ASAP Rocky's recent Rolling Loud California performance wasn't just about the music; it was an electrifying showcase that intertwined personal declarations, high-flying stunts, and a dedication to key societal issues.
- Mar 18, 2025
AceShowbiz - A$AP Rocky performed never-heard-before music during his headlining set on the evening of March 15. Among the new tracks was one that found him addressing the ongoing feud between hip-hop heavyweights Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
Instead of taking sides, the rapper whose real name is Rakim Mayers declared the middle ground, effectively placing him outside the feud's prominent factions. "I ain't on J. Cole, I ain't on Drake, I ain't on Kendrick side/ I choose homicide, they gonna see a different side," he rapped.
Rocky's neutral stance might be surprising to some because Drake - who once dated Rihanna, the mother of Rocky's children - has made his animosity towards Rocky clear in his previous song.
In "Family Matters", Drake accused Rocky of trash-talk, "Rakim talkin' s*** again/ Gassed 'cause you hit my BM first, n***a, do the math, who I was hittin' then/ I ain't even know you rapped still 'cause they only talkin' 'bout your ‘fit again."
Whatever the specifics of their past, Rocky chose not to dwell on it and made it clear he was focusing on other more pressing matters. Kicking off his performance by rappelling from a helicopter, he dedicated his set to those impacted by Los Angeles wildfires and U.S. immigration laws.
He stated, "I see unity. I see so many types of people. I see so many different colors. I would like to dedicate this show to anybody that was affected by those fires. To anybody that was affected by the immigration laws. My heart goes out to you."
Rocky's show was not just about unresolved beef and striking visuals. He also highlighted new tracks potentially from his anticipated album "Don't Be Dumb," the follow-up to his 2018 release "Testing."
While fans eagerly await the full album, Rocky stated in GQ last month that it is in its final mixing and mastering stages, hinting at a promise of more innovative content.
The performance was Rocky's first festival appearance since being acquitted in February in a felony shooting case involving former associate A$AP Relli. With audience members like Rihanna witnessing these powerful moments firsthand, Rocky ensured his set was memorable by addressing personal, professional, and societal themes with equal fervor.
