BY TER STAFF

The annual Dreamville Festival, orchestrated by none other than hip-hop mogul J. Cole, once again took over Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park this past weekend, delivering a powerhouse of performances that dazzled the sold-out crowd. The event not only provided an incredible showcase of talent across the hip-hop and R&B spectrum but also proved to be a significant boon for the local economy, generating an estimated $145 million impact.

Friday Highlights

Friday’s lineup was a roller coaster of high-energy sets and soulful melodies. The festival kicked off with performances from Sexyy Red and Jeremih, each setting the bar high with their unique styles. Lil Yachty then took the stage, infusing the park with his signature vibrant energy. Schoolboy Q and J.I.D amped up the crowd with their sharp lyrical skills, paving the way for the evening’s headliners.

50 Cent, stepping in for Chris Brown, delivered a memorable performance filled with hits that reminded fans why he’s a legend in the game. Closing out the night, SZA enchanted the audience with her mesmerizing voice and heartfelt songs, leaving everyone spellbound under the Raleigh night sky.

Saturday Standouts

Saturday continued the momentum with another stellar set of performances. Key Glock returned to Dreamville with a dynamic set, making up for last year’s missed performance. The day continued with powerful acts from Bas and Monica, who brought a mix of lyrical depth and soul-stirring vocals to the enthusiastic crowd. Rae Sremmurd and Jeezy kept the energy high, each delivering crowd-pleasers that had fans dancing and singing along.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Nicki Minaj, who dominated the stage with her formidable presence and a slew of hits that showcased her versatility and dominance in the rap industry. Her set was a high point of the festival, reaffirming her status as one of the most influential figures in music.

J. Cole’s Epic Finale

The festival reached its zenith with J. Cole’s headlining performance on Saturday night. Coming off the release of his latest album “Might Delete Later,” which had a record-breaking 29 million streams on its first day, Cole’s set was particularly poignant. Notably, his song “7 Minute Drill” captured the audience’s attention, serving as a sharp retort to Kendrick Lamar’s recent lyrical challenge.

Cole’s performance was not just a musical showcase but a statement piece, reflecting his deep roots in the narrative of hip-hop and his evolution as an artist.

More Than Music

Beyond the music, Dreamville 2024 was an immersive cultural experience. With no significant schedule conflicts between the two stages, festival-goers enjoyed a seamless flow of music throughout the two days. The festival also featured a variety of food offerings from local and national vendors, representing the best of culinary delights. Additionally, installations from local artists added a visual component to the festival, creating a holistic experience that celebrated not only music but also the vibrant arts scene in Raleigh.

As Dreamville Festival 2024 concludes, it leaves behind memories of spectacular performances and the palpable impact it had on the local economy and cultural landscape. This event has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the Raleigh community and the global music scene, eagerly anticipated by fans and artists alike each year.

Check out our photos from Dreamville 2024 below.

Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration