The Population Appeard proudly covered the 10th anniversary of Rolling Loud Miami, capturing the essence of the world’s premier hip-hop festival. Over the past decade, Rolling Loud has cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, mirroring the genre's evolution into a global force.

Returning to Miami, Fla., in 2024, during one of hip-hop's most transformative years, the festival delivered a perfect blend of legacy acts and forward-thinking performances. From Kendrick Lamar and Drake's dynamic rivalry to groundbreaking debuts, Rolling Loud Miami honored its roots while charting a bold future for the genre.

Sexyy Red Steals the Spotlight

Sexyy Red has been unstoppable this year, and her set at Rolling Loud Miami was no exception. The crowd erupted during hits like “Get It Sexyy” and her verse on GloRilla’s “Whatchu Know Bout Me,” channeling raw Southern energy. Her surprise rendition of Tyler, the Creator’s “Sticky,” a Hot 100 Top 10 hit, created one of the weekend’s most memorable moments. The audience roared even louder when Orlando’s Hotboii joined her for “Don’t Need Time.”

Her refined stage presence and polished performance reflected growth, proving Sexyy Red’s ascent is no fluke.

Future’s Fiery Return

Future, a festival staple, delivered a career-spanning set on Friday night, December 13. With a flaming decoy and a Dungeon Family house replica setting the tone, the “Like That” rapper took fans on a journey through hits like “Same Damn Time” and “Wait For U.” His latest mixtape, Mixtape Pluto, featured prominently, with tracks like “Lil Demon” and “Plutoski” igniting the crowd.

Future’s set was a masterclass in stamina and innovation, solidifying his place as one of the genre’s greatest live performers.

Saturday: A Genre-Bending Affair

Rolling Loud embraced diversity on Saturday, with country artist Reyna Roberts kicking off the day alongside drill pioneer Cash Cobain and rising stars like Veeze and OsamaSon. The night closed with Travis Scott’s cinematic headlining performance.

Travis brought unmatched spectacle, featuring real-time helicopter visuals, a SWAT tank entrance, and a cameo by Owen Wilson, who was filming for an upcoming R-rated comedy, Rolling Loud. His set blended intimate moments with elaborate production, pushing festival performance boundaries.

Playboi Carti’s Controlled Chaos

On Sunday, December 15, Playboi Carti closed the festival with an intense, theatrical performance. Debuting unreleased music from his upcoming I Am Music album, Carti blended his biggest hits with dark, vampiric visuals. His stage presence was magnetic, as he performed alongside bald, reflective dancers under striking lights.

Despite the hype, Carti’s lack of concrete album news and minimal guest appearances left fans hungry for more. Still, his closing set epitomized the chaotic energy that defines Rolling Loud.

A Milestone for Hip-Hop’s Biggest Festival

Rolling Loud Miami 2024 was a fitting celebration of the festival’s decade-long legacy. With stellar performances, bold artistic choices, and genre-crossing surprises, the event demonstrated why it remains at the forefront of the global music scene.

For The Population Appeard, covering such a pivotal moment in hip-hop history was an incredible experience, solidifying our commitment to capturing the pulse of culture’s biggest milestones.