J. Cole capped off the final Dreamville Competition underneath its authentic identify by bringing out Erykah Badu on Sunday night time (April 6) in Raleigh for a shock soulful efficiency of “Too Deep for the Intro.”
The music samples Badu’s 2000 observe “Didn’t Cha Know” from her Mama’s Gun album.
J. COLE
ERYKAH BADUTOO DEEP FOR THE INTRO
🚨LIVE AT DREAMVILLE FEST🚨
▫️First time EVER carried out collectively pic.twitter.com/px541krT90
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) April 7, 2025
The second unfolded on a stage designed to resemble Cole’s former Queens residence, identified affectionately as “Mohammad’s Crib,” including a private contact to the pageant’s emotional finale.
The second everybody’s been ready for! 🙌🏽 @JColeNC opened up his remaining @dreamvillefest efficiency with a stage set to duplicate his room at Mohammed’s residence — his previous landlord and the primary individual to essentially consider in his music. 🥹#DreamvilleFest #dreamville #jcole pic.twitter.com/fhu58NebEG
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) April 7, 2025
Held at Dorothea Dix Park on April 5-6, the fifth and remaining Dreamville Competition drew tens of hundreds of attendees.
The 2-day occasion featured a stacked lineup, with Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, and Keyshia Cole headlining Saturday.
The pageant’s invoice included performances from Tems, GloRilla, J.I.D., Wale, Coco Jones, EarthGang, BigXthaPlug and Ari Lennox earlier than Cole and Badu closed the present.
Keyshia Cole marked the twentieth anniversary of her debut album, The Means It Is, whereas Lil Wayne reunited with the Scorching Boys and Massive Tymers for a uncommon set.
Though this was the final pageant underneath the Dreamville identify, organizers confirmed the occasion will return in 2026 underneath a brand new model.
J. Cole Addresses Future Of Dreamville Competition
J. Cole addressed the upcoming adjustments throughout his set.
“We stated that is the final Dreamville Competition,” Cole informed the group. “I’m simply holding it 100 with y’all; that s### be lots.”
He confirmed, “This pageant will exist,” earlier than including the Dreamville identify could also be gone, however the “household reunion” really feel will proceed.
J. Cole addressing the top of Dreamville Fest pic.twitter.com/5eSUiKvyOi
— Staff DREAMVILLE (@TeamDreamville) April 7, 2025
Town of Raleigh has signed a multi-year settlement to maintain the pageant at Dorothea Dix Park for not less than 4 extra years.
The brand new model is anticipated to remain true to its Hip-Hop roots and keep the community-driven really feel that has outlined Dreamville since its launch.
Cole’s longtime supervisor, Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad, stated the aim is to protect the pageant’s spirit, describing it as a “household reunion” that unites folks from world wide.
J. Cole will proceed to be concerned behind the scenes, although it’s unclear how usually he’ll take the stage shifting ahead.
