Rolling Loud Miami 2022 was unforgettable in more ways than one.
“To be able to see all these amazing artists in one location is just so awesome,” shares Zaiden, an Oregon-based fan who joined the thousands of attendees that stormed into Hard Rock Stadium this past weekend.
The three day event, which is considered the largest hip-hop festival in the world, had more than 100 performers across five stages. From boisterous crowds, like those that caused Kid Cudi to walk offstage, to stifling heat, Rolling Loud weekend was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Attendees traveled from far and wide for a weekend getaway in Miami, draped in bathing suits with clear plastic tote bags that were filled with festival essentials: sunscreen, a portable charger, rolling papers, and money. As evidenced by the select number of concertgoers who suffered from heat-related illnesses – despite the free water refill stations and intermediate breaks between sets – Rolling Loud Miami is a standing-room only event, and fans are willing to risk it all for a chance to see their favorite artists.
Over the years, Rolling Loud has developed a reputation for being the go-to event for rap enthusiasts that love live music. The platform, which has expanded its reach to an international audience, is like the heartbeat of the summer, something that’s universally embraced and longed-for.
Here are five key takeaways from Rolling Loud Miami 2022.
Kid Cudi Storms Offstage
After Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, pulled out of his headlining slot days before the festival, Kid Cudi was recruited as his replacement. The Grammy-winning rapper graced the stage with a godlike confidence before being pelted with a water bottle halfway through his performance. “Yo, I will walk off this stage if y’all throw one more fucking thing up here. I will leave, I will leave right now,” Cudi said. “I’m not fucking playing, you will ruin it for everybody. I will fucking leave if I get hit with one more fucking thing, if I see one more fucking thing on this fucking stage.”
Ye Performs
During Lil Durk’s set on Friday, which ironically, took place during the same time as Cudi’s headlining set on the Ciroc stage, Ye surprised fans with a brief performance. He ascended from the smoke to recite his verse on Cardi B’s “Hot Shit” before closing out his appearance with “Father Stretch My Hands, Pt.1.”
Future Brings Out Travis Scott
Future closed out his performance at Rolling Loud Miami on Saturday night with a special guest appearance by Travis Scott. After RL co-founder Tariq Cherif said the venue barred the Houston rapper from performing (because of the aftermath with Astroworld), fans took to social media to express their disapproval. However, it was later clarified that Travis couldn’t commit to Rolling Loud because of the short notice he was given with no lead time to prepare.
Ski Mask the Slump God Makes a Wish Come True
Rolling Loud played host to two kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation this past weekend, and Ski Mask the Slump God invited them onstage during his set. After towering over fans from this crane-like contraption, Ski made his way to the stage and proceeded to perform a medley of his anthemic hits “Faucet Failure,” “Foot Fungus,” “Catch Me Outside,” and more.
Community Involvement
With thousands of people rushing to Miami for Rolling Loud weekend, parking spaces are in high demand, and the festival is a great way for the local community to raise money for a good cause. “When Rolling Loud comes to Miami Gardens, we’re able to get the kids involved,” shares Jessie Colston, the resident of a neighboring community near Hard Rock Stadium. “(The kids) are able to make money by parking cars so (they) can have funds to pay for the things (they) want for school.” From cold water to Gatorade, snacks and golf cart rides to the venue, the residents of Rolling Loud are just as important as the festivities.
Check out more photos from Rolling Loud Miami 2022 here.
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