Day one of J. Cole's Dreamville Festival in Raleigh is one to remember
The day before J. Cole's Dreamvillle Festival in Raleigh, ticket-holders received a text message citing delays due to inclement weather. Many feared that the two-day festival would be canceled because of the high winds and scattered showers. However, at 3 p.m. Saturday, event staff ushered Dreamers through the gates of Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh.
Seth King was among the relieved concertgoers. The 17-year-old flew from Las Vegas with his mother to see his favorite Dreamville member, Lute. This was King’s first time on the East Coast, so he was experiencing all that North Carolina has to offer like barbecue and crazy weather.
Once the weather cleared, though, it was a day to remember.
The concert vibes were set by Houston native Marqus Clae. By the end of Clae’s set, Dorothea Dix Park began to fill rapidly. Lines began to form in front of the art installations, with one of the most popular being a purple fist with the words “I Am Somebody” written on it.
The merch tent stayed busy, with attendees looking to buy limited edition Dreamville merchandise only available at the festival.
Family atmosphere
The festival itself was reminiscent of a family reunion. Family is an important part of the Dreamville brand.
Dreamville signee Lute said he appreciated that the festival takes place in Raleigh because North Carolina does not have a festival of this magnitude. The 33-year-old musician from Charlotte remembers moving to California, butreturning because he wanted to raise his daughter back home. In addition, he understood the opportunities being created for the local community.
More:Keem Jones: ‘He listened.’ How the Fayetteville rap scene produced J. Cole
Fayetteville ties and community service
Johnny Wilson, executive director of Fayetteville Urban Ministry, has been a part of the festival since its inception. Dreamville Foundation and Fayetteville Urban Ministry have had a partnership that dates back more than adecade.
Just a couple of booths down from Wilson were Grant Bennett and the Two-Six Project. The Two-Six Project partnered with Atlanta-based organization Codehouse, founded by Earnest Holmes, for this year’s festival. Wilson expressed pride in seeing Bennett’s growth because he understands his journey and loves seeing the younger generation learning to serve.
Fayetteville Urban Ministry and Two-Six Project were just a few examples of Dreamville’s commitment to community service. Bars were staffed and run by organizations like Lemons Foundation in exchange for a contribution to their respective causes. As the day continued, festival attendees were able to engage with brands including Google, Bacardi, Patron and Monster Energy.
Backstage, in the Dreamer’s Den, a number of North Carolina creatives showed support for Dreamville, including celebrity barber Vic Blends and comedians Darren Brand and BDaht.
“The Dreamville Festival crowd is like none other,” said Top Dawg Entertainment signee SiR. The Inglewood, California, native said he performed in Raleigh once before while on tour with Miguel. However, he said that the Dreamville Festival crowd is extremely responsive, and he even brought a fan on stage with him to perform beforeclosing his set with D’Evils.
Usher takes fans down memory lane
Just before the headlining set, on-site medics, who were summoned multiple times, were tasked with ensuring the safety of attendees. After all medical issues were addressed, Usher took the stage dressed in a blue ensemble. The R&B singer took older attendees on a trip down memory lane as he performed smash hits including “Yeah,” “Burn” and “U Make Me Wanna.”
On social media, one attendee said that the weather delay reminded him of 2018. The original Dreamville Festival was scheduled to take place on Sept. 15, 2018. However, the festival was postponed until April 2019 because of Hurricane Florence. It seems April is the ideal time for Dreamville Festival.
The weather, food, and vibe perfectly meshed. The expansion from one day to a full weekend has proven to be a success and continues to draw attendance from around the world.
Salute to Cole, Dreamville and every activist getting active. Peace.
Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com.