There aren’t any snakes in this camp.

Camp Flog Gnaw returned to the beloved Dodger Stadium on Saturday, and the 2024 edition didn’t disappoint. With an exciting mix of first-timers and familiar faces in the lineup, day one of the festival was full of memorable moments. From bold performances to heartfelt tributes, the day was a testament to musician and festival curator Tyler, The Creator’s enduring influence on the music scene.

Read on for the Daily Bruin’s coverage of day one of Camp Flog Gnaw 2024.

Doechii

The Swamp Princess brought the heat to Camp Flog Gnaw.

The Tampa-based rapper and singer commanded the stage at 3:35 p.m., dressed in a bright, multicolored shirt that matched the boldness of her performance. Opening with “BOOM BAP,” she quickly had the crowd hooked with her playful and infectious style. Her distinctive flow mixed with catchy melodies, blending rap and R&B in ways that felt fresh and unique.

Throughout the set, Doechii showcased tracks from her 2024 album “Alligator Bites Never Heal” as well as new material. The upbeat “Spookie Coochie” had the crowd screaming along, while her smooth, sultry delivery on tracks such as “Stressed” added a different flavor to her energetic set. Mid-performance, she stopped to shout out her band, adding an authentic touch to the experience.

The crowd lost it when she brought out SZA for a surprise performance of “Persuasive,” a collaboration that had the audience singing every word. The vibe was electric, as both women shared the stage under the setting sun, elevating the song lineup to another level. She closed with the hit “NISSAN ALTIMA,” a track from the Grammy-nominated record “Alligator Bites Never Heal” that cemented her as a standout talent in the world of experimental hip-hop and R&B.

Doechii made it clear: she’s not just the swamp’s princess, but this camp’s princess too.

Omar Apollo

Omar Apollo’s soulful performance brought a wave of smooth, velvety vibes to Camp Flog Gnaw.

As the sun began to set at 4:45 p.m., the atmosphere on the Camp Stage transformed with an ethereal glow, and Apollo stepped out in a sharp, black suit, his warm voice entrancing the crowd. He started his set with “Spite,” a dreamy, lush track from his acclaimed album “God Said No.” His vocals soared as he effortlessly transitioned from pop to R&B to indie rock, showcasing his versatility.

The kaleidoscope-like “Kamikaze” had fans swooning as Apollo danced under the soft pink sky, delivering the track’s emotional yet catchy hooks with effortless charm. The song’s smooth, laid-back vibe meshed perfectly with the atmosphere, and its standout moment came as Apollo poured his heart into the performance of the song’s chorus, drawing the crowd in with every note. Apollo’s set was a celebration of identity, love and growth, with songs like “Evergreen” and “Dispose of Me” tackling themes of longing and self-discovery.

The audience’s captivation showed that Omar Apollo’s star is only rising higher.

Kaytranada

The night then got even groovier, and Kaytranada brought the funk.

At 6:15 p.m., the Canadian producer took over the Camp Stage with an infectious energy that had the crowd moving from the very first beat. Kaytranada’s beats are known for their smooth, bass-heavy vibes, and they certainly delivered Saturday night. As he opened with the swift-tempoed “Pressure,” the audience erupted while the funky, house-inspired track filled the stadium.

Throughout his set, Kaytranada effortlessly mixed live instrumentation with electronic beats, creating a seamless groove that carried the audience through the night. Collaborations like “Snap My Finger” with PinkPantheress and a remix of Beyonce’s “CUFF IT” had the crowd vibing to his eclectic mix of electronic, R&B and hip-hop sounds. As the night grew darker, Kaytranada continued to work the crowd with his signature style, creating a near-festival-wide dance party.

The set left festivalgoers with a lasting memory of smooth beats, funky rhythms and that Kaytranada magic.

Daniel Caesar

Daniel Caesar came with an ethereal, experimental edge to Camp Flog Gnaw’s lineup.

The R&B star took the stage at 7:55 p.m. with a quiet but captivating presence. Dressed in all black, he delivered his set with atmospheric songs such as the H.E.R. duet “Best Part,” sending waves of ambient sound through the crowd. Caesar’s music, known for its dreamy, soft-quality vocals, filled Dodger Stadium with an intimate, immersive aura that contrasted with the high-energy performances earlier in the day.

“CYANIDE,” a standout track from his 2019 sophomore album, also featured, as Caesar’s layered vocals and hypnotic beats captivated the audience. His voice, smooth yet haunting, resonated deeply in the night air, with fans swaying and getting lost in the sound.

Before diving into a more experimental set of electronic beats, the artist wove in elements of indie and alt-R&B. It became clear that Caesar was building a unique space for himself in the music world, one that resonates with listeners looking for something fresh and atmospheric.

Caesar proved that sometimes the most powerful performances are the ones that make you listen closer.

Tyler, The Creator

The night’s headliner was none other than Tyler, The Creator, who returned to his festival for a show-stopping performance.

At 9:50 p.m., Tyler, The Creator emerged from behind a cloud of smoke to a roar of applause. The Camp Stage transformed once again as he opened with a high-energy performance of “St. Chroma,” bouncing on stage with infectious enthusiasm. The Grammy winner’s stage presence is famously electric, and there was no exception this evening. Dressed in a custom green ensemble associated with his current “CHROMAKOPIA” era, he dove right into his set, mixing songs from “IGOR,” “Flower Boy” and “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” alongside his latest album.

Tyler, The Creator, addressing the crowd with his trademark sincerity and humor, thanked the audience for helping get “CHROMAKOPIA” to the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart for a third week in a row. His connection with the audience was undeniable, and the crowd reciprocated with wild energy throughout the performance.

Delivering hit songs including the cinematic “Boredom,” Tyler, The Creator proved once again why he’s one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation. The high point of the performance came when he closed with a powerful rendition of “See You Again,” setting the stage ablaze with flamethrowers, as cheers and singing rained from the ecstatic crowd.

The night hit an even higher note when Tyler, The Creator brought out Daniel Caesar and Doechii to perform “Balloon” and Sexyy Red for “Sticky.” Received to roaring applause, the collaborations had the crowd in a frenzy, with each artist adding their own unique flair to the already whirring ambience.

Tyler, The Creator had not only returned to Camp Flog Gnaw, but had once again redefined what a headlining performance could be.