7 Tips for a Dope Music Festival Experience

I could feel the sweat running down my arms as I tried to keep my balance. Left. Right. Front. Back. I grew more nauseous with every movement.  The music blared around me as I rapped one of Mac Miller's verses.  Left. Right. Front. Back. Back. Back.  Flames shot up from the stage and the crowd went bananas. I could feel the pushing coming closer from behind me.  I was instantly rushed forward, my feet not even touching the ground.  The flames shot up from the stage again.  I tried to hold my ground but the heat and must from the crowd only made me feel sicker.

"I gotta get the hell outta here" I screamed at my friend who was bouncing between 2 sweaty bodies like a ping pong ball.  The girl behind me scrambled to find the shoe that was knocked from her foot.  I strategically plotted my exit.   "I'm bout' to throw up on all yall," I screamed as I elbowed my way through the crowd.

I had to get to the outskirts of the crowd.  I snatched my friend's arm and attempted to make my way through the madness.  Losing her along the way,  I elbowed and smacked through the people until my lungs felt free. I could finally breath again. Ironically, we had just set a meeting point in the event that we were separated.  She soon appeared, irritated but in one piece.  I had just experienced my first mosh pit.

Music festivals are staples of the summertime.  They are places where music fanatics come together to see dope artists and to meet interesting people.  Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am a concert freak.  This year alone I have plans to attend 4 concerts and 3 music festivals - ISSA VIBE!

I started my festival circuit out this year with The Rolling Loud festival in Miami, Florida.  The lineup was one that I could not pass on and I had never been to Miami. This trip was a win-win.

Rolling Loud was a hip-hop lover's dream.  They had something for everyone. The lineup was a mix of everything from trap music to mumble rap.

In planning my trip I knew there were 3 things that were certain.  There would be lots of weed smoke, lots of walking and lots of people. Although I didn't know what to expect before - I do now.   If you're a newbie to the festival scene, use these helpful tips to get you through the weekend.

1. Don't Break the Seal – This isn't just a festival lesson.  I am giving you life keys with this one.  Next time you are drinking, at home or at a festival, DO NOT pee right away.  Breaking the seal only leads to frequent trips to a port-a-potty, which lack, for the ladies, toilet paper and cleanliness.  Drinking closer to festival closing is also something you may want to try.  While the crowds are clearing you can pee in peace or make it back to your hotel with time to spare. Don't be that friend that passes out and ruins the trip for everyone else.

2. Bring Flush-able Wipes – Piggybacking off the first gem, always have wipes handy.  This includes not only flush-able but Lysol wipes as well.  Hand sanitizer is also a must.  Everybody is touching something or someone, don't keep those germs on you while you're eating or drinking.

3. Be confident an own your thotness –  If you have ever wanted to try wearing a bathing suit with mesh dress or a bra with daisy dukes or diaper shorts - go right ahead!  This is most definitely the place to be free and let it all hang out.  Chances are, everyone else is already letting it all hang out.  If you're like me, comfort is key to a long enjoyable day.  Opt for shorts and a tank with hair you can pull back easily.  If you are truly there for the music, the lashes, 30-inch weave and full face makeup only get in the way.  The eye shadow I wore on day 1 led to eye burns once I started rubbing sweat out of my eyes.  Lesson learned!

4. Footwear is King –  If you think you are too good for memory foam gym shoes or gym period, this is not the place for you.  Let's not all rock our Yeezy's at once and those new shoes will only look good at the entrance.  If you aren't just sitting around with money to blow, opt to get a pair of cheap comfortable shoes that you don't mind ruining.  Mud, toe stubs, liquids and even vomit are inevitable at events like these. Say it with me ladies - "You are never too cute for sneakers!" The number of broken sandals and red feet I saw was astronomical.  My all black memory foam sketchers have served their purpose and will now be cleaned and retired until Ahh Fest.

5. Fanny-pack FOREVER – Throughout festival season, the fanny pack will be your best friend and most widely used purchase.  Ladies and males, Wal-Mart has them for FIVE dollars, get one! If you were in attendance to rolling loud although bag size was not directly listed on the website, anything bigger than a fanny pack was NOT welcome.  After the 15-minute hike from the car, I tried my luck with a cross body bag that almost made my boobs my storage pouch.  Luckily the security was in a good mood. If you think fanny packs aren't for you think again.  If you're feeling fancy, they come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to drop some dough on a fanny pack, be my guest, it's a great investment.

6. Stay Hydrated – This is a very important thing to remember.  In between alcohol and food stay hydrated.  BRING WATER or have a budget for water.  There were numerous people who fell out in mosh pits or close to gates because they refused to leave their spots.  DON'T be that guy!  You can't see the show if you're passed out.

7. Get High...On Life –  Say no to drugs, unless you like that sort of thing.  However, be ready to come in and turn up.  Get loose and leave your anger and issues at the door.  Drunk, high and overall LIT people are happy people and you should be too.  You will get pushed and someone may step on your feet.  However, respect and courtesy go a long way.  If someone steps back to let you pass - keep walking. If they would have known you were trying to take their spot, I guarantee, they would not have moved.  I did have to do a couple of shoulder taps for this reason.  Your ponytail should not be touching my nose; nor should you be that rude. Just chill, we are all here for a good time! If you're still questioning just how lit these festivals get, check the videos below.