Mark Stefanos
You were in luck if you were looking for rap shows this past weekend, with Camp Flog Gnaw, ComplexCon and ASAP Ferg bringing Angelenos the goods.
The tenth Camp Flog Gnaw — Tyler, The Creator’s carnival/music festival — took over Dodger’s Stadium. The sold-out affair featured performances from Tyler and many of his Odd Future crew, along with an eclectic selection of favs, including Doechii (who brought out SZA), Kaytranada, Omar Apollo, Sampha, Schoolboy Q, Vince Staples, Wisp, Andre 3000, Blood Orange, Faye Webster, Sexyy Red, The Marías and Tommy Richman. Mustard brought out Shoreline Mafia, YG, Roddy Rich, Big Sean and Ty Dolla $ign among others for his set, and closing out Sunday night, Playboi Carti brought out The Weeknd.
Across state lines, ComplexCon moved to the Las Vegas Convention Center and featured the festival’s mix of music and culture. Sunday was headlined by Travis Scott with opening performances by Don Toliver, Sheck Wes and Mike Dean. Elsewhere on the convention floor, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg joined N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN for a live recording of the Drink Champs podcast where they previewed unreleased music. Playboi Carti had double duty for the weekend, headlining Saturday night in Vegas, bringing out Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely, in a set that left the sign language interpreter bewildered.
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On Monday (we’ll say that’s still the weekend), ASAP Ferg took over The Vermont with Larry June, as part of White Claw Sessions, powered by Billboard (will this be the new “Red Bull Sound Select Presents: 30 Days in LA”?). Bay-area native Larry June got the crowd hot for Ferg, who in turn put on one of his trademark high-octane shows, playing tracks from his new album Darold and many of his classics. For a show like this, The Vermont is the perfect venue in size and sound.