Dreamville Fest 2025 lit up Raleigh, North Carolina, with unforgettable performances, surprise reunions, and emotional moments that reminded fans why this is one of the most beloved music festivals in the country. From hip-hop legends to soulful queens and epic homecoming energy, this year’s festival was stacked with highlights. Here are the 7 best moments from Dreamville Fest 2025.
1. J. Cole’s Walk Down Memory Lane
The festival’s founder and North Carolina native, J. Cole, delivered a deeply personal set that doubled as a love letter to his journey. In a surprise twist, he performed songs from The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights, bringing fans back to the mixtape days. With a nostalgic backdrop playing childhood footage and early tour clips, Cole reminded everyone why he remains one of the most respected voices in hip-hop.
2. Erykah Badu’s Sonic Soul Healing
Erykah Badu brought the vibe. Dressed in her signature cosmic style, the queen of neo-soul transformed the entire festival into a transcendent experience. Her performance of “On & On” and “Window Seat” had the crowd floating, and when she closed with “Tyrone,” the entire park sang every word like a soulful sermon.
3. Hot Boys Reunion Shuts It Down
Cash Money fans were in for a wild ride when Juvenile, Turk, and B.G. reunited for the first time in over a decade — and yes, Lil Wayne was there to complete the legendary lineup. The crowd lost it when “Back That Azz Up” dropped, and the energy hit another level when they performed “I Need a Hot Girl.” This reunion was pure fire and one for the books.
4. Burna Boy Brings Afro-Fusion Heat
Burna Boy turned Dreamville into a global affair. With his infectious energy, booming vocals, and a full band behind him, he brought the sounds of Lagos to North Carolina. Fans waved flags from across the diaspora as Burna closed out his set with “Last Last” and “Ye,” uniting thousands in a cross-cultural celebration of rhythm and resilience.
5. Summer Walker’s Intimate Set
Summer Walker’s stripped-down set was a breath of fresh air amidst the high-energy performances. With moody lighting and raw vocals, she poured her heart out on songs like “Session 32” and “Playing Games.” The crowd swayed in unison, soaking up the emotional honesty she brought to the stage.
6. JID’s High-Octane Rap Clinic
Dreamville’s own JID reminded everyone that he’s a lyrical beast. His set was a masterclass in flow and delivery. From “Dance Now” to “Surround Sound,” he brought pure adrenaline, bouncing across the stage with unmatched agility and mic control. It was a powerful showcase of the future of hip-hop.
7. Dreamville Family Cypher Finale
To close out the fest, the entire Dreamville roster hit the stage for a massive cypher-style performance. Ari Lennox, EarthGang, Bas, Cozz, and Lute took turns dropping verses, while Cole played hype man and occasional MC. The love and chemistry between them lit up the stage, giving fans that “we’re all in this together” energy that only Dreamville can provide.
Dreamville Fest 2025 wasn’t just a concert — it was a cultural moment. A space where legends met the future, where stories were told through sound, and where fans felt like family.
