Rolling Loud NYC Wraps Up With Controversy
A$AP Rocky performing at Rolling Loud NYC this year.
Photo creds:Ian Prasetya '25
Over the last decade, hip-hop and rap have been ushered into the mainstream music scene by new and exciting artists that have been formative in many lives, especially those of the younger generation. Artists such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott have been pivotal in this switch of popular music and allowed for upcoming artists to step into the spotlight.
Evidently, with this transition, there has been an increase in hip-hop concerts and festivals, with Rolling Loud at the forefront of international rap festivals. Since its inception in 2015, Rolling Loud has appeared in multiple locations across the US, including Miami, Los Angeles and New York City, as well as internationally in Sydney, Hong Kong, Toronto and more. Publications like Complex have described Rolling Loud as “the largest hip-hop festival in the world,” and their performance lineups tend to prove that. With Rolling Loud NYC wrapping up its third and final day on Sept. 25, did it live up to its prestigious title?
This year’s lineup of performers consisted of Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Lil Baby and A$AP Rocky, among others. But, with this beloved group of performers comes high expectations.
“I had high expectations for Rolling Loud this year and I had heard good things about it,” said Ian Prasetya ‘25, an attendee at this year’s NYC festival. “I was reading some reviews that said last year wasn’t too good. A lot of the artists canceled,” said Prasetya. “This was my first music festival and I thought it was not bad. Most of the artists that I wanted to go to were 20 to 30 minutes late, but I was told prior to going that that is something you have to expect.”
Rolling Loud NYC wasn’t without controversy, as cancellations, late start times, noise ordinance issues and a rainstorm precluded the festival from reaching its expectations. Various artists headlining the festival, including A$AP Rocky and 21 Savage, had performances cut short or canceled altogether for unknown reasons, later bashing the festival because of it.
“Rolling loud will never get a show out of me ever again,” tweeted Savage after his set was cut due to scheduling issues with other artists. Rocky also took to social media after his set was cut short due to New York City’s noise ordinance. “I am so hurt right now! Last night was supposed to be a turning point in my live shows from the old to new! I will take full responsibility for the circumstances of what led to last night's show being everything it was and everything it wasn’t.”
The festival did, however, have various high points that included Nicki Minaj’s history-making performance, Lil Tjay’s return to the stage and Kanye West’s surprise appearance alongside Playboi Carti.
However, the recent consensus concluded the lows outweigh the highs and the festival’s multitude of gratuitous incidents are hard to overlook. “On the third day, there was a rainstorm and the event had to be evacuated. I was drenched,” said Prasetya. “I don’t know if I would ever go again because it was expensive. It was a good experience, but I don't know if I would go again.”
At some point, the festival’s creators Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif may have to accept some blame. With all of these incidents occurring, many agree that the problem shifts from the artists themselves to the stage they’re performing on. From Kid Cudi getting pelted by water bottles at Rolling Loud Miami earlier this summer to some of the festival's biggest performers Rocky and Savage barely taking the stage, the belief is there is a trend of disorganization.
“Rolling Loud is definitely not worth it. I haven’t been to the festival, but based on what I’ve seen, it looks insane. I’ve seen videos of people getting punched and kicked in mosh pits and everything looks dangerous,” said Liam McGlynn ‘25.
Various people have weighed in and the same opinion continuously comes to light: Rolling Loud probably isn’t worth the time, energy and money.
The biggest rap festival in the world can only be experienced in person and can be attended in multiple cities around the world. Despite the qualms of the artists and varying opinions, there are still chances to see your favorite artists in person.