Day one of Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival lit up Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, drawing some of music’s brightest stars to celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary. Tyler closed out the night with an electrifying set, accompanied by a striking stage production inspired by his recently released Chromakopia album. But, as always, the EBONY Power 100 honoree shared the spotlight with a stellar lineup, featuring standout performances from Doechii, Ma$e, Schoolboy Q, Sampha, Kenny Mason, Kaytranada and more.
Returning for another year at Dodger Stadium, Camp Flog Gnaw continues to grow its legacy. True to its “Carnival” namesake, the grounds buzzed with energy, offering classic rides like a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round alongside immersive installations from Amazon Music and Converse. Tyler’s GOLF brand showcased a collaborative booth, boasting exclusive merch and crossover items inspired by his latest visuals. Fans roamed between the “Camp,” “Flog,” and “Gnaw” stages, each offering a unique vibe.
The festival delivered an eclectic mix of sounds, with alternative acts like Yves Tumor and Wisp captivating the crowd, R&B represented by newcomer Laila! and Daniel Caesar, and hip-hop vibes from Vince Staples and Concrete Boys. Additional memorable sets came from Amelia Moore, Action Bronson and Omar Apollo.
With even more excitement on deck for day two, Nov. 17, check out the highlights from day one below.
Doechii Shines with Grammy-Nominated Hits and a Surprise SZA Duet
Doechii electrified the crowd at Camp Flog Gnaw with a high-energy set that solidified her as one of hip-hop’s most dynamic performers. Fresh off earning four Grammy nominations, the EBONY Power 100 honoree opened with “Boom Bap,” a standout track from her Grammy-nominated mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. She kept the momentum going with fan favorites like her viral hit “What It Is (Block Boy)” before delivering a major surprise. SZA joined her on stage for the first-ever live performance of their 2022 remix of “Persuasive,” sending the audience into a frenzy. Their chemistry was undeniable as they passed impromptu verses back and forth at the end of their performance.
Kenny Mason Rocks Camp Flog Gnaw with Gritty Energy
Kenny Mason brought his signature blend of rock-infused hip-hop to Camp Flog Gnaw, delivering an electrifying performance that had fans in a frenzy. Performing highlights from his albums 3, 6 and 9, Mason’s energy was infectious as he danced and jumped across the stage, hyping up the crowd. The moody, smoke-filled set design added an ominous edge, perfectly complementing his gritty sound and raw stage presence.
Schoolboy Q Closes Flog Stage with Bars, Hits, and Heart
Schoolboy Q closed out the Flog stage with an unforgettable performance, delivering tracks from his latest album, Blue Lips, alongside fan favorites from his debut, Oxymoron. With minimal stage production, the focus was all on his bars as fans passionately rapped along. Taking few breaks, Q kept the energy high and deeply engaged with the audience, ending his set with a heartfelt thank-you to his fans.
Ma$e Brings Nostalgia and Joy to Camp Flog Gnaw Stage
Ma$e brought nostalgia and joy to the stage, celebrating over 30 years in the music industry with a set packed with his iconic Bad Boy Records hits. Despite his public tensions with Diddy—predating the mogul’s recent controversies—Ma$e’s performance radiated positivity. Dressed in a green sweatsuit, white T-shirt, simple jewelry, and sunglasses, he had the crowd vibing to classics like “Mo Money Mo Problems” before closing with a heartfelt prayer. Acknowledging diverse beliefs, he told fans, “It’s what I believe in,” leaving the audience inspired and uplifted.
Tyler, The Creator Inspires Crowd with Powerful Message, Electric Performance and Chromokopia
Tyler, The Creator delivered a captivating set at Camp Flog Gnaw, donning a mask reminiscent of his Chromokopia album cover and film. His performance centered heavily on tracks from the new project but showcased his versatility by taking fans back to his Goblin days. Tyler paused early in the show for a raw, acapella moment with the crowd hanging on every word. He surprised fans by bringing out Sexyy Red for their track “Sticky” alongside Lil Wayne and GloRilla; the duo playfully twerked and rapped together before sharing an embrace, with Tyler calling her the “sweetest girl” as she exited. Later, he brought out fellow Flog Gnaw performer Doechii for their explosive performance of “Balloon,” shaking the festival grounds with their infectious energy.
During his set, Tyler, The Creator paused to share a heartfelt message with the crowd, saying, “Don’t ever dim your light for anyone,” emphasizing that his success stems from staying true to himself. The moment resonated deeply, adding an extra layer of inspiration to a performance already filled with raw energy and authenticity.
