Photographer Roger Martinez and I met at the National Orange Show Events Center on the evening of Friday December 10th, 2021 in San Bernardino, California to begin our coverage of Rolling Loud California 2021. The three day festival was very entertaining, well organized, and brought together fans from all over. We met people from Atlanta, Miami, North Carolina, Houston and many other places. Immediately after entering, we walked to the Punx stage because it was the closest one. We got near the stage as Action Bronson was closing out his show with DJ Akademiks by his side. The crowd was very animated but quickly dispersed when Action Bronson left the stage. The winter cold came in as the sun set on the crowd and remained through the entire weekend.

We left the Punx Stage and walked over to the Ciroc Stage. There we watched part of French Montana’s set as we strategized to get close to the stage for Kid Cudi’s upcoming performance. Kid Cudi’s fans were jubilant with anticipation. He came out and walked through the stage robed in a turquoise coat with contrasting pink pants. He played new music, smoked a blunt, and had a good time doing it. We expected a memorable tribute to the recently deceased, legendary designer Virgil Abloh and were not disappointed. Kid Cudi dedicated several songs to him and repeatedly praised him. He closed with what he called a mini-mix and the crowd went wild jumping up and down with hands and phones in the air. It was a fun experience trying to take pictures of the artist surrounded by mosh pits and joyous raging fans.

On Saturday we got to witness Rico Nasty perform. She kept the show lively dressed in baggy jeans, a black vest, and black shirt. She rapped, screamed, and raged her through her set. We also enjoyed the sets Jack Harlow, Chris Brown, and J. Cole. Chris Brown had most the women screaming throughout with his music and dance moves. J. Cole headlined this night. His orange coat contrasted with the dark sky. He performed songs from his new album The Off-Season among others.

Sunday, we finished the weekend with performances by Polo G, Nardo Wick, Playboi Carti, and Future. Playboi Carti’s demonic attire and hard thumping music created a unique experience for the crowd. Future performed with that cool demeanor and raspy voice of his. He brought out guests Hotboii, Roddy Rich, and Kanye West. Ye performed “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and tracks from his Donda album. We encourage you to watch the performances on Rolling Loud’s YouTube channel. However, the energy and excitement the crowd brought cannot be duplicated. The Rolling Loud team including security performed remarkably keeping fans safe, providing them water, and removing the tired, injured, and vulnerable safely out of the crowd.

https://www.rollingloud.com/