Rolling Loud 2025: A High-Energy Weekend of Hip-Hop
BY: JESSE ZAPATERO
Rolling Loud has long been synonymous with over-the-top performances, superstar cameos, and a crowd that never stops moving. As the world’s largest hip-hop festival, the 2025 edition of Rolling Loud California delivered exactly what fans have come to expect—massive energy, unpredictable moments, and an undeniable celebration of rap’s past, present, and future. Taking over Hollywood Park next to SoFi Stadium, this year’s festival was a showcase of both the genre’s biggest names and the rising stars pushing it forward.
A$AP Rocky’s Theatrical Return
A$AP Rocky’s performance on Saturday night was more than just a festival set—it was a statement. Less than a month after his acquittal in a high-profile legal case, the Harlem native took the stage (or, more accurately, descended onto it) in a dramatic fashion. Suspended from a helicopter, Rocky made his entrance with "A$AP Forever" booming through the speakers, setting the tone for a performance that blended spectacle with personal reflection.
Throughout the set, Rocky alluded to his recent struggles, both through visuals and direct addresses to the crowd. “I’m gonna come clean, y’all don’t even know how happy I am to see y’all,” he told fans, clearly aware of the moment’s weight. However, despite the powerful entrance and emotional undertones, Rocky’s set was cut short at just 45 minutes, leaving many attendees wanting more. While the set featured a guest appearance from Skepta for “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” and a heartfelt tribute to A$AP Yams, longtime supporters were left hoping for more of his classic hits rather than the heavy focus on unreleased material.
Playboi Carti Closes with Star Power
Sunday night belonged to Playboi Carti, who headlined in celebration of his recently released album Music. Fans had been eagerly anticipating his return, and he didn’t disappoint. Carti packed his set with an impressive 35 different tracks, keeping the crowd engaged throughout.
The biggest surprise came when The Weeknd joined him on stage for live performances of their collaborations, “Rather Lie” and “Timeless.” Skepta also made another guest appearance for “Toxic,” further fueling the electric atmosphere. Carti’s fanbase, heavily Gen-Z, embraced every moment, enthusiastically chanting along to his new material while reveling in his older hits.
Peso Pluma Makes History
One of the standout performances of the weekend came from an artist who wasn’t even from the rap world. Peso Pluma became the first Latin artist to headline a Rolling Loud festival, proving that hip-hop’s influence extends far beyond its traditional borders. Blending live strings, dancers, and an immersive stage setup, his performance stood out in contrast to the rap-heavy lineup. Even those unfamiliar with his narcocorrido background couldn’t help but respect his stage presence and attention to detail.
Sexyy Red and the Crowd’s Energy Shift
Sexyy Red brought the party, though her set came with some delays. Arriving late, she still managed to keep the audience engaged with her signature charisma. While her live vocals may not have been flawless, the crowd didn’t seem to mind. For many festivalgoers, her set was less about technical performance and more about the energy and vibe she brought to the stage.
More Than Just Music
Beyond the performances, Rolling Loud California 2025 leaned heavily into brand activations and immersive experiences tailored to its audience. From Backwoods Cigars offering custom merch to SHEIN’s pop-up gifting station and glam services at Bunny’s Bae Bar, the festival understood its demographic well. However, logistical issues like long merch lines and misleading signage created some frustrations for attendees navigating the grounds.
Despite those minor inconveniences, Rolling Loud once again proved why it remains the premier hip-hop festival. Whether it was Rocky’s high-flying entrance, Carti’s guest-filled finale, or Peso Pluma’s historic set, the weekend left fans with plenty to talk about—and plenty to look forward to in the years ahead.
