Gossip, gossip -- if you've been following our daily power rankings of buzz at SXSW 2011 over the past few days, then you know that, yes, indeed, Kanye West has had it all week long at this year's annual festival in Austin.
And, after briefly losing the top slot in our rankings on Friday to up-and-coming rap collective Odd Future, Saturday saw the sometimes-controversial, and always interesting, rap superstar regain the top slot, thanks in large part to his much-anticipated Vevo-sponsored showcased at the power plant on Saturday night, where he was joined by the likes of Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Mos Def, John Legend and others on stage.
But that, even, was just a microcosm of how things went at this year's festival: Hip-hop very much reigned supreme at this year's festival -- an indication, maybe, that hip-hop has completed its transition into full-on pop. After all, Kanye and Odd Future were hardly alone in their slots as the most talked-about artists at this year's fest. Aside from earlier performances in the week from the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Erykah Badu, Yelawolf and others, Saturday night saw surprise appearances from hip-hop legends LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and, in a surprise turn, even Diddy.
On that note, we must warn, our final buzz power rankings for SXSW 2011 are quite hip-hop heavy. Hit the jump to see the top 30 buzz power rankings in full.
1. Kanye West
Oh, like you're surprised?
2. Diddy
His Fader Fort appearance on Saturday night was maybe the biggest surprise of the festival. His supposed on-stage anointing of Odd Future as the future of hip-hop, not so much.
3. Odd Future
Personally, I got quite the kick out of the fact that their official Billboard showcase last night only last ten minutes. After seeing the collective perform earlier in the week to ridiculously hyped-up crowds, their crowd at Buffalo Billiards was every bit as tame in comparison as they complained about it being. They really did deserve better from the industry types in attendance, who seemed more intimidated by their offerings than willing to actually give it a chance.
4. James Blake
By far the biggest non-hip-hop buzzing act at this year's festival.
5. Jay-Z
The biggest rap superstar in the world scored mostly because, unlike Kanye and Diddy, he didn't feel compelled to make a big deal out of his appearance. The definition of swag.
6, Death From Above 1979
The seminal Toronto-based dance-punk outfit's "secret" reunion show last night at Beauty Bar's patio was primed to be a big deal regardless. The mayhem that ensued at the showcase -- which found Austin police (on horses) storming the grounds -- made for an even bigger one.
7. Snoop Dogg and Warren G
The same week that their friend and collaborator Nate Dogg prematurely passed, these legendary G-funkers descended upon Austin to pay homage to their fallen friend.
8. LL Cool J and Z-Trip
The legendary rapper and iconic turntablist's on-stage collaboration was quick, only lasting a few songs and maybe 10 or so minutes, but the duo's fiery display was an intense one. Even better? They promised during their set to have more collaborations together in the future.
9. The Strokes
When it came to SXSW, the Strokes had their own Angles.
10. TV On The Radio
See: The Strokes.
11. Lil B
It was, after all, during the Based God's set at Fader Fort that Diddy made his surprise appearance.
12. Radiohead
The biggest no-show at SXSW, especially after all the forced secret show rumors.
13. Smith Westerns
Easily the most impressive underage outfit at the festival not named Odd Future.
14. Toro y Moi
Proof that chillwave isn't dead.
15. Foo Fighters
The best-received set of SXSWi remained the talk of SXSW's music portion.
16. Big Boi
Who needs Andre 3000?
17. Gayngs
The biggest supergroup in Austin, both literally and figuratively.
18. Queens of the Stone Age
A new album on the way?
19. Wu-Tang Clan
Even with only five members in tow, they still drew among the biggest crowds SXSW 2011 saw all week long.
20. Okkervil River
One more time with feeling: New album, home town, blah blah blah.
21. Jack White
When people weren't talking about his surprise appearance, they were talking up his mobile record store, the Third World Records Truck.
22. Erykah Badu
She never had a full-on performance, but remained the talk of the town, thanks to her Thursday night DJ set, her cameo during Wu-Tang's set and her Friday night cameo during fellow music video strippers Matt & Kim's Fader Fort set.
23. The Black Lips
It's the mid '00s all over again!
24. Big K.R.I.T.
His fiery Saturday night official showcase was awesome -- and came before an impressive audience that included recent much-hyped hip-hop acts The Cool Kids and Asher Roth
25. Yelawolf
Thug life.
26. Yuck
Proof, along with Smith Westerns, that the '90s are back.
27. Surfer Blood
Did they play more shows at this year's SXSW or last year's? Does it matter?
28. The Kills
Would probably higher if Alison Mosshart was playing with White in Dead Weather this week, but, still, not a bad showing.
29. Janelle Monae
Character-approved by TV's USA network.
30. Wiz Khalifa
You know what it is.
