BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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This year’s Rolling Loud California was nothing short of historic. Absolutely stupendous in fact. Held at the prestigious Hollywood Park Grounds, Inglewood, CA between March 15th to 17th, 2025, the three-day festival, known for bringing together the biggest names in hip-hop, delivered on all fronts with a lineup stacked with rap royalty, including; Quavo, Sexyy Red, Cash Cobain, YG, Tee Grizzley, BLXST and so many more. However, three performances stood out above the rest–A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti and Peso Pluma,all of whom turned their headlining sets into legendary moments that will be talked about for years to come.
A$AP ROCKY
As thousands of fans packed the festival grounds on Saturday the 15th, anticipation for Rocky’s headlining set reached a fever pitch. Suddenly, a helicopter appeared above the stage, its roaring blades cutting through the night sky. The words “DON’T BE DUMB” emblazoned on its side, a direct nod to Rocky’s forthcoming album. Suspended in a harness, microphone in hand, Rocky descended from the aircraft mid-air, rapping an unreleased track titled “All Black (Stole Ya Flow)” as the crowd erupted with excitement. The moment was cinematic–part rap performance, part action movie stunt–and immediately cemented itself as one of the most iconic entrances in Rolling Loud history.
Touching down onstage, A$AP Rocky wasted no time before launching into a carefully curated set that blended his biggest hits with brand-new material. “A$AP Forever” kicked things off, the booming bass shaking the festival grounds as thousands of fans screamed the lyrics. His energy was relentless as he powered through “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n),” igniting mosh pits across the field. The tempo shifted when “Everyday” came on, bringing a more melodic moment that reminded fans of Rocky’s artistic range. Then the electric momentum continued as Skepta made a surprise appearance for their smash hit “Praise The Lord (Da Shine),” a track that had the entire crowd bouncing in unison. And of course, no Rocky performance would be complete without “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2,” a song that sent the crowd into a frenzy as he jumped into the pit to rage with fans.
Beyond the classics, Rocky took the opportunity to introduce several unreleased tracks from his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb. Songs like “Tailor Swif” and “Highjack” carried his signature blend of experimental production and raw lyricism, while “Stop Snitching” had a gritty, menacing energy that left fans craving more. “Your Honor” stood out as one of the most intriguing, especially because it was inspired by his recent court case. Each new track was met with deafening cheers, further fueling anticipation for Rocky’s next era.
But this performance was more than just a display of musical excellence–it was a visual and emotional experience. The stage design was a masterpiece of psychedelic visuals and hypnotic lighting, transporting fans into Rocky’s world. Every beat drop was synchronized with the flashing strobes, creating an almost trance-like atmosphere that intensified the music. At one point, Rocky stopped mid-performance to take in the sheer size of the crowd, a knowing smirk on his face as he basked in the moment.
Adding to the night’s spectacle, Rihanna was spotted in the VIP section, her presence sending the internet into a frenzy. Dressed in a daring navy see-through skirt and an oversized jacket, the global superstar stood front and center, proudly watching her partner dominate the stage. It was a power couple moment that solidified Rocky’s performance.
PESO PLUMA
Rolling Loud California 2025 was a festival of firsts, and one of the most groundbreaking moments came when Peso Pluma became the first non-hip-hop artist to ever headline the world’s biggest hip-hop festival–singing Latin music! Performing on Saturday as well, the Mexican superstar delivered a set that was nothing short of spectacular, seamlessly blending his signature corridos tumbados sound with the high-energy atmosphere of Rolling Loud. The result? A genre-defying performance that not only made history but also proved why Peso Pluma is one of the most exciting and boundary-pushing artists in global music today.
As the sun set over the festival grounds, anticipation for Peso Pluma’s performance reached an all-time high. Then, the lights dimmed. A deep, rumbling bass echoed through the speakers, sending vibrations across the massive crowd. Suddenly, the screens flashed to life with black-and-white visuals of Peso Pluma’s journey–his rise from Guadalajara to global superstardom. The intro to “Rubicón,” from his latest album Éxodo, blared through the speakers, and the audience erupted as Peso Pluma himself emerged from the smoke, dressed in an all-black designer ensemble with a signature chain hanging from his neck.
From the moment he hit the stage, the energy was electric. He wasted no time launching into his setlist, starting with the chart-topping hit “La Bebe (Remix),” his reggaeton collaboration with Yng Lvcas that had the crowd singing along word for word. Transitioning smoothly, Peso kept the momentum going with the fan-favorite “Bye,” his melodic vocals weaving effortlessly through the pounding bass.
While Peso Pluma’s performance alone was enough to captivate the audience, he took things a step further by bringing out a lineup of unexpected special guests that sent shockwaves through the festival. First up was Dominican dembow icon El Alfa, who stormed the stage for a high-energy rendition of their collab “Bellakeo.” The beat drop was met with an explosion of cheers, as the two artists bounced off each other’s energy in a moment that blurred the lines between Latin urban music and hip-hop. Then Peso called out to Yailin La Más Viral, the Dominican artist known for her fierce presence in the Latin music scene. Together, they performed “Pa Ti,” a fiery duet that showcased Peso’s ability to blend his raw corridos style with contemporary Latin trap influences.
As the dust settles on this historic edition, one thing is certain: the future of live music has never looked more exciting.
Next, Puerto Rican rap heavyweight Eladio Carrión appeared to perform their hit “77,” sending the festival into a frenzy. The synergy between the two was undeniable, with Peso’s laid-back yet charismatic delivery perfectly complementing Eladio’s rapid-fire flow. But the biggest shock of the night came when Peso Pluma introduced none other than Rich The Kid and Ty Dolla $ign. Their collaboration, an unreleased track rumored to be from Peso’s upcoming project, combined the rhythmic bounce of reggaeton with the West Coast smoothness of Ty Dolla $ign’s vocals. It was a moment that not only united Latin and hip-hop audiences but also reinforced Peso Pluma’s status as a true crossover superstar.
Beyond the star-studded guest appearances, Peso Pluma’s set was a testament to his ability to command a crowd. Songs like “El Belicón” and “PCR” had the audience in a hypnotic groove, with fans swaying in unison to the infectious rhythms. His performance of “Ella Baila Sola,” arguably his biggest hit to date, turned into a massive singalong, as tens of thousands of voices echoed back every word of the viral sensation.
By seamlessly blending the spirit of hip-hop with his own unique sound, Peso Pluma not only honored the culture but also redefined what was possible at a festival known for its rap-heavy roots. As the final notes of “Rubicón” faded into the night and Peso took one last bow, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar, solidifying his place in Rolling Loud history.
PLAYBOI CARTI
While A$ap Rocky was the undisputed King of the set on Saturday, Sunday belonged to another King–Playboi Carti. As the lights dimmed and the eerie hum of distorted 808s filled the air, the tension in the crowd was palpable. Then, in a burst of red strobe lights and smoke, Carti emerged in full demonic energy. His voice–distorted and drenched in Auto-Tune–pierced through the speakers, signaling the beginning of a performance that felt more like an exorcism than a traditional rap show.
Opening with “Rockstar Made”, he wasted no time in setting the tone for what would be one of the most intense sets of the weekend. The bass was deafening, shaking the ground beneath thousands of screaming fans as he sprinted across the stage, flanked by shadowy figures dressed in all black. Mosh pits erupted instantly, bodies colliding as Carti’s manic energy spread through the crowd like wildfire.
The setlist was a carefully orchestrated mix of his most aggressive anthems, fan favorites, and brand-new material from his long-awaited album, I Am Music which he just released on Friday. “Stop Breathing” sent fans into a frenzy, his guttural delivery turning the festival grounds into a warzone of flailing arms and bodies. “Sky” provided a brief, euphoric reprieve, with the entire audience screaming along to the lyrics, their voices drowning out the speakers. “Magnolia” brought a wave of nostalgia, the classic Pierre Bourne beat instantly recognizable as Carti’s older fans jumped in excitement. But it was the new music that had everyone talking.
The most shocking moment of the night came when The Weeknd walked onto the stage, catching the audience completely off guard. Dressed in a sleek all-black ensemble, he took center stage to perform their newly released collaboration, “Rather Lie.” The fusion of Carti’s frenetic energy and The Weeknd’s haunting, ethereal vocals created a sonic contrast that was nothing short of mesmerizing. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and for a brief moment, the chaos of Carti’s set gave way to a beautifully haunting performance, proving once again that Carti is just as capable of delivering melodic records as he is of hard-hitting rage anthems.
But just as quickly as things slowed down, the energy skyrocketed again when famous Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat stormed the stage, hyping up the audience as if it were his own concert. The internet sensation, whose love for hip-hop has made him a key figure in online culture, grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd with infectious excitement. “This is Kai’s concert now!” he declared, as Carti encouraged the moment, grinning as his audience embraced the madness. Another popular streamer, Dabo, was present as well, joining Playboi on stage. Expressing his admiration, Carti handed the microphone to Dabo, allowing him to engage directly with the massive crowd.
While the guests elevated the spectacle, Carti’s ability to command an audience on his own remained the centerpiece of the performance. His visuals were hypnotic, a blend of demonic imagery, glitching VHS aesthetics, and rapid-fire strobe lights, creating a disorienting yet exhilarating experience. Carti let the raw, chaotic energy of his music and presence carry the show, embodying the essence of a modern-day punk rockstar.
However, the chaos reached a point where safety became a concern, with reports of multiple fans fainting in the pit due to the intensity. In a rare moment of pause, Kai Cenat stepped in, urging the crowd to step back and take a breath. It was a brief yet telling moment–one that highlighted the fine line between reckless energy and responsible performance. Carti, despite his wild stage persona, has an undeniable connection with his fans, and ensuring their safety became just as important as the relentless energy of the show.
As his set neared its end, Carti closed with “F33l Lik3 Dyin”, a haunting, almost spiritual track that left the audience in a trance. His voice, softer and more vulnerable, cut through the night as he stood on the elevated platform, silhouetted against a backdrop of flashing white lights. In that moment, the contrast of rage and reflection that defines Carti’s artistry was on full display. He thrives in chaos, yet beneath the aggression, there’s an undeniable depth to his music–a duality that makes him one of the most captivating figures in modern hip-hop.
Rolling Loud California 2025 was more than just a festival–it was a spectacle of sound, chaos, and pure artistic brilliance. A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti, two of the most enigmatic figures in modern hip-hop, delivered performances that transcended the boundaries of conventional rap shows. Peso Pluma on the other hand, made his voice heard and passed an important message: music is magical, in every single language.
The event was a perfect testament to hip-hop’s ability to evolve, shock, and inspire. In the end, it wasn’t just about the music–it was about the moments, the atmosphere, and the undeniable magic that happens when the culture’s most electrifying figures take the stage.
As the dust settles on this historic edition, one thing is certain: the future of live music has never looked more exciting.
