Rhymesayers cancels Soundset 2020

Local hip-hop label Rhymesayers, has announced that their festival Soundset 2020 has been cancelled. This hip-hop festival has had a successful twelve-year run that displayed hip-hop culture by including a car show, street art contest, skateboarding and breakdancing competitions. Also bringing in artists and crowds nation-wide

On Sunday, May 26th, 2019, we celebrated the 12th annual Soundset Festival at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, in Saint Paul, MN. Thanks to all those who came out to support, and to everyone who helped make this day a success!

Rhymesayers has released an official statement but hasn’t provided reasoning besides moving focus towards their Rhymesayers 25th Anniversary show. The loyal fans/attendees who have been supporting the event since day one deserve a more detailed explanation as to why our only local hip-hop festival is being cancelled after a decade of dedicated support and successful shows. Soundset brought in heavy hitters like:

Wu-tang Clan, Cypress Hill, Wiz Khalifa, Ice Cube, 2 Chainz, Mac Miller, Migos, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, Tyler The Creator, Lil Wayne and so many more!

Read Rhymesayers’ official statement below:

When a door closes another one opens, and that’s what is keeping Minnesota hip-hop fans hopeful about this situation. We can speculate that Rhymesayers Entertainment are making room for improvements or that another organization may host a festival in Minnesota that could potentially help the local hip-hop community thrive.

Not only did Soundset help put Minnesota on the map, but they put on for the city by providing a platform to showcase some of our local artists alongside well-known names.

Soundset was more than just a hip-hop music festival, it created opportunities for local artists, vendors, companies, and a chance to network both locally and nationally. Having it cancelled this year is a huge blow to the community.

Click on Soundset posters below to expand:

The bottom line

Soundset was an important event that shed spotlight on the local Minnesota hip-hop scene and the state as a whole. The community deserves a better explanation as to why Soundset is being cancelled?

Image courtesy of Rhymesayers Ent.

Image courtesy of Rhymesayers Ent.


A special thanks to Rhymesayers and Soundset for giving Twin Cities Hip-hop Corner the opportunity to cover an event that has gained importance in the local hip-hop community.

Thanks for the decade of Soundset, rain or shine.