Every year, I have attended Tyler the Creator’s music festival, Camp Flog Gnaw. Every year, I am never disappointed. But, this year I have a sour taste in my mouth, not because of the music, because of the fans.
My brother arrived as per usual on Friday (it has been our tradition since freshman year to attend the festival), and our preparation began. Who did we want to see, merchandise, food? We got our start on day one ready to roll:
- Dominic Fike
- Juice WRLD
- Tyler, the Creator
- slowthai
- Mike G
- Choker
- Omar Apollo
- 21 Savage
What a day that was. Already had jelly legs and bruises from bouncing with the crowd.
Highlight: Dominic Fike stealing the show and being absolutely amazing and sooooo talented.
Downer: They ran out of frozen lemonade 🙁
Day 2, hold your breath:
- Radiant Children
- Daisy
- Na-kel Smith
- Willow Smith (+Jaden Smith surprise)
- Taco (+Jaden again)
- BROCKHAMPTON
- YG
- ???
This is where things get dicey. “???” is not an artist but was a mystery headliner since lineups dropped. First,
Highlight: Jaden and Willow. WOW. Also got my frozen lemonade
Back to it. Who was “???”? Well first we must discuss the most enigmatic character there is in Odd Future, Frank Ocean. Since I began going to the festival, everyone has been begging for Frank to show up, and thought that this would be the year that ??? turned into Thinkin Bout You, Chanel, Ivy, Forrest Gump, and much more. Plus he just released two new singles, so the hype was at an ultimate high.
Fast forward to the performance. Tyler gets on stage and gives a spiel then asks permission to bring a “friend” on. Oh, here we go. Bass drops, it’s A$AP Rocky. The crowd is with it. Hyped up and in love. Plays a couple songs. Tyler comes out: “Can I bring another friend out?” Out comes Lil Uzi Vert. Amazing. Yes. Thank you. Couple songs.
Tyler: “Yo can I bring anotherrrr friend out?” Everyone holds their breath.
Music drops “Started from the bottom now we here” H.O.L.Y. ITS DRAKE WHAT IS GOING ON THIS CANT BE HAPPENING MY LEGS WEAK I CANT BREATHE IM FLOATING.
My brother and I were lost in euphoria reminiscing on the first rap songs we were brave enough to play in front of our parents as kids. Few songs go on…
Drake: “You all want me to be here? I am here for you.”
Crowd: boos “we want frank!”
WHAT. WHAT. HOW ARE YOU BOOING. YOU SPOILED RUNTS WHAT IS GOING ON DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
Drake: Walks off stage 30 minutes early, “It’s been love.”
Festival over.
I am still quite salty at all of LA for not living in the moment and appreciating Drake and forcing him off of the stage. I will never forgive you LA.
Overall, great festival though. But really, cmon, who boos Drake?
