MAD adds hip hop artist 2 Chainz to MusicFest

Prolific rapper joins emerging arts district’s star-studded lineup this fall in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Submitted by Murphy Arts District

EL DORADO, ARK. (September 13, 2018) – Murphy Arts District (MAD) is excited to announce the addition of red-hot hip hop artist 2 Chainz to the late show lineup for this October’s MusicFest in El Dorado, Arkansas, filling the slot that was vacated with Cardi B’s cancellation following the birth of her daughter.

2 Chainz launched a successful solo career in 2010 with hits like "No Lie" and "Where U Been" while becoming the go-to artist for guest verses. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, 2 Chainz first went solo in 2007 with the mixtape Me Against the World. His recent album, Based on a T.R.U. Story, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 147,000 copies in its first week. His singles, "No Lie," "Birthday Song," and "I'm Different," charted in the top 50 of the Billboard Hot Hip Hop 100 and were certified Gold.

He performed at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards alongside longtime friend Lil Wayne. He has been nominated for over 13 BET Hip Hop Awards bringing home four such awards. Additional honors include earning The Source Magazine’s "Man of the Year" award and was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album.

2 Chainz has collaborated with Lil Wayne, Kayne West, Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams, Major Lazer and Drake. He has also made appearances on tracks by Steve Aoki ("Without U"), Jeezy ("Floor Seats"), Eminem ("Chloraseptic [Remix]") and Migos ("Too Playa"). In early 2018, he issued his fourth EP, The Play Don't Care Who Makes It (Def Jam), featuring appearances by YG and Offset.

The esteemed artist is the latest headliner to join the star-studded MusicFest lineup featuring country music superstar Toby Keith, prolific Atlanta rapper and “Founding Father of Trap Music” Gucci Mane, and Sammy Hagar, featuring Hagar along with his former Van Halen and Chickenfoot bandmate Michael Anthony, acclaimed drummer Jason Bonham, and guitar virtuoso Vic Johnson.

MAD has enlisted an eclectic mix of chart-topping artists to celebrate its one-year anniversary during the three-day stint:

Thursday, October 18

• 6:45 p.m. – Sheila E (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 7:45 p.m. – Morris Day & the Time (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 9:00 p.m. – George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic (Murphy Amphitheater)

Friday, October 19

• 6:00 p.m. – Lita Ford (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 7:30 p.m. – Bret Michaels (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 9:00 p.m. – Sammy Hagar & the Circle (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 11:00 p.m. – 2 Chainz (late night show in the Griffin Music Hall)

Saturday, October 20

• 5:30 p.m. – Jimmie Allen (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 6:15 p.m. – Carly Pearce (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 7:30 p.m. – Justin Moore (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 9:00 p.m. – Toby Keith (Murphy Amphitheater)
   
• 11:00 p.m. – Gucci Mane (late night show in the Griffin Music Hall)

Main Street El Dorado continues their long-term involvement with MusicFest by partnering with MAD to produce free family-friendly activities in downtown El Dorado’s Union Square, one block from MAD. Visitors can enjoy a zip line, a Ferris wheel, the Flight Crew Jump Rope team that appeared on NBC TV’s America’s Got Talent, a NASCAR Simulator, free music on the square, a mechanical bull, a rock climbing wall, food vendors and much more.

About El Dorado, Ark. & Murphy Arts District

MAD, a production of El Dorado Festivals & Events, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to create and sustain an arts and entertainment destination that acts as a catalyst for cultural and educational change for the region. It relies on the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to develop and sustain programs that improve the quality of life in the community and region. El Dorado, Arkansas, also known as “the pride of South Arkansas,” is a former oil boom town and a rising arts destination. Home to a 1920s oil rush that brought a flurry of industry to “Arkansas’ Original Boomtown.” The city also has had significant investments in economic development, education and corporate community sponsorship with forthcoming investments, including the notable El Dorado Promise, a unique college scholarship program established by Murphy Oil Corporation providing local El Dorado High School graduates tuition at any accredited two-and four-year educational institution in the U.S.

Media Contacts: 

Alexis Chernoff/Alexis Whitley
NJF, an MMGY Global Company
[email protected]/[email protected]

Bob Tarren, Chief Marketing Officer
Murphy Arts District
[email protected]