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Writing & Media by Lily Stockton | Co-Written by Jeslyn Wang
If there’s one thing Tyler, the Creator can do – it’s create.
Hot off the heels of his latest chart-topping album, Chromakopia, Tyler, the Creator took over all of Dodger Stadium in a weekend of well-curated, whimsical fun – both a perfect hometown homage and a beautiful celebration of L.A pride. From a towering ferris wheel to a swinging pendulum ship, the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival takes the childlike wonder of an amusement park and combines it with the best of music, a feat that can only be attributed to a mind as transformative and eclectic as Tyler’s.
Inflatable baseball bats and cotton candy stalls aside, Flog Gnaw’s lineup presented a perfect intersection of music in all its genre-defying diversity. Even among a crowd of over 50,000, Flog Gnaw never felt like anyone was at a particular stage only to see a later act. Rather, there was a genuine sense of collective love for each and every artist that graced the festival, from hip-hop legends like André 3000, Earl Sweatshirt, and Denzel Curry to alternative superstars like Erykah Badu, Sampha, and Faye Webster. As the cherry on top for both days, Tyler, the Creator and Playboi Carti also made sure to deliver show-stopping headlining performances.
Even writing this now, it’s difficult to exclude praise for the dozens of other artists also on this year’s lineup. Flog Gnaw truly stands as a reminder of the diversity and passion that drives our individual tastes and how it can unify thousands of shared music lovers into one. Time and time again, Tyler, the Creator captures exactly what makes music feel so special – a true testament to both his artistry and the long-standing success of Camp Flog Gnaw.
So without further ado, here’s our top highlights from a standout weekend:
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Doechii
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Never have the first minutes of entering a festival been one of the most memorable moments of the whole weekend. That is, until we arrived just in time on day one to see the swamp queen herself. Poised to rise up as one of hip-hop’s leading stars, Doechii is already taking over the music world in a perfect storm. From her Grammy-nominated mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, to her standout feature on Tyler, the Creator’s “Balloon,” her Flog Gnaw set is proof of the new heights she’ll only continue to reach.
Performing fan favorites like “Nissan Altima” to bringing out SZA as a special guest for “Persuasive,” Doechii electrified the crowd in a back-to-back celebration proving her rap prowess. With an unmatched flow and an entrancing presence, she transformed the swamp-inspired stage into her personal dance floor. Strutting around in custom green Miu Miu briefs and a pair of tall brown stilettos, Doechii’s performance only solidified her place among my list of top 2024 artists. And yet, she is clearly just getting started in the best possible way.
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Omar Apollo
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With invincible vocals, a sleek black overcoat, and dance moves reminiscent of early-pop icons, Omar Apollo commanded the attention of day one at Dodger Stadium. Apollo and his dancers shined in place of the setting California sun, grooving along to hits like “Useless,” “Drifting,” and “Dispose of Me.”
For a sentimental intermission, Apollo played tribute to his Mexican heritage with “En el Olvido,” accompanied by home videos flashing on the massive screen behind him.
He followed the interlude with a gradual musical incline to “Kamikaze,” a momentous ode to wavering young love. The set faded out with an instrumental reprise of “Glow.” The lyrics “you and me” played in reverse as the stage lights dimmed and Apollo bid a bittersweet goodbye to the audience.
Apollo’s ability to transition between emotions, languages, and atmosphere makes for a tantalizing set.
The artist himself isn’t the youngest of the bunch, 27, but his music carries a frequency of messy youth and self-discovery—a journey we can all relate to. With a debut-film, Queer (2024), music in the vault, and no plans of stopping, Apollo is certain to solidify his name amongst the greats. A girl can only hope he gives us “one more dance.”
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Blood Orange
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A music project born from London-based artist Dev Hynes, Blood Orange is the perfect blend of experimental R&B and 80’s synth. Viral songs like “Champagne Coast” and “Charcoal Baby” have previously solidified his growing name in the world of music, merging a groove-heavy production with a sense of 21st century nostalgia and vulnerability.
From performing personal favorites like “You’re Not Good Enough” to bringing out Empress Of for their collaboration of “Best to You,” Blood Orange attracted a crowd that was perhaps my favorite. Collectively, us and thousands of other true fans returned every bit of energy that he gave back, making sure to sing along to nearly every verse of every song. Performing in front of a backdrop of dynamic wavy visuals and colorful grainy film, his production was both a visual and auditory rollercoaster, seamlessly integrating his entrancing sound into a live performance that left me wanting for more even after his hour-long set.
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Erykah Badu
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“She’s eight minutes late…” – the guy blocking my view
Someone’s new to concerts. These things happen – my inner monologue
So, she ended up coming on 20 minutes into her 45 minute set…but being a) packed like a sardine with no way out and b) a massive admirer of the R&B queen, I could have cared less if Erykah Badu came on stage for even an eight-count. I clutched my camera excitedly anticipating the arrival of the icon, feeling a palpitation every time the background music faded to a new song. After quite a few fake-outs, the lights dimmed and a wave of bodies nudged me right to the front.
The eclectically cool icon strolled on stage in her signature rounded-crown hat, flashy jewelry, and iconic golden grillz. Badu filled her few minutes with a jazzy reconstruction of “On & On,” a psychedelic “Window Seat” accompanied by science fiction boops and beeps, and a final speech heeding festival goers to beware of an inclement fourth world war. Production cut her sound mid-speech to make way for the next artist, but I remained enamored with the energy Badu left on stage.
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The Marías
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Perhaps one of the sets I was most excited for on day two, The Marías stunned in a showcase of their critically acclaimed 2024 release, Submarine, followed by various other hits across their long-standing indie-pop discography. Formed in 2016 and named after the band’s lead singer, María Zardoya, the stage also housed Josh Conway on drums, Edward James on Keys, and Jesse Perlman on guitars.
Swaying back and forth in tandem with the crowd, The Marías’ sunset show opened with hypnotizing instrumentals from “Hamptons” and transitioned into chart-topping singles like “Run Your Mouth” and of course, everyone’s favorite, “No One Noticed.” Glowing underneath vibrant turquoise lights, María truly encapsulated what it means to be ethereal, as she entranced the crowd with live vocals that somehow even surpassed her studio productions. Also taking the time to acknowledge her proud roots, María received deafening shouts and applause from the crowd as she made an homage to L.A’s vibrant Latin community. All in all, The Marías’ performance exceeded my already-high expectations, with a live presence that is an exact testament to why they deserve a global stage.
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Kaytranada
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Visually stunning, energetically infectious, and satisfyingly arranged, Kaytranada’s DJ set left my jaw on the floor of Dodger Stadium. The artist calmly sipped on wine while delivering a mind-numbing 27 songs from his and fellow musicians’ discography.
Kaytranada walked onstage to the first song off his newest album, “Pressure,” a confident blend of horns, drums, and deep synth waves that heightened heart rates in anticipation.
The artist queued multiple songs featuring other Flog Gnaw artists, but ultimately kept the stage to himself—not a bad thing, the man certainly knows how to hold an audience.
Twisting knobs and bopping along with the crowd, Kaytranada played hits like “Snap My Finger ft. pinkpantheress,” “YOU’RE THE ONE ft. Syd.,” and “Dance Dance Dance Dance.”
The artistically playful set had me constantly guessing what song, lights, and sound effect the musician would cook up next.
He rounded out the performance with “Be Your Girl” and a nonchalant toast to the audience from behind pyrotechnics shooting ten-feet high. I will dream about this set for the rest of my days.
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Daniel Caesar
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It comes with no surprise that modern R&B trailblazer, Daniel Caesar, is another day one stand-out. Preceding Tyler, the Creator’s highly anticipated headline set and even later coming out to perform with him for “St. Chroma,” Caesar’s set was a peaceful segue into an energetic night. Having only heard his voice through car speakers and countless late night drives before, I was reminded of exactly why personal favorites like “Disillusioned” and “CYANIDE” are equally meant to be enjoyed live.
Floating sultry, soul-heavy notes across the main Camp Stage, Daniel Caesar is arguably one of the few voices that can hypnotize a crowd of thousands with just himself and a simple stage set-up of dark blues and hazy silvers. Having been an avid follower since his 2015 Pilgrim’s Paradise days, there was no better performance to enjoy underneath L.A’s night stars.
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Tyler, the Creator
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For the 10 year anniversary, Tyler, the Creator brought enough energy to captivate Flog Gnaws past, present, and future. The artist is notorious for hating the closing shift at festivals, but I selfishly can’t imagine another artist doing the honors. He warmed the chilly L.A. night with moshing bodies and belting voices while stomping through his latest album Chromakopia.
Ominously rapping in step with his new Chromakopia march, Tyler, the Creator was immediately greeted by fnas excitedly shouting along to “St. Chroma.” Fireworks shot from the stage on the first beat drop and the night was off. A blackout taunted “Rah Tah Tah” and the artist moshed alone atop a neon green Chromakopia freight container.
Barreling through songs at full throttle, Tyler’s set never once dipped below the astronomical bar he sets with each performance. “Noid” sent shivers down my spine with its hauntingly electric instrumentals and protective incantations from the Ngozi Family. A groovy dance break during “Darling, I” allowed the audience to breathe, trading thrashing limbs for jacking and shimmying. Tyler gradually increased the heat with tunes off his older albums CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST , Goblin, and Flower Boy. O.G. Tyler fans passionately screamed lyrics and moshed on, quite literally, every beat drop. Newer fans joined in the fun, catching an occasional lyric or simply dancing along.
Tyler set the fire to 100 with “Sticky” featuring a surprise appearance from the queen Sexyy Red herself. Another melodically mellow tune, “Take Your Mask Off” held space for both the crowd and artist to catch their breath—a strategically scheduled time for Tyler to literally remove his mask. The fresh faced artist transitioned into “Thought I Was Dead” and Schoolboy Q snuck on stage from below the container. The two bounced off one another, but Tyler took the song out with just his voice—a powerful assertion of his unmatchable legacy.
In the shadow of “Like Him,” the artist danced alone in the room he built himself 10 years ago. Tyler shattered the intimate bubble, warning fans to not get too comfortable, with “Ballloon” joined by Doechii and Daniel Caesar. The trio left it all on stage for the final Chromakopia song of the set, night, and Day One.
He plays tough, but deep down Tyler, the Creator loves performing – and especially for us. His passion for theatrics combined with raw musical talent create a performance steeped in genuine artistry void of exclusivity or arrogance. Both Tyler and Camp Flog Gnaw foster a space for teens and adults to be kids again. Ultimately, the carnival rides, cotton candy, and fuck-shittery (for lack of better term) that happens at Flog Gnaw will forever stay at Flog Gnaw.
“Y’all let me be crazy, and weird, and goofy as fuck on this stage, and this shit been working out like a mother-fucker because of y’all…and me because I’m special…but y’all support me and I love y’all for that shit.”
Tyler, the Creator
