Thailand’s darling Milli collabed with heartthrob Jay Park on stage, headliner A$AP Rocky brought on hard hitting Hanumankind, and Rolling Loud was thumping into the night to kick off their second year in Thailand. 

 

The night was a big one for Thai hip-hop fans who saw favorites from home and around the region performing to international audiences in the Land of Smiles for the biggest hip-hop slobberknocker of the year. 

 

 

Def Jam Asia brought in some hot talent, including Malaysia’s Joe Flizzow, 24k.Right, and Tobii. Local favorite Timethai played to early crowds who were just getting the place going, but it was Thailand’s own Milli and her Dreamgals who brought the real cheers from the Thailand crowd on the Loud Stage—a proper explosion when she came out later and unexpectedly with South Korea’s favorite hunky bad boy, Jay Park. 

 

 

The event kicked off early at 3pm at the Legend Siam—a sprawling venue that is not for anyone who doesn’t like a hike. Fans decked out in high fashion and sneakers made the nearly kilometer walk from the main road, and then nearly as long once again twisting to the performance area, but don’t worry because there are signs for free water. Not water, but they definitely had signs. 

 

“My friends and I were complaining about how long it took from the entrance to the actual stage,” one Thai festival goer told BK. “On weed it felt like we were walking for a minimum of 10 hours each way.”

 

 

This venue is a workout and a lot of the fans were here for it, running back and forth from the main Loud Stage to the Amazing Thailand stage to catch as many acts as they could. There was some confusion at the event, as the original set list had changed. 

 

Viral sensation Tyla was expected to bring summer dance bops like “Water” and “Jump”, but the organizer announced one day prior to the event that the star would not be playing at Asia’s biggest hip-hop festival.

 

 

“I came for Tyla, and Tyga,” Japanese festival-goer Yanki told BK Magazine. “It’s disappointing but that’s okay.”

 

Over on the Amazing Thailand stage, the big Thai rap act everyone was waiting for was Yongohm, who let fly with some political hits before Osamason, K-Trap, and Waka Flocka Flame blew up the stage. 

 

 

For the old school, the one to see was Akon—who arguably put on the best show of the night. He’s been churning out hits for over two decades, but even the youngest in the audience know how to “Smack That”. Though, despite pleas from the crowd, Akon, who would do a bit of crowd surfing, did not play “Lonely”.

 

A lot of guests at the festival arrived later in the evening to see headliner, A$AP Rocky, who gave an energetic performance starting at 11pm and brought on India’s hip-hop superstar Hanumankind for a one-time show.

 

 

Even though a vodka soda could set you back B500 in General Admission, Rolling Loud VIP tickets weren’t cheap, and inside guests were treated to a little extra in food options—including BK Magazine favorite Cholos BKK—as well as a tattoo studio, barber shop, and glow up station. 

 

Visitors and acts alike are grateful this year’s festival takes place in November, as the show in April last year hit highs in both smog and temperature, and the entirely asphalted venue was a torched desert by 5pm. 

 

 

Today and tomorrow, the festival continues with Saturday’s lineup featuring Thailand favorites Twopee Southside and Thaitanium, with Wiz Khalifa and Lil Wayne on the Loud Stage. On Sunday, visitors can look forward to the likes of Ski Mask The Slump God, Gunna, and headliner Playboi Carti.