The Fader Fort was once again the magnum opus of the entire SXSW experience, however, for the frequent attendees of the showcase the fort itself carried a different feel. In a new location in Austin, the invite-only event was smaller and a contradicted the belief of “bigger is better” with an intimate crowd providing for a more connected performance and activation experience.

Over the course of four days, The Fader faithful were treated to the likes of Cardi B., Young M.A, Lil Yachty, BJ the Chicago Kid and a surprise closing set from Mike WiLL Made It with the Ear Drummers team and 2 Chainz.

Kicking off on Wednesday, the new-look Fader Fort kicked off in a grand style with Noname and Bishop Briggs invoking the venue with female power and lively performances before Playboi Carti took the stage and ushered in his special guest, A$AP Rocky, much to the delight of those in the fort. The Wednesday happenings didn’t stop there as DJ Esco’s set full of bangers from his partner Future kept the crowd live in a brief intermission before serving the stage to PnB Rock. The Philadelphia representative stored away a guest of his own with New York’s A Boogie wit da Hoodie before Quality Control reigned supreme with Lil Yachty and his day closing set.

Festivities rolled into Thursday with Smino showcasing what is making he and the Zero Fatigue name one of the most popular among rising artists in hip-hop, paving way for Kap G to bring in his brand of hip-hop and a closing set from Chloe x Halle. Friday featured more hip-hop showcases from the likes of Shy Glizzy, the energetic Kyle and D.R.A.M., with a little of R&B infused from Khalid.

The buzz of The Fader’s stay in Austin this year came with the insanely packed Saturday. Cardi B. who missed her set a day before due to flight issues brought her Gangsta Bitch Music to the stage, BJ the Chicago Kid brought classic soul to the stage singing and joining his band on the instruments and Young M.A showcased her lyrical ability with “Hot Sauce” and “OOOUUU” punctuating her time on stage.

Known for leaving fans with much to talk about Fader Fort surprised fans with Mike WiLL Made It and the Eardrummers teams who turned the backyard style venue into a listening party for his upcoming album, Ransom 2. Many releases were shared but most notably selections featuring Kendrick Lamar and another with Pharrell. The treats didn’t stop there from Mike WiLL, he brought guests along in the form of Blac Youngsta and a legend that no one could predict would be in attendance in Ma$e.

Once the Ear Drummers smoke cleared it was time for the second surprise set of the night, 2Chainz, who gave fans a full set of his classics, new offerings like “Good Drank” and “It’s a Vibe” and brought Mike WiLL back to the stage for more offerings from Ransom 2.

You can check out photos and videos from this year’s Fader Fort at SXSW below.