Last year, the festival’s first, Rolling Loud was a shitshow. Although the roster of artists was equally impressive with Schoolboy Q, Juicy J, A$AP Ferg, and Action Bronson all taking the stage at Soho Studios, the event was littered with problems stemming from both bad behavior by fans and some odd mismanagement by organizers (including a smoke alarm that wouldn’t quit).
But, in an interview coming later this week, the festival's organizers have assured us 2016 will be different. This year, Rolling Loud moves just a short walk away to Mana Wynwood, where hopefully things will run smoother. And perhaps a bit of mayhem will suit Rolling Loud. If you go to a punk concert, you’re going to see some heads busted in the slam pit. If you attend a country music show, you’re bound to trip over a few Confederate flags. These are facts. With that in mind, maybe it’s just the nature of the beast that chaos will ensue at rap fests. In that case, let’s amend our recommendation: In theory, this week’s best show should be Rolling Loud, but we won’t know until the smoke clears, both literally and figuratively.
Rolling Loud Festival with Future, Young Thug, and others. 5 p.m. Friday, May 6, and noon Saturday, May 7, at Mana Wynwood, 318 NW 23rd St., Miami; 3055730371; manawynwood.com. Tickets cost $100 to $10,000 via rollingloud.com.
