LOS ANGELES – This past weekend, Rolling Loud California took over Hollywood Park on March 15-16, marking the festival’s 10-year anniversary with a high-energy celebration of hip-hop culture. As one of the biggest music festivals in the world, this year’s event was an unforgettable experience, with three stages and artists performing every hour, giving fans a chance to see their favorite artists all in one place.
As a journalist born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, it was an honor to cover this iconic festival in the city. Rolling Loud has become a staple in hip-hop, and its West Coast presence this year was stronger than ever. Some of my personal favorite performances included Dom Kennedy who paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle during his set, Kamaiyah, YG, Larry June and 310babii, who surprised the crowd by bringing out BlueBucksClan. Dom Kennedy delivered a standout performance, proving once again why the West Coast sound remains a dominant force in hip-hop.
Read More: https://cali.rollingloud.com
Another major highlight was Sexy Redd’s performance. Seeing her take the stage in person for the first time was an experience. While some may critique her style, she remains unapologetically authentic, representing Black women from the inner city who have built their platforms through social media. The crowd was hyped, embracing her energy and raw talent. It’s refreshing to see artists like her thrive on their own terms.
With hundreds of thousands of attendees, safety is always a concern at large-scale events. However, Rolling Loud California 2025 proved to be a well-organized and safe experience for young hip-hop fans. The festival went on without major incidents, fostering a positive environment where people from all walks of life came together to celebrate rap and hip-hop culture.
A$AP Rocky headlined the festival in a grand fashion, performing while suspended from a helicopter—just weeks after securing a legal victory in his gun and assault case involving A$AP Relli. His performance was electrifying, reminding fans why he continues to be one of the genre’s most innovative artists.
Read More: https://slausongirl.com/inside-the-18th-annual-essence-black-women-in-hollywood-awards/
As part of the media, I had the opportunity to connect with some of L.A.’s most prominent Hip-Hop media figures. Shouts out to Lizzy Jeff, Gina Views, Khrissy B, and Chuck. The press area provided a space for exclusive interviews and networking, making it a crucial hub for artists and journalists alike.
Beyond the performances, Rolling Loud featured various brand activations, enhancing the festival experience. Notable highlights included a beauty bar by Loud Bunny, a pop-up from streetwear brand Awful Lot of Cough Syrup celebrating its collaboration with Four Loko, and on-site grooming services like haircuts and pop-ups sponsored by Modelo and D’Ussé.
Founded in 2015 by Miami natives Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud has grown from a local South Florida event to a worldwide phenomenon. Over the past decade, the festival has expanded from Miami to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and even international markets such as Portugal, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Toronto, and Thailand.
As the festival celebrates its 10-year milestone, one thing is certain—Rolling Loud is here to stay, shaping the future of hip-hop and giving fans unforgettable moments year after year.
