Ken Carson is officially the new Rolling Loud Sunday headliner, with the festival confirming the change on May 8, 2025 after NBA YoungBoy withdrew from the lineup. Rolling Loud made the announcement via their official X account, welcoming Carson as the replacement for one of hip-hop’s most-streamed artists.
The news had been circulating for several days prior. Industry insider @thesourcemzk first reported on May 5 that NBA YoungBoy was pulling out of Rolling Loud, setting off a wave of speculation about who would take his spot on the Sunday main stage.
NBA YoungBoy’s Exit and the Search for a Replacement
According to @thesourcemzk, Rolling Loud’s first calls to replace YoungBoy went out to Future, Yeat, Lil Uzi Vert, and Rod Wave. Rod Wave was initially seen as the frontrunner, with the source noting his shared fanbase with YoungBoy as a key factor in his favor — despite concerns about how the crowd might receive the switch.
When that option did not pan out, the festival began exploring what were described as “cheaper options.” Ken Carson and Young Thug emerged as the names being looked at, per follow-up reports from the same source.
In the end, Ken Carson got the call. Rolling Loud confirmed the booking hours after continued speculation, officially updating their Sunday lineup poster to reflect the change.
Ken Carson as Rolling Loud Sunday Headliner — What It Means
The confirmation of Ken Carson as Rolling Loud Sunday headliner marks a significant moment for the Atlanta rapper. Carson, signed to Playboi Carti’s Opium label, has built a dedicated fanbase over the past few years with projects like X, A Great Chaos, and CRISIS. A headlining slot at one of the biggest hip-hop festivals in the world puts him firmly in a different tier of visibility.
The updated Rolling Loud poster, shared alongside the announcement, shows Don Toliver and Playboi Carti also on the Sunday bill — making it a near-complete Opium label showcase at the top of the card.
Rolling Loud 2026 Lineup So Far
With YoungBoy out and Carson in, the Rolling Loud 2026 headliner picture is now clearer. The festival has not publicly addressed the circumstances behind YoungBoy’s withdrawal, and no official statement has been made regarding the nature of his exit.
Rolling Loud has historically featured last-minute lineup changes, but replacing a headliner less than two weeks out is a notable logistical move. The speed of the confirmation suggests Carson was already deep in talks before the official announcement dropped.
Fans reacted with mixed sentiment online — some disappointed by the YoungBoy news, others enthusiastic about the prospect of a Carson headline set. The announcement post from Rolling Loud’s official account drew significant engagement within hours of going live.
For the latest Rolling Loud lineup updates, follow the festival’s official X account and check Ken Carson’s official pages for set announcements.
What’s Next
Rolling Loud has not announced a revised set time for Ken Carson’s Sunday headline slot. Fans with existing NBA YoungBoy ticket purchases should monitor Rolling Loud’s official channels for any additional information. With the Opium label heavily represented on Sunday, Carson’s set is expected to draw significant attention.
