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As a longtime L.A. local, I know it's hard to imagine a SoCal music festival radder than Coachella. But with the trek to the desert and the exorbitant costs associated with the long weekend, it was only a matter of time before a possible usurper arrived. And this year, there's no denying that FYF Fest is seeking to claim the title of the best festival in Southern California.
Last year, the fest made big moves by snagging Kanye West last-minute — and this time, it's just as stacked. Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem, Grimes, Tame Impala, Father John Misty, and Rae Sremmurd are all building hype for this weekend in Exposition Park in Downtown L.A. — but it's the most iconic act of the lot that we're counting down the days for.
Grace Jones is, by far, the one act that's not to be missed. The Jamaica-born singer, supermodel, and actress is the definition of an iconoclast, beauty renegade, and all-around badass woman with an IDGAF attitude. She's set the standard (and much of the style) for stars like Rihanna and Lady Gaga and she's still touring at 68. (Though not much, which is why this weekend is so coveted.) Luckily, a small number of FYF Fest tickets are still available — and unlike other fests, the weekend offers single-day tickets for $125, although the masses are likely to catch wind soon.
To get you prepped to see Jones — or simply earn a spot in your latest playlist — we rounded up five of her best performances through the years. Sit back, relax, and let the OG badass' vibes wash over you.
Think metallic parts and monochromatic makeup came about in the Instagram age? For the correct answer, please consult this mesmerizing performance Jones gave back in 1977 — and prepare to copy her on-trend look this weekend, no matter your plans.
Arguably Jones' biggest hit to date, it's hard not to get "Pull Up To The Bumper" stuck in your head. Now, we admit we're not totally sure what's happening in this (comical?) talk show-like introduction, but Jones' moves and her downright badass Studio 54-inspired look makes this performance a must-see.
This throwback performance of "My Jamaican Guy" from 1988 is sure to get you amped for the chill vibes planned for Sunday at FYF Fest — or at least enough to earn a spot on your summer jams Spotify playlist.
Fun fact: Jones even makes an accordion look badass in this performance from back in 1981.
Skip to 1:00 for a performance of "Slave To The Rhythm" that teases what Jones' costumes have evolved into today. Think: headpieces, body paint, capes sans pants — basically, what we'd guess top 2016 costume designers are referencing for every pop star today. As Jones says, "You better keep it up" or get left behind.
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