L.A.’s FYF Fest Boasts Bjork, Frank Ocean, Nine Inch Nails and Missy Elliot

Jordan Bailey

The recent revelation of Los Angeles’ FYF Fest sent shockwaves through social media, as festival organizers announced Missy Elliot as a headliner. This will be the artist’s first stateside performance in nearly a decade. FYF will be held in Exposition Park from July 21-23 and is scheduled to have Elliot kick-off the weekend in front of a flood of young LA fans who will likely be seeing her live for the first time.

While the return of Missy “Misdemeanor” is no doubt the top story from the lineup announcement, there’s plenty more reasons to celebrate. Icelandic songstress Björk will take the stage as well. This is notable for many reasons, but mostly because the eccentric artist rarely performs, period. This past December Björk gave a slightly controversial performance at Houston’s Day for Night Festival – completely hidden from fans during her entire set, the singer only walked out from behind her stage décor at the end to quickly wave to fans. While Frank Ocean has been silent for a long while, this past year has seen a complete resurgence from him. Not only will he headline FYF on Saturday, but Ocean has also taken the top spot on numerous upcoming festivals after the release of his highly-anticipated “Blonde” album. Taking a turn towards alternative, FYF booked Nine Inch Nails as the sole headliner to close out the weekend on Sunday. Trent Reznor and company will take the stage hot off the release of their latest EP, “Not The Actual Events.” The diverse lineup continues as A Tribe Called Quest grab a spot alongside fellow 90s-era star Erykah Badu. Iggy Pop will add another element of vintage eclecticism as he’ll bring along the circa 1968 punk vibes. Among the up-and-comers on the bill are Solange, a.k.a. Beyoncé’s little sis, political action rap duo Run the Jewels, recent Dr. Dre signee Anderson Paak and Bay Area R&B singer Kehlani. Flying Lotus, MGMT, Nicolas Jaar, Little Dragon, Blonde Redhead, Slowdive, Angle Olson, Majid Jordan, King Krule, 6Lack, Sleep, Thundercat, Ty Segall, The Black Madonna, Badbadnotgood, Beach Fossils and Perfume Genius will also perform, while comedian Hannibal Burress jumps on board for some comedic relief.

FYF being a downtown LA event, camping isn’t an option –  so look to one of many hotels in the city for a place to crash. The Standard Hotel downtown isn’t too far from the venue itself, plus it comes with mid-century charm and a rooftop beer garden with panoramic views of the skyline. Hotel Angeleno is an affordable contemporary hotel located in the hills between UCLA, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. Palihouse sits in West Hollywood and deems itself a “boutique urban lodge.” Picture loft-style rooms adorned with Pinterest stylings.

FYF Fest will take place from July 21-23 at Exposition Park in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale March 24.