The air buzzed with anticipation as J. Cole took the stage for the final Dreamville Festival under its original name on April 5-6, 2025. Thousands of fans gathered at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, to witness this historic moment in hip-hop culture. The festival, now in its fifth year, has grown from a local event into a global phenomenon, drawing attendees from across the world who share a passion for authentic music and community.
Cole’s performance capped off two days of electrifying shows that celebrated not just musical talent but the unifying power of hip-hop. As twilight settled over the park, the crowd’s energy reached a fever pitch when Cole emerged against a backdrop designed to resemble his former Queens apartment, affectionately known as “Mohammad’s Crib.” This thoughtful stage design served as a visual reminder of his humble beginnings and artistic journey.
Unexpected collaboration creates magic
The festival reached its emotional peak when legendary neo-soul artist Erykah Badu joined Cole on stage for their first-ever collaborative performance. The duo delivered a soul-stirring rendition of “Too Deep for the Intro,” which samples Badu’s 2000 hit “Didn’t Cha Know” from her acclaimed album Mama’s Gun. The unexpected pairing created an electric atmosphere as two generations of influential artists shared the spotlight, bridging different eras of Black music.
This artistic exchange embodied the festival’s core mission of connecting different voices and styles within the hip-hop ecosystem. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had followed Cole’s career since his early mixtape days when he first sampled Badu’s work.
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Star-studded lineup celebrates hip-hop heritage
Dreamville Festival’s farewell edition featured an impressive array of talent that showcased the genre’s diversity. Among the performers who graced the stages were:
Lil Wayne
21 Savage
Keyshia Cole
Tems
GloRilla
J.I.D.
Wale
Coco Jones
EarthGang
BigXthaPlug
Ari Lennox
Keyshia Cole delivered a nostalgic set celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album The Way It Is, taking fans on a journey through her catalog of R&B classics. Meanwhile, Lil Wayne orchestrated a rare reunion with his former groups the Hot Boys and Big Tymers, delighting longtime fans with a performance that harkened back to the influential New Orleans rap scene of the late 1990s.
Emerging voices find their platform
Beyond established stars, the festival continued its tradition of elevating emerging artists. Acts like BigXthaPlug commanded sizable crowds, demonstrating Dreamville’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of hip-hop talent. This balance between honoring legends and spotlighting newcomers has been a distinguishing feature of the festival since its inception.
Dreamville Records artists including J.I.D., EarthGang, and Ari Lennox delivered standout performances that highlighted the label’s distinctive sound and artistic philosophy. These artists, discovered and mentored by Cole himself, represent the community-centered approach that has made Dreamville more than just a record label or festival—it’s a movement that values authenticity and artistic growth.
A new chapter begins
During his headlining set, Cole addressed the significance of this final festival under the Dreamville banner. He reassured the gathered fans that while this marked the end of an era, the event would continue in a reimagined form. The core values that defined Dreamville—community connection, musical excellence, and cultural celebration—will remain intact as the festival evolves.
This transition comes at a time of strength for the event, with the city of Raleigh having signed a multi-year agreement to keep the festival at Dorothea Dix Park for at least four more years. This commitment from local authorities speaks to the positive economic and cultural impact the festival has had on the region.
Legacy and future vision
While the specifics of Cole’s future involvement in performances remain undefined, his continued influence behind the scenes is assured. The festival has grown beyond a showcase for a single artist into a cultural institution that brings together diverse voices and perspectives through the universal language of music.
The rebranded festival, set to debut in 2026, promises to build upon the foundation laid by Dreamville while exploring new creative directions. Organizers remain dedicated to preserving the event’s intimate, family reunion atmosphere despite its growing popularity and commercial success.
Community impact remains central
Throughout its history, Dreamville Festival has prioritized positive community engagement. Beyond entertainment, the event has created economic opportunities for local vendors and businesses while showcasing Raleigh as a cultural destination. This commitment to community uplift aligns with Cole’s personal ethos and artistic message.
As fans dispersed from Dorothea Dix Park following the final performance, they carried with them not just memories of exceptional music but a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. This feeling of connection—to the artists, to fellow fans, and to the culture—represents the true achievement of Dreamville Festival.
The final edition may have closed one chapter, but it also opened the door to new possibilities. As the hip-hop community looks ahead to what comes next, the legacy of Dreamville Festival as a celebration of authentic artistry and human connection remains firmly established.
