INDIO, California — Nas, Pharrell and Solange made sure to reward fans for braving wicked winds at Saturday’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, trotting out a guest list that reads like a who’s who of popular music.
The biggest surprise in a night filled with shockers was undoubtedly when Jay Z took the stage alongside his former nemesis, Nas. They paired up for “Dead Presidents II” and “Where I’m From,” off Jay’s In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.
Later, Puff Daddy joined the rapper for “Hate Me Now.” In celebration of the its 20th anniversary, Nas performed the entire Illmatic album.
Not letting her hubby have all the fun, Beyoncé graced the stage for a choreographed dance to “Losing You” during her sister Solange’s set, as both donned huge hair and even bigger smiles.
Pharrell — who, alongside OutKast, is in the running for must fun show of the festival — gave fans Nelly (“Hot In Herre”), Busta Rhymes and Puff Daddy (“Pass the Courvoisier, Part 2”), Snoop Dogg (“Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Beautiful”) and Gwen Stefani (“Hollaback Girl”).
Calling Stefani an “incredible, historical, most important, incredibly talented, f—ing awesome, rad girl in the world,” Pharrell told the crowd, “Look how amazing the queen looks as she is making her arrival back to the music industry.”
The super-producer had the polo fields grooving to Daft Punk’s “Lose Yourself to Dance” and “Get Lucky,” Jay Z’s “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me),” Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and his solo smash “Happy.”
Pharrell apologized to the audience for his vocal performance, explaining that the weather was taking its toll. “You don’t even understand how hurt my feelings are that I’m losing my voice because of all this dust,” he said. “I’m just gonna go for it anyway.”
Earlier on the Outdoor stage, Lorde started with the slow burn of “Glory and Gore” and “Biting Down.”
“Coachella, so good to meet you,” she shared. “Thanks for sitting out here all day in the sun and dust. I really appreciate it.”
Lorde was clearly humbled by her chance to play the festival, later saying, “This is a really big moment for us. We are so lucky to be here.”
“Tennis Court,” “Royals” and “Team” rounded out her set.
Closing out the main stage, Muse paid tribute to Nirvana with their take on “Lithium.”
Coachella kicked off Friday with the reunion of OutKast. The festival ends Sunday (April 13) with Arcade Fire, Lana Del Rey, Disclosure and Calvin Harris.
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