Rolling Loud Miami 2024 has become the talk of the town, celebrating its 10th anniversary with thrilling performances and surprise guest appearances. At the forefront of this year’s festival were iconic performances from hip-hop sensations Playboi Carti and Travis Scott, captivating audiences both onsite and online.
Playboi Carti, known for his electrifying stage presence, delivered an unforgettable closing act on December 15. This performance offered fans their first real taste of his much-anticipated album, I AM MUSIC, which is expected to drop later this year. His DJ invoked excitement, announcing, “I am music is here,” before Carti debuted several unreleased tracks. Among these was “Drugs Got Me Numb,” produced by Metro Boomin, alongside another track created with F1LTHY. Fans watching through Twitch and Amazon Music were quick to express their excitement, filling chat rooms with praise.
Notably, DJ Akademiks took to X to encapsulate the moment, tweeting, “We witnessing history… Playboi Carti headlining a whole festival and PREVIEWING new sht, not even relying on hits. This n**a Goated.” Carti’s set also featured crowd favorites such as “Type Sht,” his collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin, and “Rockstar Made” from his earlier project, Whole Lotta Red.
To heighten the spectacle, Carti performed part of his act upside down, embodying the theatrical energy he brings to the stage. The Atlanta rapper not only gave the audience new tracks but also blended his well-known hits with exciting visuals. Rolling Loud co-founder Tariq Cherif remarked on the significance of Carti's connection to the festival, noting his presence at nearly every event since its inception.
Meanwhile, Travis Scott upped the ante during his headline set on December 14. The Houston star surprised fans with actor Owen Wilson who joined him on stage for their collaboration, “FE!N,” featured on Scott’s 2023 album Utopia. Videos from the performance show Wilson exclaiming, “I’m feigning for more,” as he energetically hyped up the crowd.
This surprise appearance came as Wilson gears up for his own film inspired by Rolling Loud itself, which will feature him alongside comedian Matt Rife. The R-rated comedy revolves around Wilson's character, an overprotective father, attending the festival with his son and Rife’s character. Although it remains unclear whether this on-stage moment will be integrated within the film, it undoubtedly contributed to the excitement surrounding the festival’s anniversary.
Rolling Loud Miami 2024 not only featured heavy-hitters like Playboi Carti and Travis Scott but also included headliners such as Future and Metro Boomin. The festival's lineup also highlighted rising stars like Lil Baby, Kodak Black, and Sexyy Red. Fans couldn't contain their excitement as the stages were brimming with talent from various corners of the hip-hop spectrum.
Speaking of Kodak Black, his set raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. During his time on stage, he was observed wandering without engaging with the microphone as fans anticipated his performance of “Super Gremlin.” Clocking almost two hours late and seemingly distracted, he was noted interacting offstage rather than delivering the dynamic show people hoped for from the multi-platinum rapper. One fan lamented, “This is how Kodak Black showed up to his #RollingLoud performance… I hope he gets REAL help.” Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern for his well-being and talent.
Despite the worries surrounding Kodak, the festival’s atmosphere remained vibrant and energetic overall. Fans passionately celebrated the performances and the festival’s milestone, proving, once again, why Rolling Loud has become synonymous with monumental hip-hop gatherings.
The festival captures special moments and memories, with attendees sharing experiences on social media. For many, the excitement transcends the music itself, forming connections through shared experiences at the massive event.
Reflecting upon the festival’s impact, Rolling Loud has continued to evolve, solidifying its status as the “Disney World of hip-hop.” With vibrant performances, surprise guests, and memorable moments, the festival has cultivated its reputation as the ultimate platform for hip-hop artists to showcase their talent.
Looking forward, Travis Scott is already set for the upcoming Coachella 2025, promising more to come from his creative world. Meanwhile, Playboi Carti’s I AM MUSIC was teased throughout the year, building excitement for his return to the music scene after four long years. The anticipation only grows as the artist prepared to redefine his legacy within the hip-hop genre.
Rolling Loud Miami has undeniably left its mark on the cultural fabric of hip-hop, and the legacy of this iconic festival is set to expand with future events. It remains a celebrated platform for artists to connect with fans, preview unreleased work, and solidify their place within the ever-evolving world of music.
