What Is Dreamville Festival?
Dreamville Festival isn’t just a music event—it’s a full-circle celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Founded by Grammy-nominated rapper and Fayetteville native J. Cole, the festival was born out of a desire to create something bigger than music: a space where fans from all walks of life could gather, connect, and feel seen.
Held in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dreamville Festival reflects the soul of Cole’s Dreamville brand—authentic, thoughtful, and rooted in storytelling. It brings together artists across genres, from hip-hop and R&B to soul and Afrobeats, blending rising stars with legends to create something truly unique. But more than just a lineup, Dreamville is about energy—the kind you feel when thousands of voices sing in unison, when artists speak truth to a crowd that really listens.
With its focus on inclusivity, Black excellence, and artistic freedom, Dreamville Festival has become a safe space for expression and healing. It’s not just a show—it’s a movement. A weekend where art, love, and legacy meet under open skies.
J COLE
Who Is J. Cole?
J. Cole isn’t just one of the most respected names in hip-hop—he’s a symbol of growth, purpose, and staying true to your roots. Born Jermaine Cole in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole rose from a small Southern city to global fame without ever losing the voice of the kid who dreamed bigger than his surroundings.
He broke through in the early 2010s under Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, but it wasn’t just his cosign that set him apart—it was the honesty. With albums like 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Born Sinner, and The Off-Season, Cole carved out a lane built on introspection, storytelling, and a refusal to chase trends. He didn’t need gimmicks—he gave you bars, truth, and vision.
J. Cole changed the game by proving you could be lyrical and mainstream, conscious and chart-topping. In an industry that often rewards flash over substance, Cole stood still, thought deeper, and built something lasting.
And he never forgot where he came from. From giving back to Fayetteville to founding Dreamville Records and the Dreamville Festival, he’s used his platform to elevate others, building a space where community, culture, and creativity thrive.
Cole’s legacy isn’t just about music—it’s about message. He showed that success means more when it’s rooted in something real.
When J. Cole stepped on stage, the energy shifted—it felt spiritual. The lights hit, the crowd roared, and for a moment, it was like time paused. Seeing one of the greatest to ever touch a mic, live and in his element, was nothing short of surreal.
This wasn’t just a performance—it was a reminder of why Cole is who he is. Every lyric hit different. You could feel his words in your chest, like he was telling your own story back to you. It was raw. Real. Personal.
Watching him command the stage, calm but powerful, you realized you were witnessing something bigger than music. You were standing in the presence of legacy—a once-in-a-generation artist who never sold out, never switched up, just kept growing.
For those of us who’ve grown up with his words in our ears, this moment felt like a full circle. J. Cole wasn’t just performing—he was pouring his heart out, and we were right there with him.
TEMS
Who Is Tems?
Tems—born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria—isn’t just a rising star; she’s a transformative force in global music. In a male-dominated Afrobeats industry, Tems carved out her own sound—soulful, moody, vulnerable—and changed the narrative of what African women could be in music.
She didn’t come into the scene chasing trends or fame. She came with purpose. Her breakout song “Try Me” was a bold declaration of independence, raw emotion, and power. And from there, she never looked back. Her voice—a smoky, aching instrument—cut through the noise, reaching hearts around the world.
Tems helped redefine the global image of Nigerian music. She bridged the gap between Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, creating a sound that feels both intimate and universal. Whether it's her Grammy-winning work on Future’s “Wait For U”, her haunting feature on Wizkid’s “Essence”, or her own deeply personal EPs, Tems brought emotion to the forefront—soft, strong, and unapologetically real.
In doing so, she’s not just opened doors—she’s built a whole new room for young African women to step into their artistry without compromise. Tems didn’t just change the game—she’s playing her own.
Tems at Dreamville Fest 2025
Tems delivered one of the most breathtaking sets of the weekend. Her voice was smooth, soulful, and effortless—captivating the entire crowd from the moment she stepped on stage. She moved with grace, letting every lyric sink in, and the emotion she poured into songs like “Free Mind” and “Essence” was undeniable. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a reminder of why she’s one of the most powerful voices in music right now.
JID
JID AND ABSOUL
On Day 1 of Dreamville Fest, JID shocked the crowd by crashing Ab-Soul’s set to perform their collaboration 'Crazier.' After Ab-Soul’s emotional return to the stage, the energy exploded when JID pulled up unannounced. Together, they delivered a high-octane performance that had the entire festival crowd roaring — a true highlight of the night.
PARTYNEXTDOOR
partynEXTDOOR lit up the stage at Dreamville Fest, taking fans on a journey through his classic hits like 'Come and See Me' and 'Break from Toronto.' He didn’t stop there—he blessed the crowd with new music from his upcoming project Some $exy $ongs 4 U, giving everyone a taste of what’s next. The vibes were unmatched as PND reminded everyone why he’s one of the smoothest in the game.
BigXthaPlug had Dreamville Fest jumping — pure energy, no brakes, straight Texas heat!
