Pharrell Recruits Grace Jones, Clipse, Wu-Tang Clan & More for Something in the Water 2023

Kia Turner Kia Turner is a freelance journalist and music historian from…
Pharrell on stage wearing a yellow crew neck and Black leather shorts performing with his arms out
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 18: Pharrell performs at the 2022 Something in the Water Music Festival on Independence Avenue on June 18, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Grace Jones, Lil Wayne, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Wu-Tang Clan, Kehlani, Summer Walker, and Lil Uzi Vert are among the acts slated to perform at this year’s Something in the Water festival in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

After location changes and settling the conflict with his hometown of Virginia Beach, Pharrell Williams is bringing Something In The Water back home. And today, he announced the line-up for the highly-awaited festival. 

Taking place from April 28th-April 30th, the line-up includes iconic acts such as Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers and Chic, SWV, Lil Wayne and Wu-Tang Clan as well as R&B and hip-hop stars like Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, Lil Durk, Kehlani, Flo Milli, and Doechii. The varied compilation of artists almost wholly differs from the hectic and overwhelming line-up from last year’s festival in Washington, D.C.

Producer/DJ Kaytranada, Masego, and rapper Lil Uzi Vert are the only repeat acts from previous years from the first two billings in 2019 and 2022 respectively.

The first Something in the Water music festival took place in Virginia Beach in 2019. However, for the second edition of the fest, Pharrell moved the event to Washington D.C. after Williams criticized Virginia Beach Police Department and government officials over how they handled the shooting death of his cousin, Donovon Lynch. Recently, the city of Virginia Beach reached a $3 million settlement with Lynch’s family. 

As with previous years, the week leading up to Something in the Water will consist of several panels and events such as the Pop Up Church service and details of other free events for the community at Mount Trashmore that will be announced soon. In a change from previous years though, Something in the Water now has a presenting sponsor in Walmart. 

Aside from the lengthy bill, “Pharrell’s Phriends” are listed as a principal performers that weekend; following in the tradition of Pharrell’s own headlining set that in the past has included surprises like Justin Timberlake, JAY-Z, and N.O.R.E. With this year’s line-up including the Clipse as performers and with The Neptunes Present…With the Clones turning 20 this year, one can only imagine the superstars joining Pharrell during his anticipated set. 

Check below for the poster of this year’s SITW full line-up and you can find all relevant info here

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