the most exciting prospects coming through right now. In similar fashion, an early set from Birmingham’s Ella Moore showcased what the North has to offer with her intoxicating prowess, whilst Yazmin Lacey provided a set to remember over at Funk Junction. With a packed out tent over at Locomotion for Chisholm For President! and Neal Francis, it was David Rodigan who attracted the biggest crowd of the afternoon at the main stage with a trademark, legendary performance consisting of him running up and down the stage to a slew of reggae and dancehall classics such as “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)”, “Murderer” by Barrington Levy and seminal anthem “Bam Bam”. A complete Sunday afternoon vibe from one of the nation’s favourite disc jockeys.
The latter stages of the afternoon was spent at D-Railed, with an immaculately curated line-up from The Blues Project. Orion Sun was a revelation having never listened to her prior. Brandishing crowd favourites such as “Mirage” and “Antidote”, it was clear to see why she’s been so successful in gaining fans across the Atlantic. Shortly after, it was the turn of saxophonist, producer and Grammy-award winning Venna who is widely renowned for seamlessly blending melodic jazz beats, with elements of UK hip-hop and drill. Representing South London, the multi-hyphenate glided through his set which included “June’s Cry” and “Casa Lopez”, as well a few unreleased numbers to keep things fresh. One of the most talented artists on Sunday’s bill who no doubt has a big future ahead of him.
With the weather turning slightly, it was time for Freddie Gibbs and Madlib to grace the main stage with their warming presence, digging deep into the record bag which included various cuts from his most famous full-length, Alfredo. Praised for his technical proficiency as well as his proactive lyrics, Freddie Gibbs will always put on a show, consistently proving his OG status.
Although slightly marred by the early news of Erykah Badu’s drop out, Cross The Tracks still proved to be one of the best day festivals London has to offer. Incorporating an immaculate curated line-up of varying genres and sounds, the festival really did have something for everyone and it was refreshing to see punters of all ages enjoying music throughout the day. One for the books.