Behind the Curtains at Dreamville Fest 2025: Unique Portraits of This Year’s Artists

The Dreamville Festival hosted by J. Cole made its way back to Raleigh, North Carolina, for its fifth — and seemingly last, at least for now — iteration under the Dreamville name on April 5-6. Taking place at Dorothea Dix Park, the festival, which was sold out, attracted over 50,000 attendees who braved the intense heat for a weekend packed with hip-hop, R&B, and unforgettable experiences. (Check out some of our favorite highlights from the unforgettable festival weekend here.)

From colossal photo ops to an array of food vendors and unique pop-up shops, the Dreamville Fest 2025 experience transcended a mere music event — it turned into a vibrant cultural celebration. This year’s lineup included both legendary artists and up-and-comers, with Lil Wayne (alongside Hot Boys and Big Tymers), 21 Savage, and Ari Lennox performing on Saturday (April 5), while Coco Jones, GloRilla, Wale, and J. Cole took the stage on Sunday (April 6). Other performers included Tems, PartyNextDoor, Erykah Badu, Ludacris, Keyshia Cole, BigXThaPlug, J.I.D, Ab-Soul, Lute, Chief Keef, Omen, Young Nudy, Anycia, EARTHGANG, Bas, Cozz, Akia, and Kai Ca$h & Niko Brim.

Although the Dreamville Festival as we’ve known it has concluded, a similar event is set to carry on under the management of the city of Raleigh. J. Cole ensured that fans received a fitting farewell by performing hits from his catalog such as “No Role Modelz,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Lights Please,” and “Lost Ones.” As fireworks lit up the night sky for the final time, he wrapped up his performance — and the Dreamville Fest — with “Farewell.”

Billboard secured exclusive behind-the-scenes captures of some performers from this year, photographed on the Leica Q3. Below are intimate portraits featuring Dreamville artists Coco Jones, Wale, Ab-Soul, Lute, Chief Keef, Omen, EARTHGANG, and Cozz.

• Source: NEWHD MEDIA