In the 9 year history of the world famous Rock The Bells Hip-Hop music festival (hosted by Guerilla Union), there were many similarities and differences between RTB 2012 and the previous 8 outings. Check out the first day rundown of this years Rock The Bells 2012 after the jump.

A couple of things that were evidently similar between 2012 and the past festivals was, as Kdot would say; the “Women,Weed,and Weather.” Highs were in the triple digits throughout the majority of the day, the ladies/ratchets were always in sight, and the tree was definitely loud.

With that being said, the buzz around the spectators was definitely different this time. The first being initially, when it was announced that the festival will be a two day event, the first ever.

Among the other noticeable changes to the festival was to the lineup itself. Even though throughout the duration of the day it didn’t seem as evident, there was a sense of separation among the “mainstream” and “underground” fans. Regardless of where the particular artists are in their respective careers, most of them and their loyal following showed out and had a ball on the first day of the Rock The Bells Tour.

One thing that was definitely the buzz around most journalists/bloggers throughout the day, was the G.O.O.D. Music Takeover that was happening right in front of us. With the release of “Cruel Summer” next month, 2chainz, Common and Kid Cudi definitely proved to the hip-hop community why they should claim the number 1 spot; with performing classics, as well as new material.

Here are some brief reviews on Day 1 in San Bernardino (Aug. 18th)

Future – The hook maestro definitely had the crowd moving with hits such as “Tony Montana” “At The Same Damn Time” and “Racks”. Definitely was lacking with stage presence and crowd involvement; Overall, Solid 30 minute set which was filled with familiar songs.

Grade: C

2Chainz – Tity-Boi was among one of the main artists as the talk of the festival, and certainly did not disappoint. His energy was felt right away, coming out to his verse on the summer anthem “Mercy”(video below). While the crowd was still unfamiliar with his newest project,”Based On A TRU Story” he still brought back some classics from his TRU Realigion/Playaz Circle releases.
Grade: B

Yelawolf – One of the more impressive performances from the day, with the help of legendary drum man Travis Barker. Yela kept the crowd involved with his distinct delivery and smooth transitions.
Grade: A-

Curren$y – Arguably one of the livest sets of the entire weekend, and without question one of the smokiest! Spitta provided an amazing mix of his newest album, “The Stoned Immaculate,” as well as classic mixtape tracks.
Grade: A

Common – The G.O.O.D. Music representee is no stranger to the Rock The Bells culture, and it definitely showed. He touched on some of the more popular hits, but also did some of his earlier work. His set was a little stagnant at times, but it was an overall, solid outing for the chi-town native.
Grade: B

Black Hippy – One of the most anticipated performances of Day 1, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q graced the crowd with their first ever Rock The Bells show together. With each getting brief solo performances, then coming all together in the last segment of their set, performing the remix to Black Lip Bastard.
Grade: B

Dipset (Diplomats) – Capo, Killa Cam and Juelz back at it again! They did everything imaginable, from Camron’s “Purple Haze”, to Jones’ “BAAALLLIIIINNN”,(had to do it) to crowd favorites such as
“Hey Ma,” “What Mean The World To You” and more. Overall, a great reunion for the Harlem boyz.
Grade: C+

J.Cole – Jermaine is still going strong with his music festival run (Coachella,Summer Jam,Lollapalooza) and it seems as though he’s sticking to his same set tracks. Fans seemed disinterested with the lack of “concert tracks”, but Cole seemed to re-grab their attention with premiering a never before heard song titled, “Im A Fool.” Overall, Cole did his thing, but the crowd was going through a barrage of phases throughout the set.
Grade: B-

KiD CuDi – Last, but definitely not least, is the Cudder himself. Cudi definitely didnt get off to a good start, showing up 30+ minutes late. When he finally arrived, it definitely was in style; taking it back to his “A Kid Named Cudi” with his classic “Down and Out”. Cudi seemed to be out of breath for the latter part of his set; but if you have seen Cudder perform, you know you’re going to get his all, and he made that known numerous times. He covered all his material, from both Man on The Moons, to his famous features. With this being his first live performance in over 7 months, Cudi definitely let the crowd know he appreciated them vibing with him throughout the performance. The last song of the night was the newly released track with King Chip, set to be on Cudders next album, “Indicud”. A perfect way to end a G.O.O.D. 1st day at Rock The Bells.
Grade: A-

Stay Tuned for the Day 2 review!