Here's the Real Reason Drake Was Booed Off Stage At a Music Festival This Weekend

Gabrielle Bruney

From Esquire

Drake make be the best selling rapper of the decade, but that doesn’t mean everyone loves him. On Sunday, the rapper took the stage at Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles, and was booed by some in the audience. The performer cut his set short, and exited the stage—not something that usually happens when a global superstar makes an unexpected appearance at a concert. Here’s what went down.

What’s Camp Flog Gnaw?

Since 2012, Tyler, the Creator has hosted a music festival and carnival in Los Angeles. It’s attracted some of music's biggest and most critically acclaimed artists, including Kid Cudi and Kanye, Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Mac Demarco, and FKA Twigs.

This year’s sold-out festival was held in LA’s Dodger Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, and featured performances by artists like H.E.R., Juice WRLD, Blood Orange, and Earl Sweatshirt. Tyler the Creator was one headliner, but the other biggest act of the show was kept under wraps. The artist most heavily rumored to be the surprise guest was Frank Ocean, which was a pretty good guess. Both Tyler and Ocean were members of Odd Future, and Ocean’s been releasing and promoting new music in recent weeks.

So why did the crowd boo Drake?

But Frank Ocean wasn’t Sunday Night’s big surprise guest—Drake was. And some in the audience didn’t seem too pleased about it. In video from the concert, Drake is seen telling the audience, “I’m here for you tonight. If you want me to keep going, I will keep going.”

While it sounds like there were some cheers, many in the audience responded with boos. Others just shouted, “No.”

Apparently not one to stick around where he’s not that wanted, Drake walked off the stage, saying, "It's been love. I go by the name of Drake, thank you for having me.” According to Billboard, Drake reportedly cut his set 20 minutes short.

It’s pretty weird seeing one of the biggest artists in music being booed offstage. But considering the venue—a crowd full of people really hoping to see Frank Ocean—it’s not entirely surprising. And Drake will be fine: After all, he’s still the top selling solo male artist in American history.

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