Inside Rolling Loud LA: Hip-Hop’s Biggest Fest in SoCal

Rolling Loud is hip-hop’s main stage. Since 2015, this global event has hosted chart-topping artists and emerging names from around the world. But Los Angeles? That’s a whole different flex.

When Rolling Loud expanded west, LA was the obvious move. With its legacy in rap, record-breaking venues, and cultural pull, LA gave the festival a new layer of hype. Since its debut here in 2018, the Los Angeles editions have gone off with big names, big crowds, and even bigger moments.

How Did Rolling Loud Start and Grow?

Rolling Loud began as a one-day Miami event in 2015. Back then, it was headlined by artists like Schoolboy Q and Juicy J. Fast-forward to today, and it’s hosted in cities like Toronto, Rotterdam, and Bangkok.

The creators, Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, built this movement from Florida house parties to international stages. They tapped into the SoundCloud generation early and booked artists like Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar before they became headliners.

With its rapid growth, LA became one of the first expansion cities. That move helped cement Rolling Loud as a serious force, not just in rap, but in live entertainment.

Why Is LA a Key Location for Rolling Loud?

Los Angeles is the home of West Coast rap, legendary streetwear, and viral moments that end up on every timeline.

You’ve got:

• Industry access (labels, press, creators, and brands)

• Iconic venues like Exposition Park and Hollywood Park Grounds

• Diverse crowds from every part of Southern California

• The perfect link between music and lifestyle culture

Plus, artists bring their A-game in LA. Surprise guests, exclusive merch drops, and major debuts all happen here.

2018: Debut in LA

The Los Angeles debut in 2018 was held at the Banc of California Stadium Grounds and Exposition Park. Here’s how it went down:

• Dates: December 14-15, 2018

• Venue: Banc of California Stadium Grounds & Exposition Park

• Headliners: Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Lil Uzi Vert

• Attendance: Tens of thousands showed up, breaking the fest into West Coast territory

Notable Performances:

• Cardi B performed shortly after giving birth, proving she doesn’t miss.

• Offset crashed her set with a public apology, which became the most talked-about moment of the weekend.

• Lil Uzi Vert delivered one of his most energetic sets of the year.

• Surprise collabs and crowd-wide mosh pits? All checked

2019: Continued Success

The second LA edition didn’t hold back. Building off the 2018 buzz, Rolling Loud 2019 cemented LA as a recurring stronghold for the festival series.

• Dates: December 14-15, 2019

• Venue: Banc of California Stadium Grounds & Exposition Park

• Headliners: Chance the Rapper, Future, A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert

• Attendance: Capacity crowd across two full days

Notable Performances:

• Chance the Rapper brought a full choir for his Sunday night set.

• A$AP Rocky turned the crowd wild with fan-favorite anthems and live production theatrics.

• Future gave a back-to-back show loaded with hits and high energy.

• Surprise guests included Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, and Blueface.

• Security had its hands full as the crowd swelled across both stages.

By this point, LA was setting the tone for what Rolling Loud could look like in other cities.

2023: Return to Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds

After a two-year pause in LA (due to the pandemic and venue shifts), Rolling Loud returned to Southern California in 2023, and it came back loud.

• Dates: March 3-5, 2023

• Venue: Hollywood Park Grounds at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

• Headliners: Travis Scott, Future, Playboi Carti

• Attendance: One of the largest yet, with massive GA and VIP sections packed

Notable Performances:

• Don Toliver shocked the crowd by bringing out Justin Bieber for a surprise performance, his first public appearance post-tour cancellation.

• Playboi Carti kicked off with unmatched energy, and fans were chanting lyrics before he even grabbed the mic.

• Future and Travis Scott delivered back-to-back nights of pure spectacle, including full pyrotechnic setups.

• The stage design took a leap forward with rotating visuals, vertical panels, and immersive light shows.

This edition felt like Rolling Loud LA 2.0. Bigger sound. Bigger stage. Bigger artists. The change of venue from Exposition Park to Inglewood brought a different energy, and more space to breathe.

2024: 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Rolling Loud LA turned things up for its 10th anniversary. While the overall festival dates were focused on Miami’s origin, Los Angeles brought its own flavor to the celebration with an all-out March show.

• Dates: March 14-17, 2024

• Venue: Hollywood Park Grounds, Inglewood

• Headliners: ¥$ (Ye and Ty Dolla $ign), Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Future & Metro Boomin

• Attendance: Estimated 75,000+ over the weekend

Notable Performances:

• Nicki Minaj made history as one of the few solo female rappers to headline Rolling Loud LA, with a set that ran through every era of her career.

• Post Malone leaned into a hybrid performance with live guitar and stripped-down vocals.

• Ye and Ty Dolla $ign debuted their collab album live, making LA the first audience to hear the project on stage.

• Surprise appearances from Kid Cudi, SZA, and Don Toliver kept the crowd locked in.

2025: Latest Edition

Fast forward to 2025, and Rolling Loud LA dropped another stacked lineup that reflected hip-hop’s changing faces.

• Dates: March 15–16, 2025

• Venue: Still posted at Hollywood Park Grounds

• Headliners: Playboi Carti, A$AP Rocky, Peso Pluma

• Attendance: Full capacity with record VIP upgrades and international visitors

Notable Performances:

• Peso Pluma marked the first time a regional Mexican artist headlined a Rolling Loud event, signaling a shift in genre crossover.

• A$AP Rocky teased unreleased tracks and shut down the show with dramatic stage production and pyros.

• Playboi Carti brought back fan-favorite stage antics and aggressive light displays that had the crowd hyped from start to finish.

• The after parties across LA were wild, with artists spotted at multiple pop-ups and low-key warehouse gigs.

LA’s 2025 chapter proved Rolling Loud could evolve and still keep its roots in high-energy live performance.

Where Does Zig-Zag Come In?

Zig-Zag’s presence at Rolling Loud LA is about being seen in the thick of culture.

You’ll catch the Zig-Zag Man featured in our brand stories, seen in the same spaces artists wear, reference, and showcase. What people wear and carry on stage says a lot, and for years now, we’ve been part of that visual language.

For over 140 years, we've been part of hip-hop’s evolution, especially in moments like this when LA’s festival scene puts everything on full blast.

Want to learn more about how we got here? Check out our full Zig-Zag history and vintage classics that continue to spark interest at every major event.

How Has the Venue for Rolling Loud Los Angeles Evolved?

Initially, Rolling Loud Los Angeles was held at the Banc of California Stadium Grounds and Exposition Park. This venue served as the festival's home during its early years, accommodating a burgeoning fan base eager for live hip-hop performances.

As the festival's popularity soared, there was a need for a larger, more versatile space. In 2023, Rolling Loud made a strategic move to the Hollywood Park Grounds, adjacent to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This 300-acre venue provided ample space for multiple stages, art installations, and interactive experiences, enhancing the overall festival atmosphere. 

The transition to Hollywood Park not only accommodated more attendees but also allowed for a more immersive experience, aligning with Rolling Loud's vision of blending music with culture and community.

What Is Loud Aid and How Does It Impact the Community?

Beyond music, Rolling Loud has demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility through its Loud Aid initiative. This program focuses on supporting communities affected by natural disasters and other challenges.

In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Rolling Loud organized the Loud Aid Livestream on January 23, 2025. This event featured performances from artists like Ski Mask The Slump God and Pouya, with proceeds directed to the Wildfire Relief Fund. 

Additionally, Rolling Loud introduced the "Rebuild LA" shirt, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting the Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s Firefighter Fund. This initiative supports incarcerated firefighters who played a crucial role during the wildfires, providing them with resources and opportunities upon release.

Through Loud Aid, Rolling Loud exemplifies how music festivals can extend their influence beyond entertainment, fostering positive change and community support.

Final Thoughts 

We’ve been part of the culture long before Rolling Loud even existed, and LA has always been one of our strongholds. From the early days to today’s stacked festival weekends, Zig-Zag’s presence can be seen across artist sets, merch collabs, and the creative energy surrounding the shows.

While you’re out planning what to wear, where to go, or how to catch the after parties, just know we’re right there with you. We’ll catch you at the next one.