Playboi Carti Shocks Rolling Loud: The Weeknd’s Surprise Appearance—What Really Happened?

Playboi Carti delivered an explosive performance at Rolling Loud California, closing out the festival in unforgettable fashion. The energy was unmatched as thousands of fans packed the venue, eagerly awaiting his set. Carti is known for his chaotic stage presence, and this night was no exception.

His high-voltage performance came shortly after the release of his new album, Music, which took the industry by storm. Fans had been waiting five years for a full-length project from the rapper, and he did not disappoint. The album immediately set streaming records, proving that Carti remains one of the most influential artists in hip-hop today.

With the crowd already at a fever pitch, Carti had one more surprise in store—special guests who would turn the night into one of the most talked-about moments in recent festival history.

The Weeknd Joins Carti for a Historic Performance

The crowd erupted when The Weeknd stepped onto the stage to join Playboi Carti. The two performed “Rather Lie,” a track from Carti’s new album, Music. The audience responded with deafening cheers as they witnessed a rare live collaboration between two of the most influential artists in modern music.

Their connection was undeniable. The Weeknd’s signature vocals blended effortlessly with Carti’s intense delivery, creating a performance that left the audience in awe. They also revisited their previous collaboration, “Timeless,” sending fans into a frenzy.

The energy in the venue was electric. Fans screamed every lyric as they jumped and moshed to the music. Social media instantly lit up with reactions, with thousands of attendees calling it one of the greatest festival moments they had ever witnessed.

Skepta and Kai Cenat Add to the Madness

Just when fans thought the night could not get any more exciting, British rapper Skepta made a surprise appearance. The legendary artist joined Playboi Carti on stage to perform “Toxic,” a highly anticipated track that had been teased for months. The two artists delivered an unforgettable performance, with their chemistry bringing an entirely new level of energy to the set.

Adding yet another unexpected twist, YouTube and Twitch star Kai Cenat appeared on stage to a massive reception. The internet personality has built a strong connection with hip-hop culture, and Carti marked the moment by gifting him a custom YVL chain. The crowd roared as Cenat held up the chain, further solidifying his place in the rap world.

The Show Stopped—Then Came Back Even Harder

The night was so intense that security had to temporarily stop the show. After about a dozen songs, the festival organizers turned the lights on, asking fans to step back from the barricades to prevent a potential crowd surge. The intensity of the performance had led to concerns over safety, as fans pushed forward in excitement.

Over the loudspeakers, an announcement reassured the crowd:

“We will pay any curfew fines so Playboi Carti can complete his full set. Everyone, take three steps back and stay calm.”

After a brief pause, the performance resumed, and the energy in the crowd returned even stronger. When Playboi Carti came back on stage, he was joined once again by The Weeknd, reigniting the excitement as they launched into another round of high-energy performances.

Breaking Records: Music Dominates the Charts

The headlining performance came just days after Playboi Carti released his highly anticipated third studio album, Music. The album, which dropped on Friday, March 14, quickly made history. It became the most-streamed album in a single day on Spotify in 2025, proving the rapper’s massive influence.

Music is Carti’s first full-length project in five years, following the success of Whole Lotta Red in 2020. Fans had been eagerly waiting for new music, and Carti delivered with a project that exceeded expectations. Songs like “2024,” “H00DBYAIR,” “EVILJ0RDAN,” and “BACKR00MS” were teased for months, building anticipation for the album’s release.

The project features hard-hitting beats, unpredictable flows, and Carti’s signature distorted sound, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential and experimental artists of his generation.

Rolling Loud’s Wildest Weekend Yet

While Playboi Carti stole the show, he was not the only artist making headlines at Rolling Loud California.

On Saturday night, A$AP Rocky delivered a performance that left fans speechless. The rapper made a dramatic entrance, descending from a helicopter hovering above the stage before debuting several unreleased songs from his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb. This marked his first live performance since being found not guilty in his felony trial, making the night even more significant.

The festival featured an all-star lineup, with performances from YG, Sexyy Red, Peso Pluma, and BossMan Dlow on Saturday. On Sunday, fans witnessed sets from Ken Carson, Soulja Boy, Destroy Lonely, Quavo, and, of course, Playboi Carti.

Each artist brought something unique to the festival, but it was Carti’s performance that stood out the most, cementing his status as one of the most exciting live performers in hip-hop today.

Moreover, the collaborations witnessed on stage have opened up new possibilities for future projects. The live chemistry between <strong>PLAYBOI CARTI</strong> and <strong>THE WEEKND</strong> has left fans eager for more joint ventures, while the unexpected appearance of other influential artists has further broadened the horizons of collaborative creativity. As the music industry continues to evolve and adapt to the digital age, performances like these highlight the importance of innovation and the willingness to experiment with new sounds and new partnerships.

The Aftermath: A Show That Will Be Remembered for Years

The Rolling Loud performance by Playboi Carti was more than just a concert—it was a cultural moment. From surprise guests to a record-breaking album release, the night had everything fans could have hoped for.

Social media exploded with reactions:

“Playboi Carti and The Weeknd just made history.”
“This was the craziest set I have ever seen in my life.”
“Skepta, The Weeknd, and Kai Cenat? Absolute legends!”

Fans left the venue knowing they had just witnessed something special. Carti’s energy, unpredictability, and commitment to delivering an unforgettable performance have set a new standard for live hip-hop events.

Final Thoughts: What Comes Next for Playboi Carti?

With music breaking streaming records, fans are now eagerly awaiting a potential tour announcement. If Playboi Carti’s Rolling Loud performance was any indication, his upcoming shows will be nothing short of legendary.

As the rapper continues to push boundaries and redefine his sound, one thing is certain—Playboi Carti is not just an artist; he is a movement.