Dreamville Festival made an epic return to its loyal fans in Raleigh, North Carolina, over the weekend. The event gave us feelings of everything from nostalgia from albums that jump-started these native artists’ ability to unapologetically take over the rap and R&B game to endearing love in the air for some of the hottest tracks that are the soundtracks to our lives today.

Over 100,000 fans grabbed their crews and traveled across the globe to gather April 1-2 with their picnic blankets at Dreamville’s signature outdoor location, Dorothea Dix Park, to experience a weekend immersed in local culture, food and art, as well as performances.

Day One: Saturday

Saturday was only the beginning as fans began to hype their energy up for this year’s massive lineup. Usher, multiplatinum R&B global superstar, headlined the first day, featuring additional performances by Sean Paul, Lil Durk, City Girls, Ari Lennox, EARTHGANG, Jessie Reyez and Key Glock.

@rapdailyco Usher pranked the whole crowd at @dreamville festival. 😂 #usher #beyonce #rnb #rap #hiphop ♬ original sound – Rap Daily

Usher also revealed that he had a special surprise for the audience and said that Beyoncé would be making a guest appearance on stage. The crowd was split emotionally between laughter and heartbreaking disappointment, only to realize that Usher pulled one of the most top-tier April fools’ pranks on the audience of all time.

However, the crowd’s energy rose again once he brought the City Girls on the stage to bring their 3005 flair to North Carolina as they performed “Good Love.”

Day Two: Sunday

On Sunday, festival attendees linked up to return to our roots with afrobeat jams performed by one of the world’s greatest multinational superstars, Burna Boy, and carefully selected singles by artists such as Summer Walker, Waka Flocka Flame, J.I.D, Bas and Mario.

During her sultry performance, Summer Walker was sure to let her fans be the first to know that she will be releasing her new project on May 19, entitled CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP.

@okayplayer_ Summer Walker is GLOWING at #DreamVilleFest! We just love to see it Excited for new music? She announced her new project “CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP” will be dropping on 5/19!!! #okayplayer #summerwalker #newmusic #rnbmusic #dreamville #raleighnc #okp ♬ original sound – Okayplayer

On the main stage, the Dreamville squad — J. Cole, J.I.D, EARTHGANG, Bas, Cozz, Omen, Lute and Shea butter queen Ari Lennox present in spirit came together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Dreamville Records.

As promised, J. Cole handed off the stage to Drake, showing appreciation for all the artists he collaborated with and believed in his dreams. As he exited the stage with “Love Yourz,” Cole expressed his gratitude for being able to curate an authentic night of everyone rocking side to side and holding onto their loved ones.

Drake kept us on our feet and in our bags, bringing out all the legends from Lil Wayne, and 21 Savage. You know we were ready to rock when Lil Uzi Vert hit the stage. Just when we thought the night couldn’t come with any more surprises, Drake brought out GloRilla. She set the stage ablaze with her contagious Memphis energy and women empowerment vibes.

@rapdailyco Drake brought out Lil Uzi Vert at Dreamville Fest and went crazy. 😤 #liluzivert #drake #dreamvillefest #rap #hiphop ♬ Just Wanna Rock – Lil Uzi Vert

To close out the festival, Drake and the crowd showed J.Cole their appreciation for creating a space and paving the way for all the artists to showcase their niche genres of music authentically and for always making every person in the crowd feel seen and heard. Everyone began to sing Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” as J. Cole took in all the goosebumps from what will be a core memory for all attendees.

@rapdailyco Drake had the crowd sing Whitney Houston to J. Cole in the closing minutes of Dreamville Fest. 🥲 #drake #jcole #dreamville #rap #hiphop ♬ original sound – Rap Daily

If you missed the adrenaline-filled weekend or want to hear some of your favorite songs, you can watch the performances on Amazon Prime Video.

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