Paul A. ThompsonContributor

Plus reviews of sets by Christine and the Queens, Sudan Archives, Rae Sremmurd, and Momma

Charli XCX, Yaeji, and Blackpink were also highlights of the festival’s second day

Muna (with Boygenius), Metro Boomin (with the Weeknd, Future, and more), Kaytranada, and lots more kicked off this year’s festival in the desert

From Megan Thee Stallion’s ruthless new diss track to Arcade Fire’s poignant return to Shania Twain’s surprise guest appearance, here are the most memorable moments from this year’s fest.

Highlights included an audacious set from Childish Gambino, Billie Eilish’s refreshing weirdness, the pop dominance of Ariana Grande, and more

The wise and witty MC talks about coming of age as a drug-dealing math wiz, idolizing Missy Elliott, and his remarkable rate of productivity in this Rising interview.

The L.A.-based provocateur talks about his button-pushing approach to taking on racism and toxic masculinity in this Rising interview.

A review of this year’s fest, which featured an instantly legendary set from Beyoncé, along with Eminem, David Byrne, Cardi B, Brockhampton, Vince Staples, SZA, and more

Kendrick’s triumphant victory lap, Radiohead’s technical difficulties, Migos’ unexpected ubiquity, and more from the California desert.

A review of this year's California desert extravaganza, which featured grizzled vets like LCD Soundsystem and Guns N' Roses, rising upstarts such as Vince Staples and Kamasi Washington, and surprise guests including Rihanna and Kanye West.

This 26-year-old Southern California MC has an innate ability to inject grit and paranoia into party music, or to bring joy and optimism to the grimmest situation.