The World’s Largest Hip-Hop Festival, Rolling Loud, kicked off its first day of the California festival with unstoppable energy from performers including A$AP Rocky, Peso Pluma, YG, and Ab-Soul.
True to Rolling Loud’s tradition of jaw-dropping moments, Day 1 had fans overflowing with excitement as A$AP Rocky made his triumphant return to the stage, his first performance since his “not guilty” verdict. The show began as a helicopter hovered over the stage and a spotlight revealed A$AP Rocky floating over the roaring crowd. He kicked off his set performing three songs from the air, including an unreleased one, before belaying down to the stage from 100 feet high.
Taking a moment to address the ruling, he also showed support for California wildfire victims and those affected by recent immigration policies. He opened and closed his set with a montage of his trial before he made a nod to Rihanna (spotted arriving with Blue Ivy Carter) who was watching from the heart of the crowd. He also debuted brand new music from his highly anticipated album Don’t Be Dumb including the upcoming Metro Boomin’ produced single “Your Honor.” Skepta joined A$AP on stage to perform “Praise the Lord (Da Shine). He closed his set with a heartfelt tribute to his late friend A$AP Yams, ending on a high note with “Yamborghini High.”
In addition to A$AP Rocky’s legendary performance, Peso Pluma made history as the first non-Hip-Hop, and Latin artist to headline any edition of the festival. He brought out Rich The Kid and Ty Dolla $ign to perform “Gimme A Second” and “Carnival” as well as guests El Alfa, and Eladio Carrión. YG made a statement, bringing out a Donald Trump impersonator to perform his hit “FDT”, while Sexyy Red hyped up the audience with a surprise appearance from 03 GREEDO. The excitement continued as LiAngelo “GELO” Ball made his festival debut at Rolling Loud, electrifying fans with his viral hit “Tweaker” and an unreleased track, which left the audience buzzing. Following GELO’s set, Co-Founder/President & CEO of Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Prophet and RollingLoud Co-founder and Co-CEO Tariq Cherif took the stage with Altadena community members who lost their homes and/or businesses to the Eaton Fire.
The day began with performances from rising stars like IAN, Peysoh and BossMan Dlowwho wore a custom ESPN chain for his song “SportsCenter,” warming up the crowd for an evening of unforgettable sets. Heavy hitters like Ski Mask The Slump God, Larry June, Cash Cobain, Real Boston Richey, and DDG kept the energy soaring throughout the night. Fans from around the globe brought an unparalleled energy to the festival today. Rolling Loud continues to serve as a cultural mecca for hip-hop lovers, uniting seasoned fans and newcomers in a shared celebration of the genre.
The festival grounds were buzzing with interactive activations that added to the immersive experience including Bunny’s Bae Bar which offers free glam services to attendees, LoudCutz for free haircuts, the Tattoo Parlour for free tattoos designed by Panda, exclusive rides, tooth gems by SHEIN, and more. There was an exclusive Rolling Station with 420 friendly products (ages 21+) as well as food for the munchies. Boys Lie also launched an exclusive Rolling Loud merchline, creative directed by the Queen of Rolling Loud, Bunny Zingler.