In 2017, we saw the 6th iteration of Tyler, The Creator’s annual festival. In my eyes, this year’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival was the best music festival of the year. There aren’t many people who could create a mini-world for the weekend that perfectly represents their brand and persona. With flowers all over the carnival, to games with Tyler merch as prizes, and to actual statues of his collaboration with Converse, Tyler’s Camp Flog Gnaw is a festival that is one-of-a-kind and true to the Flower Boy, himself.

The carnival portion of the festival housed the GNAW stage where DJs took turns spinning for those who were in line for the rides and games.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

With a lineup curated by Tyler and his team, artists were carefully chosen and were a reflection of the music Tyler appreciates. Kid Cudi, Lana Del Rey, Migos, and Solange were just some of the many artists who hit the stages this year. The lineup this year even featured surprise guests such as Roy Ayers and Kelis, both of whom Tyler has heavily backed for years.

DAY 1 OF CAMP FLOG GNAW

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

DAY 2 OF CAMP FLOG GNAW

Steve Lacy at the CAMP stage

Steve Lacy at the CAMP stage

Kehlani at the CAMP stage

Kehlani at the CAMP stage

Playboi Carti at the FLOG stage

Playboi Carti’s set had people climbing trees to get a perfect view

Playboi Carti at the FLOG stage

Playboi Carti’s set had people climbing trees to get a perfect view

Taco brought out YG as a surprise guest.

Taco and YG brought out Ty Dolla $ign.

Kelis appeared for a rare performance

Lil Yachty at the FLOG stage

Lil Yachty brought out KYLE to perform their hit song ‘iSpy’

Even a security guard had to get in the mosh during ‘iSpy’

Lil Yachty put on a great show for the youth.

ASAP Rocky gets the crowd going at the CAMP stage.

Rocky brought out G-Eazy to perform No Limit.

ASAP Rocky gets the crowd going at the CAMP stage.

Odd Future native Earl Sweatshirt performed on Day 2 of Flog Gnaw

The mesmerizing Solange took the main stage Sunday night.

Kid Cudi closed the show and gave a performance that many won’t forget.

Honorable Mention: FYF.

The FYF Festival took place in Los Angeles and provided festival-goers with a well-curated lineup. This year, the elusive Frank Ocean gave the audience a truly memorable performance. After abruptly canceling his FYF performance in 2015, Ocean made up for it this year by performing a set that included songs from his 2016 album Blonde, among other songs. Spike Jonze played director, filming Ocean on stage. Hollywood actor Brad Pitt also made an appearance on stage as Frank performed ‘Close To You’. Many stars came out to experience the magic that was FYF this year. While Ocean was just one of many highlights from that weekend, this year’s lineup also brought performances by Missy Elliott, Björk, A Tribe Called Quest, and many more.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

[ Photography/Image Credit: Matt Vinas ]