In recent years, Coachella has dedicated at least one headlining spot to a hip-hop act. In 2010 it was Beastie Boys, 2011 Kanye West, last year Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, and this year the reunion of the Wu-Tang Clan. But despite the lure and appeal of hip-hop heavyweights, the genre’s general presence has been less than impressive in years past. And though this year’s desert lineup is still heavily saturated with indie, alternative, and EDM acts (other headliners include Blue, The Postal Service and Red Hot Chili Peppers) if you look closely, the weekend is riddled with MCs. During the festival’s three days, acts like Aesop Rock, Danny Brown, Theophilus London, Action Bronson and Pusha T will grace Coachella’s smaller stages. These are all great rap acts, but the one we’re looking forward to most is 2 Chainz.

The Southern rapper has collaborated with greats like Kanye West, Ludacris, Lil Wayne and possibly the most talked about MC last year, Kendrick Lamar, and last February he got his big break and signed a solo record deal with Def Jam Records. The following summer, he released T.R.U. Story, his debut solo album. Though the record itself garnered mixed reviews, it was nominated for “Best Rap Album,” in this year’s Grammys and spawned three hit singles: “No Lie” (featuring Drake), “Birthday Song,” (featuring Kanye West), and “I’m Different,” which charted as high as 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 6 on both Billboard’s “Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,” and “Rap Songs,” categories.

But these aren’t the singles that put 2 Chainz on the map. Before releasing his solo record, the Georgia native collaborated with Kanye West, Big Sean and Pusha T for a little song called “Mercy.” Maybe you’ve heard of it? The single won numerous BET awards, a Soul Train Award, and was nominated for two Grammys: “Best Rap Song,” and “Best Rap Performance.”

With so many great tracks under his belt, 2 Chainz’ set is bound to get the crowd movin’. At Coachella anything can happen, and since Pusha T is already part of the lineup festivalgoers may be lucky enough to see a rendition of that song that was oh-so-popular last summer. Is it far-fetched? Possibly. But a girl can dream, right? 

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