After years of putting on for the culture with legendary performances and game-changing moments, J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival is set for its finale, and he’s making sure it goes out with a bang. The lineup for 2025 is jam-packed with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, Erykah Badu, Keyshia Cole, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ludacris, Tems, and more.
Since its inception in 2019, Dreamville Festival has grown into one of hip-hop’s premier music events, drawing fans from all over the country to Raleigh, North Carolina. With J. Cole curating the show, the festival has consistently booked performances that mix mainstream heavyweights with rising stars and key members of his Dreamville Records roster. This final edition will be no exception, featuring an all-star lineup that blends hip-hop royalty, R&B soul, and the new generation of artists.
“Our team looks forward to welcoming fans from around the world to Dreamville Festival this spring for our fifth anniversary celebration. The first weekend in April has grown to become one of our team’s favorite times of the year as an annual NC reunion,” Dreamville Cofounder and Festival President Adam Roy stated in a press release.
Leading the charge is rap icon Lil Wayne, whose influence on the culture is undeniable. With over two decades of chart dominance, Wayne remains one of the most electrifying artists in hip-hop. His catalog, filled with classics like “A Milli,” “Lollipop,” and “Go DJ,” guarantees the crowd will be treated to a masterclass in rap.
21 Savage is another top artist bringing his signature sound and storytelling to the stage. Coming off the success of his 2024 album and his high-profile collaborations with Drake, Savage’s presence at Dreamville’s final run is fitting. Fans can expect him to deliver hits like “A Lot,” “Bank Account,” and “No Heart” with the same intensity that made him a household name.
Dreamville Fest wouldn’t be complete without J. Cole himself. From “No Role Modelz” to “MIDDLE CHILD,” Cole has consistently raised the bar for lyricism in hip-hop, and this final Dreamville appearance will no doubt feel like a homecoming for one of rap’s most respected storytellers.
Veteran R&B artists Erykah Badu and Keyshia Cole will create a soulful atmosphere by gracing the festival. Badu, the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” is expected to mesmerize the crowd with classics like “On & On” and “Tyrone,” while Keyshia Cole’s heart-wrenching ballads like “Love” and “I Should Have Cheated” will provide a dose of raw emotion and nostalgia.
PARTYNEXTDOOR, known for his atmospheric R&B sound, will bring his signature moody vibe with hits like “Come and See Me” and “Recognize.”
Hip-hop veteran Ludacris, a staple in the early 2000s rap scene, will add high-energy classics to the lineup. With iconic tracks like “Stand Up,” “Move Bitch,” and “What’s Your Fantasy,” his performance is set to bring nostalgic hype to the Dreamville stage.
Tems, the Nigerian singer-songwriter who has wowed global music fans, will infuse the festival with her unique Afrobeat-meets-R&B sound. With standout hits like “Free Mind” and her contributions to “Essence” with Wizkid, her set will offer a refreshing experience.
Other notable acts include The Hot Boys, Wale, GloRilla, Coco Jones, and many more, adding even more diversity and star power to the festival lineup.
Of course, the Dreamville roster will be heavily represented, with J.I.D., Ari Lennox, EarthGang, Bas, and Cozz expected to perform.
Last year, Dreamville Festival celebrated its fourth year with 100,000 people from over 20 countries in attendance.
J. Cole hasn’t spoken in depth about why the Dreamville Festival is ending, but one can speculate that he’s shifting his focus to new creative ventures.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here.
