Mad Decent Block Party rocks Penns Landing

Mad Decent Block Party | photo by Morgan Smith

Last Thursday and Friday, while most people were droning away at their 9-5s, Diplo and friends were busy putting in work at this years Mad Decent Block Party.

What started off as a humble (and actual) block party at 12th and Spring Garden in 2008 has now grown into a 22-stop, cross country party machine. Throughout the day and in between sets, handfuls of scantily clad girls in flower bras and bros in tank tops could be seen wandering around Festival Pier with the occasional too-drunk-for-life person puking in a corner. If security wasn’t taking care of the latter, they could be seen handing out water bottles and hosing down concert goers in a effort to keep them cool.

While much has changed about the festival, most notably the size, venues and increased security (shoe and socks were to be removed and searched before entry and the presence of about five police dogs searching for drugs could not be ignored), the fun atmosphere and party vibe has remained intact.

This year’s lineup boasted both international and local acts, with Philly’s own Swizzymack and Dirty South Joe taking turns on Thursday and Friday to represent their city. The jam-packed lineup also included Zeds Dead, Porter Robinson, Yellowclaw, Flosstradamus, Jauz, Keys N Krates and Alison Wonderland, who had a particularly memorable set that included her coming out from behind the DJ booth to dance and engage with the crowd all while on crutches.

On Thursday night, Jack U (the duo formed by Diplo and Skrillex) closed out the night with a high energy performance that included a special appearance by South Korean singer/rapper CL. Towards the end of the performance, Diplo, who was rocking an Eagles jersey, let the crowd know that Philly is where Mad Decent and the Mad Decent Block Party all started.

As a second day full of great performances came to an end on Friday, Diplo closed out the night again as part of the electro / dancehall group Major Lazer. With members Jillionaire and Walshy Fire pumping up the crowd, Diplo manning the DJ booth, a surprise appearance by Rae Sremmurd and enough confetti canons to last a lifetime (whatever that means), Mad Decent Block Party definitely ended on a high note.