The moment someone mentions Tacos & Tequila, I’m in! But add some throwback hip-hop in as well and you’ve got a fool proof way to make any millennial turn up, snap their fingers and lean with it, rock with it! The Tacos & Tequila festival is just that! They made their Colorado debut one to remember.
Tacos & Tequila Festival took place at UCHEALTH Park in Colorado Springs, CO and featured a legendary lineup. Lil Jon, Timbaland, David Banner, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Twista and Yung Joc. When I tell you hits after hits, it was really just that! DJ Ashton Martin provided the vibes in between sets with crowd control only a professional can produce! He was dope and on point!
We had the VIP passes which were clutch! They included 3 craft margaritas and a taco flight from one of the authentic food trucks! The VIP lanyards include snap off tickets for your freebies and that made it SO easy and fast! The logistics of the festival were simple, accessible and easy going.
The first artist to hit the stage and set the tone was Yung Joc! He understood the assignment- looking good and bringing that throwback hip-hop energy! Of course the crowd was super turnt up when he performed his classic hit “It’s Goin’ Down!” Everyone hit the dance move! His set was perfect to set the tone! He also performed his other hits “I Know You See It” and his classic feature on T-Pain’s “Buy U A Drank!”
Next up was Mike Jones! Performing his classic 2000’s hits “Back Then,” “Still Tippin” and of course his featured verse on T-Pain’s “I’m N Luv (Wit A Stripper),” he kept the vibe going! The crowd was rapping along like it was 2005 and a highlight was the guest electric guitarist adding some serious flare to the sound!
We took a break in between sets to go grab a drink, check out the car show and the wrestling! The wrestling was a appreciated twist to the event. It was entertaining, fun to watch and super engaging! Th car show was INCREDIBLE! The fly lineup of tricked out rides drew a lot of attention!
A crowd favorite for sure was Paul Wall- THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP! I was so hyped to see him live because I never have and I have been a fan! Paul Wall hit the stage all smiles with that big ol’ grill shining! I think he might the happiest rapper in the game- he was all smiles the entire set! The crowd was LIT when y=the beat dropped on his classics “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” “Still Tippin'” with Mike Jones, “Grillz” with Nelly and a gang more! Now, his set had a real special moment. A fan not far from that stage was clearly beyond excited- she was screaming, dancing, turning up! Somehow at one point she was able to get her bra on stage for Paul Wall to sign it and sure enough he did! I caught these moments on camera and it was a HIGHLIGHT! She was in tears because she was so happy! I loved this whole moment for her!! Paul Wall is a real one!
One thing I’ve learned about hip-hop heads in Colorado is that they love Twista! Let Twista get on the stage and start fast rapping his ass off and the crowds will go CRAZY! And sure enough, that’s what happened! Showing off all his skills and throwback hits like “Overnight Celebrity,” “Slow Jamz,” and “Wetter.” The sound was on point, too!
Then, David Banner hit the stage… I had no idea what kind of live show he puts on but listen Linda, this man PUTS ON! He had a lot of dialogue and engagement with the crowd which was so dope, the crowd LOVED him! Apparently he had a bad foot- but all that injury talk left the stage as he started jumping around, went into the crowd and even crowd surfed! His energy was on 100! Champagne showers and water went everywhere and there were no complaints! Fans were on 100 with him as they rapped along to his hits, “Like A Pimp,” “Get Like Me” and “Play.” His set was SO wild!
Now the next artist to come to the stage? One of the GOATS! One of my FAVORITE producers of all time- Timbaland. This man has hits on hits on hits! He has produced some of my favorite tracks in hip-hop and has a sound that is unmistakable. I have never seen him perform so this was legendary for me. The setlist? I mean, let’s be real, there were so many songs he did but some of my favorites were Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack,” “Cry Me A River,” “Suit & Tie,” and “My Love,” Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder,” “Big Pimpin'” and “Holy Grail,” his classic hit with Nelly Furtado “Promiscuous,” his classic hits with Missy Elliott “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Work It,” and of course his own hits “The Way I Are” featuring Keri Hilson and “Apologize” featuring One Republic. And his hits with Aaliyah? Insane. His set was CRAZY! The talent and legendary hits behind this man is iconic. THIS was a highlight!
Now, it was time for the headliner- Lil Jon. Now if you haven’t seen Lil Jon in concert before, you’re missing out. If the Tacos and Tequila Festival wants you to be in a throwback vibe, they have to book Lil Jon every time! Again, this is another artist with classic hits on hits- especially for the throwback 2000’s! I’m pretty sure the sound booth turned the volume and the bass up for him because these songs had the crowd going NUTS! Hits like “Culo” with Pitbull, “Salt Shaker” with the Ying Yang Twins, “Yeah!” with Usher and Ludacris, “Snap Yo Fingers,” “Lovers & Friends,” “What U Gon’ Do,” “Let’s Go,” “Get Low,” “I Don’t Give A…,” “Shots” and SO MANY MORE! It was one of the best sets I’ve been to in awhile! Lil Jon GOES!
One thing I can say about the Tacos & Tequila Festival is that it was one of the best festivals I’ve been to- and I have been to quite a few. I will absolutely be back when they return to Colorado! This was an unforgettable experience and by the looks of so many fans- they feel the same way. See you at next one!
