6 Must-See Artists at Mala Luna This Year

Mala Luna continues to bring some of hip-hop’s hottest acts to the 210.

Written By Thomas Galindo

For its fourth year, the music festival Mala Luna will feature some of hip-hop and R&B’s hottest artists at San Antonio’s Nelson Wolff Stadium on October 26-27. Aside from headliners Russ, Miguel, Diplo, and Juice WRLD, there are many acts that make going to the festival worth the trek and getting there early.

The artists will be split between the Beat and the American Apparel stages. With 14 artists slated to perform on each day from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:45 to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, hip-hop lovers might have a tough time deciding who to see and which stage to spend their time at. Not to worry — here are the top six performers worth seeing at Mala Luna.

Saturday

Summer Walker (American Apparel)
5:30-6:15 p.m.

Fresh off the release of her debut album Over It three weeks ago, Summer Walker is coming to San Antonio with some clout. The 23-year-old Atlanta R&B singer’s album was loaded with marquee features from some of R&B and hip-hop’s premier names, including Drake, Usher, Bryson Tiller, Jhene Aiko, and 6LACK. Her music combines silky vocals with assertive lyrics, evident in songs like “Playing Games” and “Come Thru.”

Rick Ross (The Beat)
6:30-7:15 p.m.

Seasoned rap veteran Rick Ross will hit The Beat stage Saturday two months after the release of his album Port of Miami 2. Along with the hits off this album such as “Nobody’s Favorite” and “Summer Reign,” you can be sure to hear some Maybach Music classics like “Ima Boss” and “Stay Schemin’” during his set as well.

YG (American Apparel)
7:30- 8:30 p.m.

Compton-born YG has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most beloved characters over the past few years with his charisma and club bangers. With a new album in 2019, 4REAL 4REAL, YG will bring a good combination of the hits from the project, like “Stop Snitchin,” along with some of his earlier classics such as “Why You Always Hatin?” and “FDT.” Count on him making the crowd “Go Loko.”

Sunday

Ari Lennox (The Beat)
4:45-5:15 p.m.

Shea Butter Baby was the album that put Dreamville singer Ari Lennox on the map. With features from fellow Dreamville artists J. Cole and JID, Ari’s album is full of sexy bops that compliment her powerful, confident voice. Songs like “BMO” and “Broke” are great examples of this, and will be a highlight of her performance.

DaBaby (American Apparel)
5:15-5:45 p.m.

Charlotte-raised rapper DaBaby blew up with his debut album Baby on Baby released in March, and really solidified himself as the next big thing of hip-hop with his new album KIRK last month. Tracks like “Suge,” “Baby Sitter,” “BOP,” and “VIBEZ” prove the unmatched energy DaBaby brings to rap.

Trippie Redd (The Beat)
5:45-6:30 p.m.

Trippie Redd has been on his grind lately, dropping two albums a year for the past few years. Leading the charge of the new emo rap wave, Trippie’s energy is infectious, and his versatility from trap bangers like “Dark Knight Dummo” to mellow ballads like “Together” will bring a unique performance on Sunday.

General admission and VIP tickets are still on sale on the Mala Luna website.

Afterglow ATXOctober 24, 2019mala luna 2019