Doechii, Vince Staples, Tyler, the Creator and more light up Day 1 of Camp Flog Gnaw at Dodger Stadium

As a long-time music enthusiast and someone who has attended numerous festivals over the years, I must say that Night 1 of Camp Flog Gnaw was nothing short of extraordinary. The energy, talent, and sheer creativity on display were truly awe-inspiring.

On Saturday night, I joined thousands of fellow Tyler, the Creator enthusiasts at Dodger Stadium to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking music festival, Camp Flog Gnaw. The two-day L.A.-rooted extravaganza of hip-hop and R&B kicked off with a sonic carnival featuring trailblazing artists like Doechii, Kaytranada, Sampha, Vince Staples, School Boy Q, and many more. This year’s Camp Flog Gnaw is not just a festival, but also a celebration of Tyler’s latest chart-topping album, “Chromatopia,” which encapsulates the eccentric artistry and madness that has fueled this long-running event. Here are some highlights from Day 1.

Doechii

On a Saturday afternoon, Doechii, a rising star in L.A.’s Top Dawg Entertainment, had her audience captivated even before introducing SZA for their “Persuasive” remix. Fresh from the successful tour of her critically acclaimed mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” which earned her multiple Grammy nominations in 2025, Doechii kicked off her energetic performance with the hit “Boom Bap.” Accompanied by her enthusiastic DJ, Miss Milan, with whom she shared several dance routines, Doechii performed a selection of her album favorites such as “Catfish,” “Boiled Peanuts,” “Spookie Coochie” from 2019, and “Crazy” from 2022.

During her performance, the passionate rapper occasionally included breathing techniques for the crowd and encouraging statements such as “I am the one” and “I am shining brightly.

In a hurry, Miss Milan swiftly removed Doechii’s burgundy designer heels, allowing her to dance carefree across the stage during “Nissan Altima.” She then sported a Miu Miu ensemble: a collared shirt and olive green shorts. This finale fittingly symbolizes Doechii’s current standing in the rap discourse, as the lyrics of the song echo her unique voice: “I’m the new hip-hop Madonna / I’m the trap Grace Jones / I don’t know what kind of motherf—er’s flow they on.” — Kailyn Brown.

Omar Apollo

As the release of Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” approaches, Omar Apollo has been focusing more on his budding acting career rather than his music. However, he ended his Flog Gnaw performance with two captivating ballads that solidified his status as a top-tier pop romantic: first, the viral TikTok sensation “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All),” which carries hints of Smokey Robinson, and second, the powerfully Celine Dion-esque “Glow,” which also serves as the closing track on Apollo’s impressive 2024 album, “God Said No.” – Mikael Wood (Paraphrased)

Sampha

As soon as British artist Sampha, along with his four-piece band, appeared on stage to play “Plastic 100°C” from his 2017 album “Process,” he guided the crowd like an experienced chorus leader.

Clad in a single-tone cream attire, he moved energetically and flashed a broad smile as he passionately sang profound and contemplative songs such as “Suspended” from his 2023 album “Lahai” – “I was coming and going, but sinking deeper and deeper / With a glass of red wine in hand, I spilled it on the floor / Then I find myself, stranded at the shore.” On “Spirit 2.0,” he delves even further into introspection: “Waves will find you / Light will find you / Love will find you / Spirit will find you, yes.

During his electrifying R&B performance, skillfully merged, he played several songs from “Lahai,” a few from “Process,” and bits from collaborations like Kendrick Lamar’s “Father Time” and Solange’s “Don’t Touch My Hair. This Grammy-nominated artist demonstrated his mastery of breath control and reaffirmed to the audience why he remains one of today’s most captivating and open singer-songwriters in the music industry. – K.B. (paraphrased)

Vince Staples

At a packed event, Vince Staples inquired if the audience had turned up for “authentic experiences,” to which they seemed to affirm. Pausing to ponder, he mused, “A crowd of white people saying they appreciate authentic experiences… it’s puzzling.” Often compared to Larry David in hip-hop, Staples shines in awkward situations; his music and art strive to expose the underlying ugliness hidden beneath societal norms. Notably, his popular Netflix show, “The Vince Staples Show,” was recently renewed for a second season. On stage, the Long Beach rapper performed hits like “Norf Norf” and “Magic,” while a smiling minstrel-show character’s head on a big screen both teased and cheered him on. Staples then asked, “You all came to have a good time, right?” – M.W.

Kaytranada

As the Grammy season begins anew, keep an eye on a dance music artist who’s making waves once more – Kaytranada, the Canadian master of deep-house and club music. This talented artist has already garnered two Grammys in 2021 (for Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Dance Recording). In the upcoming year, he’ll be vying for three more, adding to his impressive tally of eight nominations.

It seems that his skill at dissecting R&B vocal styles and creating unique, slightly underground music productions continues to make a strong impact across the broader music industry.

Kaytranada’s performances on stage skillfully balance the cutting-edge, diverse club scene that embraces black queer culture and the rhythmic shifts characteristic of festival dance music. In 2023, he delivered a standout set at Coachella and supported The Weeknd during his 2022 stadium tour. At Flog Gnaw, known for its progressive audience (except for those who aren’t Drake), Kaytranada let loose with a set that showcased his pop tendencies (a reworked version of Rihanna’s “Kiss It Better”), acknowledged his eclectic tastes (his remix of Kelela’s “Waitin” and a segment from his genre-blending mixtape “0.001%”), and reflected his global perspective (the afrobeats-influenced “Vex Oh”). The single “Call U Up,” from his album “Timeless,” was bold and humorous enough to catch everyone’s attention throughout the venue.

Kaytranada is currently at a powerful juncture in his career, standing poised for massive mainstream success while nurturing his underground influences. As dance music and club culture evolve beyond pandemic changes, Kaytranada’s versatile perspective appears to be shaping the future. — Paraphrased by me (Human)

Mase

Known for being Diddy’s cheerful companion during their time together in the late 1990s, the 49-year-old MC attracted a modest yet enthusiastic audience who sang along as he performed a string of catchy hits such as “Lookin’ at Me,” “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down,” and “Been Around the World.” Dressed in green leather pants and a coordinating green cardigan, Mase was proposing a straightforward resolution to a complex issue. — M.W.

Daniel Caesar

On Saturday evening, as Daniel Caesar played a simplified rendition of “Loose” from his first album “Freudian” at the piano, an almost eerie silence enveloped the audience – a silence that was likely the deepest experienced throughout the entire day.

Following his successful partnership with Tyler, the Creator on “Chromakopia,” it was fitting that Daniel Caesar not only graced the festival lineup but took the spot as the headlining act on the main stage just prior to Tyler. (Notably, Caesar reappeared on stage later to perform “Balloon” alongside Tyler, the Creator and Doechii.)

Accompanied by a band, Caesar alternated between playing the piano and guitar, delving into his collection of songs, and rendering tracks such as “Japanese Denim” (2015), “Who Hurt You?” (2018), “Open Up” (2019), the reggae-influenced “Cyanide”, and several from his 2023 album “Never Enough.” The audience transformed into a heartwarming karaoke choir, moving side to side and waving their lighters as Caesar performed one of his most cherished songs, “Best Part,” which regrettably didn’t have H.E.R. for the live duet; however, it still captivated the audience. – K.B. (Paraphrased)

Schoolboy Q

Could it be that despite having a No. 1 LP, three top 10 albums on LA’s most esteemed contemporary rap label, being part of a supergroup alongside Kendrick Lamar, one could still find themselves underappreciated or less recognized than their actual talent and achievements suggest?

On Saturday, Schoolboy Q demonstrated such mastery and conviction during Flog Gnaw that local rap enthusiasts should take notice – if you’ve somehow overlooked him in the past ten years since his TDE breakthrough “Oxymoron,” it’s high time to re-engage, as this artist is currently performing at the peak of his abilities.

Titled “Blue Lips,” his latest and sixth studio album, effectively broke free from any potential mid-career slump. It refused to settle into late 30s complacency or lethargy, instead offering a thrilling surge of restlessness and innovative structure. Instead, the album embodies West Coast party rap infused with a grinder of remorse, apprehension, dark humor, and remarkably original music.

On Saturday, the rapper exuded an effortless self-assuredness that only a seasoned performer can fully embody on a stage before thousands of music enthusiasts. Agile and completely in command, he delivered his performance at its peak. With “Cooties,” he reflected upon his life in a large kitchen, doubling as a runway, amidst the chaos of soccer games, mass shootings, and lost children – all for unlimited profits. On “Blueslides,” he was even more open: “I’ve been a prisoner in my own house, I don’t know if they noticed / I’ve broken down so many times, next time, it might break me.” His lyrics about maintaining mental stability amidst the spotlight were poignant and thought-provoking – “We shouted ‘Mental health,’ but now we want to destroy them all / Lord, forgive me for the day I finally lose control.

The songs from “Blue Lips” served as declarations of intent for the year 2024, but they also produced hits that are part of the L.A. legacy: “Collard Greens” is likely to be a defining track for SoCal rap, and at this 10th anniversary edition of Flog Gnaw, you can begin to witness history unfolding. (By A.B.)

Tyler, the Creator

On the final night of his hometown show for Camp Flog Gnaw’s tenth anniversary, Tyler, the Creator had plenty to be joyful about: not only did he successfully organize and sell out the event, which is a remarkable accomplishment in a time when festivals are facing challenges throughout the live-music industry, but his latest album, “Chromatopia,” has been at the top of charts for three weeks straight. Additionally, this month it set the record for the biggest chart debut of any rap album released this year.

“What the f— is going on?” he asked about halfway through his headlining set. “This is crazy.”

To celebrate the event, Tyler showcased a significant portion of “Chromakopia”, a song where he muses over how wealth and power have influenced his perspective on growing up. He did this while wearing a mask, military attire, and patrolling atop a green shipping container. The track “Noid” was intense and threatening, Tyler’s rhythm hovering between a growl and a yowl; “Darling, I” was airy and playful yet filled with almost unbearable longing as well.

Sexy Red arrived for a lively rendition of “Sticky” featuring a playful swat to Tyler following one of his own, which prompted him to use his inhaler for asthma relief. Doechii, Daniel Caesar, and Schoolboy Q joined in with their parts for “Chromakopia”. Notably, Schoolboy Q stayed on stage after his performance in “Thought I Was Dead”, watching Tyler perform his a cappella verses for that song, perspiration making his face shine. This moment had an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of “Def Poetry Jam”.

A seasoned performer who recently headlined Coachella in April, Tyler recognized the need to blend some fresh tracks with a few classic tunes. He brought out “Lumberjack,” a confident number, and “Earfquake,” a charming tune, along with “Yonkers,” which still carried its original bite, making it hard to believe that over a decade had passed since its release. Interestingly, the audience seemed excited for Tyler to perform “Chromakopia” again. The crowd knew every word by heart. – R.P.

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2024-11-18 01:32