The sweltering heat in Las Vegas didn’t deter hip-hop fans from attending the Lovers & Friends Festival on Saturday. The two-day Live Nation event is held at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds and features headliners Lauryn Hill, Usher, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Monica, TLC and Mario.
Although much of the day’s performances got off without a hitch, a stretch of the night devolved into chaos, per social media reports.
Concert-goers described a rush of people around 10:30 p.m. as thousands ran for the exits and some were trampled. Several attendees reported hearing a gun shot, causing a quick exodus from the venue. Las Vegas Metro PD later investigated the incident and determined the incident to be a false alarm.
LVMPD confirmed that three individuals were transported to local hospitals after sustaining minor injures from the rush.
Festival organizers paused the show for approximately 45 minutes during the incident, broadcasting updates on video screens to let attendees know that local authorities were investigating the situation and asking the audience to stay in place. Emergency gates were opened, allowing those who wished to leave to do so.
Las Vegas local news reports that a “security incident” paused the festival. Organizers of the event attribute the incident to fans rushing the barricades, and added that the show has recommenced with Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris’ headlining set. The festival is continuing Sunday as planned.
“We’d like to thank the local authorities for their quick response,” the festival said in an official statement released Saturday night.
Earlier in the day, the most newsworthy incident was Brandy pulling out from the bill (she had to cancel due to illness), and Timbaland boasting how he was early on Drake.
Taking to the stage with his deep catalog of hits, Timbaland had fans singing along to every word.
During his set, Timbaland noted that he was one of the first to co-sign Drake, as far back as 2009’s “Say Something.” First released on Drake’s “So Far Gone” mixtape, the song reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“That was one of the first time everybody hearing Drake,” said Timbaland from the stage. “So I was a part of — I feel like I tapped in very early. I see greatness very quick, and I had a pleasure to work with all great people.”
