News just in– Dubai’s highly anticipated streetwear and culture festival, Sole DXB, is making its return from Dec. 13-15 for its 12th edition. While the theme and lineup remain under wraps, the countdown has officially begun.
Last year’s event was a spectacular three-day celebration of hip-hop, marking the genre’s 50th anniversary. The festival boasted a stellar lineup, featuring hip-hop icons like Big Daddy Kane, Joey Bada$$, and Jadakiss, alongside regional talents such as Egyptian-Palestinian rapper Ma-Beyn and Sudanese rapper Soulja. Attendees were treated to the “UAE Mixtape,” showcasing local stars like The Recipe, Tac, Tayeb Santo, A’Y, Maxi Zee, and Moh Flow, all hosted by Def Jam’s Mazzi.
In addition to concerts, there was a series of thought-provoking talks. The annual event featured Estelle Bailey-Babenzien, co-founder of Noah Clothing and creative director of Dream Awake Design; world-renowned BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester; London-based print and digital magazine, creative agency, and collective Azeema Mag; and Brooklyn’s Karl Kani, the visionary who pioneered the baggy jean concept and integrated fashion, music, and culture. Joey Bada$$ also shared insights into his writing process, multifaceted career, and latest initiative, Impact Mentorship, a not-for-profit program offering free mentorship to men of color; and Lupe Fiasco competed in a chess tournament hosted by Asics.
Stay tuned on Instagram for updates on this year’s theme and lineup.