In the new Hot Press: we preview all the top acts in a Longitude Special

The Hot Press team profiles the major acts headlining this year's weekend - J Cole, Solange and Travis Scott.

Since J Cole’s musical innovation merges with an unapologetic social commentary, it’s unsurprising he is quickly becoming a key artist at a time when political climates demand celebrities make use of their platforms. Our profile traces his early life, which includes being abandoned by his father as a child and studying computer science in New York, his musical beginnings and his career to date.

The younger Knowles sister, who joined Beyoncé at Coachella earlier this year, has earned herself headliner status with A Seat At The Table and is about to fulfill the role at Longitude. Our latest issue outlines how she went from “Beyoncé’s little sister” to superstar in her own right.

Travis Scott made headlines in February when it was finally revealed Kylie Jenner had given birth to the couple’s first child, but this month, he’ll be bringing about a different headline - as in himself, at Longitude. Our special on the festival explains why this gothic-trap musician is one of the most exciting acts of this year’s lineup.

Edwin McFee has selected five unmissable acts from this year's lineup.
Catch the lowdown on Galway native Laoise, Dublin-based rapper and past Hot Press cover star Jafaris, and native-Dub-turned-New-York-resident Krystal Klear, all playing Friday. Read up about Drumcondra-born rapper Rejjie Snow and Choice Music Prize nominee (and Hot Press Yearbook covergirl) Soulé who’ll grace the Longitude stage on Saturday.

Our spread is your go-to for the best of international talent present at this year’s Longitude weekend. Featuring Sweden’s 21-year-old synth-pop star Sigrid, UK rapper and Brit Award nominee J Hus, and American talents like Sza, Migos, Khalid, Tyler the Creator and Post Malone.

Our team of writers interviewed a number of the acts due to take the stage. Find out what Erica Cody, Sorcha Richardson and Le Boom have been up to and how they're prepping for the festival.

Ian Mangan also catches up with Mango X Mathman to talk about the heavy rap and grime presence in this year’s lineup. The Dublin duo talk making music and the significance of gigs to youth culture in Ireland.

And as always, we give you the lowdown on all travel options so you can arrive in one piece.