Doechii picture by Greg Noire
Yves Tumor photo credit/ M.Drummond (AEG Presents It)
By: Nia Robinson
It’s been a remarkable 10 years since Tyler, The Creator first introduced Camp Flog Gnaw in sunny Los Angeles, California. A decade later, the festival continues to be one of the most anticipated music events of the year. This year’s edition, held on November 16th and 17th at the iconic Dodger Stadium fairgrounds, brought together an eclectic lineup featuring Tyler, The Creator, Doechii, Sexyy Red, and more.
The festival kicked off each day at 12 PM, but eager fans began lining up as early as 6 AM to secure spots for the headlining performances, especially Tyler’s much-awaited Saturday night set at 10 PM. The energy was palpable, with music filling the air and carnival rides, food trucks, and pop-up shops creating a vibrant, immersive experience. Nostalgic nods to Odd Future’s early days, arcade games, and an array of food options, including cotton candy and churros, added to the festival’s unique charm.
A Festival Like No Other
What sets Camp Flog Gnaw apart is its commitment to diversity in music genres and its ability to showcase emerging and established talent. Among the standout acts on Day 1 was Atlanta-based rapper Kenny Mason, whose alternative rap performance blended 2010s post-hardcore influences with modern hip-hop. His live rendition of “Halloween,” a pop-punk and trap mashup, energized the crowd and set the tone for the day.
Later, rising superstar Doechii commanded the main stage with tracks from her latest album, Alligator Bites Never Heal. Known as the “Swamp Princess,” a nod to her Tampa roots, Doechii dazzled in custom burgundy Miu Miu stiletto heels. The performance reached new heights when she brought Grammy-winning R&B singer SZA on stage for a duet of their fan-favorite track “Persuasive.”
As the evening progressed, Yves Tumor delivered a jaw-dropping performance that reminded festivalgoers that rock is alive and thriving. Their set, punctuated by glam metal guitar riffs and raw vocals, culminated in a thrilling moment when Yves stage-dived into the crowd during “Secrecy Is Incredibly Important To Them,” leaving fans craving more.
Tyler, The Creator’s Captivating Performance
The festival’s highlight was undoubtedly Tyler, The Creator, who performed tracks from his record-breaking 10th album, CHROMAKOPIA. Tyler opened his set with “St. Chroma,” standing atop a dark green freight container as fans roared along to every lyric. In a heartfelt moment, he expressed his gratitude:
"Thank you [guys] for supporting me for real…In my city? I don’t even have no heartfelt message. I’m really filled with so much love and joy."
He took fans on a nostalgic journey by performing hits like “Yonkers,” “Earfquake,” and “Who Dat Boy?” before closing with “Sticky,” featuring a surprise appearance by Sexyy Red.
Day 2: Closing Out in Style
The festival’s second day brought equally memorable performances. Indie artist Faye Webster captivated audiences with her ethereal vocals on tracks like “Jonny” and “Right Side of My Neck,” proving her versatility in a predominantly hip-hop lineup.
Matt Champion, performing solo for the first time since Brockhampton’s hiatus, debuted songs from his latest album, Mika’s Laundry. Meanwhile, Sexyy Red kept the crowd energized with her bold and infectious hits, including “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Dad)” and “Hellcats SRTS.”
As the final notes from Playboi Carti and Blood Orange echoed through the grounds, it was clear that Camp Flog Gnaw 2024 had solidified its place in music history. Beyond its incredible lineup, the festival continues to inspire creativity and celebrate the power of diverse artistry, resonating with fans both on campus and around the globe.
A Decade to Remember
Camp Flog Gnaw has become more than just a music festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and community. Here’s to the next decade of unforgettable music and memories!