THE LAST DANCE OF A DYNASTY: UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES FROM DREAMVILLE FESTIVAL 2025

As the sun set on the final installment of the Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, it became clear that this wasn’t just another music event–it was a vibrant closing chapter in a cultural movement that defined an era. Over two magical days at Dorothea Dix Park, April 6th and 7th, Dreamville Fest 2025 pulled no punches in delivering emotion-packed performances, surprise guests, and sonic storytelling that will remain etched in the hearts of attendees forever.

The  event was a full-bodied celebration of hip-hop, R&B, nostalgia, and cultural excellence and it boasted a lineup that was as generationally diverse as it was sonically adventurous. But while the festival was packed with remarkable performances, there were a few that completely stole the show and etched themselves into Dreamville history. 

TEMS

From the moment Tems stepped onto the stage, there was a shift in the atmosphere. Radiating calm confidence, the Nigerian musical maestro captivated the Dreamville crowd with a performance that was equal parts ethereal and emotional. With ease, Tems took her listeners on a beautiful sonic trip that included songs from all her official projects–a thoughtful curation that highlighted her evolution as an artist.

She opened with “Damages“, immediately pulling the audience into her world with its smooth, defiant tone. From there, she swayed into “Crazy Tings” and then “Higher,” the latter sending chills down the spines of even the most stoic attendees. She channeled a mischievous, playfulness during “Wickedest” and seamlessly sang Brent Faiyaz’s parts on “Found,” flexing her vocal versatility.

Tems turned up the heat with “Turn Me Up,” before melting hearts with a tender  rendition of “Love Me Jeje.” Her performance of “Me & U” was a touching and emotionally poignant experience, reducing parts of the crowd to visible tears.

Then came a defining moment of the weekend: J. Cole himself emerged on stage to perform “Free Fall” alongside Tems–a joint effort from her acclaimed debut album, Born In The Wild. Their chemistry was electric, and the performance felt like a coronation of Tems as one of R&B’s brightest stars.

She closed her set with “Essence” and “Burning,” turning the crowd into a wave of swaying hands and singing voices and leaving them euphoric from the cathartic release they had just found.

LIL WAYNE 

If there was ever a time capsule moment at Dreamville 2025, it belonged to Lil Wayne, Hot Boys (Juvenile, Turk, B.G.), and Big Tymers (Mannie Fresh and Birdman) — a reunion that brought raw energy, nostalgia, and Southern grit to the festival’s second night.

The set was a tribute to the raucous era of 2000s Southern hip-hop, igniting the crowd with undeniable classics like “Back That Azz Up” and “Real Big.” The chemistry between the NOLA legends was palpable, their collective presence commanding multiple generations of fans who knew every word, every beat, every bounce.

Juvenile’s energy was particularly infectious, setting the pace with his unfiltered charisma. Lil Wayne, sharp and relentless as always, opened his solo stretch with “Mr. Carter” and took the audience on a whirlwind tour through his expansive catalog. “I’m Goin In,” “Let the Beat Build,” “Uproar,” “Money on My Mind,” and “Best Rapper Alive” all made the cut.

He still took moments to appeal to the ladies with “Mrs. Officer” and indulged his pop-leaning fans with “Lollipop,” but Wayne’s focus was clear–this was about legacy, about showing why he’s been one of the most influential rappers of the past two decades. The result? A set bursting with grit, passion and authenticity–a pure rap master piece.

ERYKAH BADU

There’s something spellbinding about an Erykah Badu performance, and her Dreamville set was no exception as she rolled effortlessly through her expansive catalogue. Opening with “The Healer,” she immediately cast her hypnotic aura over the crowd, blurring the lines between performance and ritual.

Backed by the most cohesive, technically proficient band of the entire weekend, Badu glided through a mix of hits and deep cuts. She saved “Window Seat” and “Tyrone” for the grand finale, sending waves of joy and nostalgia through the crowd–particularly the scores of women who sang along to every word like scripture.

Her presence wasn’t just commanding–it was transcendent, reminding everyone why she’s considered a high priestess of neo-soul.

J. COLE

The festival’s final performance belonged to J. Cole, Dreamville’s founder and North Carolina’s own, who treated his headlining slot as both a celebration and a farewell. Starting from the very bottom, he began with 2007’s “Rags to Riches (At the Beep)” a Roy Ayers-sampling throwback. 

From the aching sincerity of “Lost Ones” to the crowd-assisted energy of “Wet Dreamz,” “Deja Vu,” and “Kevin’s Heart,” Cole’s set painted a picture of growth, vulnerability, and the struggles that shaped him. The performance space, styled like his room in his former landlord’s apartment, served as a visual metaphor for his journey. He even brought Erykah Badu back out for a surprise duet of “Too Deep for the Intro,” much to the delight of fans.

One of the most emotional moments came as Cole performed “Clouds,” his latest single, over the beat of “A Star Is Born,” giving fans a glimpse into his present mindset. And then came the perfect close–”Farewell” from his Friday Night Lights mixtape, a raw and introspective outro that reminded everyone just how far he’s come, and how much he’s meant to the culture.

There will never be another Dreamville Fest. And maybe that’s the point. Like all great things, it bowed out at its peak–leaving behind memories soaked in music, laughter, sweat, and tears. It was a last dance under a banner that helped redefine what a hip-hop festival could be. Fans didn’t just witness history–they lived it, screamed through it, cried through it. And oh, what a beautiful memory it was.

The lineup wasn’t just a lineup either. It was a manifesto. A love letter to fans. A space where legends and newcomers met on equal footing. And above all, it was a celebration of everything Dreamville stood for: authenticity, artistry, and community.

For those lucky enough to witness it, Dreamville Fest 2025 wasn’t the end. It was an eternal moment suspended in time. One last dream. Forever alive.