recap: Dreamville 2023 was lit and a phenomenal success!

J. Cole Dreamville 2023 was lit, it was Phenomenal! If you missed it you missed it!

As one of the largest artist-led festivals in the world, J. Cole and his Dreamville team played host to 100,000 total guests (50k per day) with fans traveling from a record-breaking 23 countries across four continents as well as all 50 U.S., the festival speaks for itself.

The sold-out Dreamville two-day outdoor festival in Raleigh, North Carolina bought some of the current and hottest musical acts in the industry with acclaimed megastars J. Cole, Usher, and Drake, headlining.

The festival was an extraordinary success even with a few hours of a weather delay on opening day, Dreamville did not disappoint. From the musical acts, and family-friendly activities, site-wide art installations to local vendors across Dorothea Dix Park, there was something for everyone to partake in and enjoy. Positive energy flowed throughout the crowd and festival, making it feel more like one big family reunion bringing together old and new acquaintances from far and wide, all exuding the same exuberance and excitement. And with no overlaps in performances this year, the crowd stayed hyped and engaged.

The electric musicphile crowd eagerly awaited each musical act. The artists brought the heat to the stage wowing with their incredible performances, leaving the crowd wanting more. With icon USHER, performing his first-ever live festival performance of his smash hit “Good Love” with female rap duo City Girls along with a medley of hits, MARIO and Summer Walker’s live announcement of her new upcoming” EP, Clear 2:Soft Life” set to arrive May 19th, and labelmate 6lack to performed with her. Burna Boy, Waka Flaka, J. Cole, Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne, J.I.D. and so many more it was a spectacular exhibition of mega talent and vibrancy of artistry to behold!

The two-day celebration also marked a rare reunion for Dreamville Records as J. Cole brought together the entire music roster to perform at the festival including Ari Lennox, Bas, J.I.D, EarthGang, Cozz, and Omen, plus Lute who hails from nearby Charlotte – nearly all of whom joined J. Cole onstage for Sunday’s grand finale.

Closing out the event in spectacular fashion, J. Cole’s Sunday set featured a never-before-seen collaborative festival concert with special guest Drake, with surprise guest performances from Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, and Lil Uzi Vert. For more Dreamville 2023 festival content click here

Check out our exclusive gallery of scenes, photos, and videos from the event below as we look forward to Dreamville 2024! For more of our coverage click here @thisisrnb.

Special shoutout to Trey@PaintingPictures.co @PaintingPicturesdotco and the team.