Raleigh, NC turned into a vibrant epicenter of Black creativity and communal energy this weekend as Dreamville Fest 2025 officially kicked off. Long before the gates opened at Dorothea Dix Park, the Dreamville team laid the foundation for more than just a festival—they curated a cultural experience rooted in accessibility, education, and joy. The festival recently announced that it will live beyond this year under a new iteration.
In the days leading up to the festival, fans across North Carolina were already tapped in. A standalone merch pop-up gave locals—whether ticket holders or not—a chance to grab exclusive drops, bridging the gap for those who couldn’t make it inside the park. It was a subtle but powerful gesture, proving once again that Dreamville isn’t just for the elite few. It’s a movement that invites everyone in, regardless of price point.
Over at CAM Raleigh, the label hosted a block party-style activation that doubled as a celebration and an education. Vinyl digging, panel discussions from Dreamville executives, and interactive conversations with the creative partners who shape the brand’s vision brought festivalgoers face-to-face with the behind-the-scenes brilliance it takes to build an empire. It was raw, real, and intentional—a rare chance to demystify the entertainment industry for the next generation of Black creatives.
Once inside the expanded festival grounds, it was clear that Dreamville had scaled up without losing its soul. The newly placed Rise and Shine stages allowed for smoother foot traffic and easier access between performances, a thoughtful layout that kept the energy high without creating chaos. Art installations—curated by local nonprofit Artsplosure—lined the park, showcasing vibrant murals and interactive sculptures by Black artists that reminded attendees this was more than music. It was a love letter to the South, to Black expression, and to the power of imagination.
New York rap duo Niko Brim and Kai Cash set the tone on the Shine Stage, and it was all love. “Even as developing artists, the crowd saw us and gave us great energy,” said Brim. “Sometimes at other festivals, you have to amp them up. They came ready to turn up.”
The momentum carried through to Ari Lennox, whose velvety vocals and magnetic presence had the crowd singing every word like scripture. Her set—unbothered, confident, and breezy—felt like a family reunion. The D.C. native reminded fans why she’s the beating heart of Dreamville’s R&B wave.
Keyshia Cole, celebrating 20 years of The Way It Is, delivered a powerful, emotional set that leaned into her catalog of heartbreak anthems and soul-rooted deep cuts. Tracks like “Love” and “I Should’ve Cheated” rang out across the field as longtime fans sang with the kind of conviction that only comes from surviving and healing.
Partynextdoor brought a rare sense of intimacy to his set, blending moody bangers with a full production that included dancers and seamless transitions. Meanwhile, Dreamville mainstays Bas, Omen, and Lute reminded everyone that this is a label built on lyrical substance and brotherhood, each delivering polished, heartfelt performances.
But the night belonged to the South as Juvenile, the Hot Boys, and Big Tymers took the stage for a high-octane closing set that turned the park into a full-blown 2000s block party. From “Back That Azz Up” to Wayne’s verse on “John,” it was a masterclass in Southern rap legacy. Lil Wayne, in a moment of reflection, paused more than once to shout out the security teams and production crews. “Thank you to the people who keep this mf together. The ones that you don’t see,” he said, reminding the crowd that greatness is always a team effort.
What set the day apart wasn’t just the lineup or production value—it was the spirit. Dreamville Fest moved with care. The crowd was energetic but respectful, hype yet grounded. There were no dangerous mosh pits or chaotic energy—just a sea of people fully present, engaged, and locked into the collective vibration. It felt like an extension of co-founder J. Cole’s ethos: calm, intentional, and rooted in love for the culture.
Day one of Dreamville Fest didn’t just deliver—it inspired. And if this is how the festival begins, then the rest of the weekend is shaping up to be a masterclass in how Black music festivals should feel.
