Tyler, the Creator is among the most innovative African-American rap artists to appear in the last decade. Nothing displays that more pointedly than the existence of Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival.
Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival is an annual American musical festival and carnival that occurred this November in Los Angeles, California. It has featured beloved artists such as Post Malone, A$AP Rocky and, of course, Tyler, the Creator himself.
Launched in 2012, Camp Flog Gnaw has become far more than a music festival. Initially conceived as a platform to showcase alternative and progressive music, the festival has become an annual collaboration ground for fans seeking a vibrant celebration of music, fashion and art. Camp Flog Gnaw has a unique carnival-like atmosphere and an itch for changing the meta.
Tyler, The Creator is the driving force behind Camp Flog Gnaw. He is a versatile artist known for his innovative drive and boldness. As the festival’s founder and curator, Tyler shapes every part of Camp Flog Gnaw with his artistic vision, making it a representation of his creative beliefs and a stage for a variety of voices in the music world that cannot help but respect him.
Between the years 2020 and 2022, Camp Flog Gnaw, like many other live events, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, the absence of the festival during these years did not cause it to be forgotten but instead left fans eagerly anticipating its return.
With the COVID-19 pandemic finally in the rearview, Camp Flog Gnaw made a triumphant return in 2023.
The festival began on Saturday, November 11 and ran until the end of Sunday, November 12. It featured more than 30 different artists including sensations like Lil Yachty, Ice Spice and SZA.
More than 40,000 tickets were sold to this year’s Camp, nearly filling the Dodgers Stadium capacity.
The comeback was not just a revival but a reimagining of the festival, incorporating new elements that showcased Tyler’s commitment to pushing art forward. Gigantic custom sets highlighted nearly every musical performance, such as Tyler’s iconic junkyard set and an impressive wrecking ball, which SZA rode into her performance.
Beyond the music and festivities, Tyler, The Creator infuses Camp Flog Gnaw with a deeper sense of meaning. The festival serves as a melting pot for the evolution of rap and its intersecting cultures. Whether through stage design, exclusive merch drops, surprise performances or fanciful art displays, Tyler’s attention to detail weaves a narrative that transcends the typical festival experience.
“We started this in a… parking lot! Don’t let anybody tell you how you should feel about your… self.”
— Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, The Creator’s unwavering commitment to unending change in the industry he calls home has solidified Camp Flog Gnaw’s place as a cultural phenomenon. As fans eagerly await each new year, the festival remains a beacon of creativity and a celebration of the ever-evolving web of rap and culture.
