By AMPS Magazine Staff
ATLANTA, GA — October 28, 2025
If you weren’t at ONE Musicfest 2025, you didn’t just miss a concert — you missed a movement. This year, Piedmont Park became more than a venue. It transformed into a living, breathing celebration of Black music, culture, and community — a two-day experience that reminded everyone why Atlanta is the heartbeat of hip-hop and soul.
Presented by P&G, the festival drew tens of thousands from across the nation who came to witness living legends, rising stars, and surprise guests light up the stage. Despite the rain that tried to dampen spirits on Sunday, nothing — and we mean nothing — could stop the energy, love, and history being made.
DAY ONE — Legacy Meets Lyrical Greatness
From the moment the gates opened Saturday morning, the energy in Piedmont Park was electric. Fans in vintage tour tees, festival fits, and Atlanta pride gear poured in early, buzzing with anticipation. By the time the sun began to dip, that anticipation turned into awe.
The OMF Stage lineup was stacked with icons — The Roots, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, and Havoc of Mobb Deep — a dream combination that delivered one of the most unforgettable nights in festival history.
The Roots, as always, brought unmatched musical mastery — live instrumentation, precision, and pure soul. They turned their set into a jam session for the ages, blending hip-hop, funk, and jazz into a sonic experience that vibrated through the crowd. Then came the night’s emotional peak: Mary J. Blige stepping out in a dazzling silver ensemble, commanding the stage with her timeless voice. When she performed “What’s the 411?” backed by The Roots and joined by Black Thought for a surprise verse, the park erupted. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment — raw, nostalgic, and pure magic.
But before that show-stopping finale, Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star had already set the crowd ablaze with a masterclass in showmanship. Their energy, precision, and chemistry were magnetic — proof that real hip-hop never ages. Then, Havoc of Mobb Deep took the audience back to the gritty golden era of New York rap, giving fans goosebumps with every beat and bar.
Meanwhile, over on the P&G Stage, Atlanta’s roots ran deep — literally. The Dungeon Family Reunion became a southern homecoming like no other. Big Boi, Sleepy Brown, Goodie Mobb, and Killer Mike turned back time with anthems like “The Way You Move” and “Cell Therapy.” Their performance was more than music; it was a tribute to Atlanta’s legacy, culture, and innovation.
Then came a moment that had everyone in tears — the tribute to the late Rico Wade, the architect of the Dungeon Family sound and a cornerstone of Atlanta music. In his honor, ONE Musicfest and Hennessy presented the inaugural Rico Wade Vanguard Award to Grammy-winning producer 30 Roc (“The Box” by Roddy Ricch, “King’s Dead” by Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake). The award was presented by Wade’s sons, Rico II and Ryder, alongside Atlanta legend Greg Street, in a heartfelt moment that symbolized the continuation of a legacy.
Moments later, the park shook when Future, Wade’s cousin and one of Atlanta’s most influential stars, took the stage. His set, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Dirty Sprite 2, was nothing short of cinematic — fireworks, flames, and a projection of the Atlanta skyline behind him. Future’s tribute to Rico was emotional yet triumphant, proving that the spirit of the Dungeon Family still drives the sound of today. Fans called it one of the best performances in OMF history — and they weren’t wrong.
Other highlights from Saturday included Wale, whose D.C. go-go rhythms had the crowd bouncing; Ray J, who broke the performer-fan barrier by walking through the crowd mid-song; and Kehlani, who turned her set into a soulful singalong as her loyal fans echoed every lyric.
When the final beat dropped Saturday night, there was no doubt: ONE Musicfest had already cemented itself as one of the most powerful celebrations of music in 2025. But no one could have predicted that Sunday would take things even higher — rain and all.
DAY TWO — When the Music Outlasted the Rain
Sunday morning came with dark clouds, but that didn’t stop the crowd. Ponchos replaced tank tops, umbrellas dotted the park, and yet — the energy never faded. If anything, the rain seemed to amplify the spirit of unity that defines ONE Musicfest.
The day belonged to the dreamers, the dancers, and the die-hards who refused to let weather ruin their vibe. And the artists rewarded that loyalty in a big way.
Doechii, the breakout star and creative powerhouse, brought a performance that defied description. Opening with “Nosebleeds”, she immediately grabbed the audience by the heart and held them captive for 45 minutes. Her choreography, confidence, and raw vocal power turned the OMF Stage into a theater of boldness and artistry. She closed with her Grammy-winning anthem “Denial Is a River,” leaving fans breathless and reaffirming her place as one of this generation’s most electrifying live performers.
Then came a finale that no one could have scripted better — Ludacris’ 25th Anniversary “Ludacris & Friends” Celebration.
From the first note, it was pure Atlanta energy. A cinematic intro narrated by voices of the city rolled into a back-to-back explosion of hits: “Move B**ch,” “Stand Up,” “How Low,” and “One Minute Man.” But it was the friends that took the show from great to legendary.
First up, Jermaine Dupri, who opened with “Welcome to Atlanta,” setting the tone for what felt like a hometown parade. Then came Fergie, stunning in her first live performance in seven years, performing “Glamorous” and reminding everyone why she ruled the charts.
Jadakiss, Jeezy, Chingy, Shawnna, and Bobby V kept the momentum going with nostalgic heat, but when Usher appeared for “Lovers & Friends” and “Yeah!”, the park exploded. Fans screamed, sang, and danced in the rain — the moment was pure joy.
Just when it seemed the night couldn’t go higher, LL Cool J made a surprise entrance, closing the night with “Loungin (Who Do You Love)” — an ode to hip-hop royalty that perfectly summarized the weekend’s energy: respect, love, and longevity.
As Ludacris took his final bow, 300 drones lit up the sky, forming the Atlanta skyline in luminous detail above the crowd. It wasn’t just a finale — it was a love letter to the city that built the culture.
Unforgettable Moments and Unmatched Vibes
Beyond the main stages, ONE Musicfest pulsed with life in every corner. Fans drifted from food vendors serving everything from vegan soul plates to jerk wings, to brand activations from sponsors like Toyota, Hennessy, and Teremana, all celebrating culture in unique ways.
The D-Nice block party was another standout moment — a non-stop dance floor powered by live performances from Ari Lennox, Case, Carl Thomas, and Tweet. It was part concert, part cookout, and entirely electric.
Meanwhile, Leon Thomas stunned audiences with his multi-instrumental brilliance, seamlessly shifting from guitar to drums while performing “Feelings on Silent” with Wale. Later, Jazmine Sullivan delivered one of the most emotionally charged sets of the weekend. Under steady rainfall, she honored her late mother on what would have been her birthday, moving the crowd to tears. When Ari Lennox joined her on “On It,” the park swayed as one — a powerful reminder of why music connects us.
Among the star-studded attendees spotted vibing with fans were Tyler, the Creator and Anthony Mackie, both soaking in the culture that Atlanta built.
More Than a Festival — A Love Letter to Atlanta
As the final chords faded and fans reluctantly began to exit the park, founder J. Carter’s vision rang loud and clear. “This year’s festival,” he said, “is a love letter to Atlanta.”
From the Rico Wade Vanguard Award to Ludacris’ hometown tribute, ONE Musicfest 2025 wasn’t just about music — it was about history, healing, and heritage. It honored where Atlanta has been while celebrating where it’s going.
Even with rain-soaked sneakers and tired feet, fans left smiling, buzzing, and already planning for next year. Because at ONE Musicfest, the message is simple: Atlanta doesn’t just make music — Atlanta makes history.
The Impact Behind the Music
ONE Musicfest isn’t just the nation’s largest Black-owned, open-air music festival — it’s an engine of empowerment. Founded by Jason “J” Carter, OMF brings together over 100,000 diverse fans from across the country each year, pumping more than $61 million in annual economic impact into the community. More than half of its vendors are Black-owned businesses, and over 5,000 people find employment through the event annually.
This year’s success also builds on OMF’s growing national footprint, following the launch of TwoGether Land Festival in Dallas, expanding its mission of unity, empowerment, and cultural pride through music.
If You Missed It — You Missed Magic
For those who weren’t there, no recap, no playlist, no social media clip can truly capture what it felt like to stand in that park — surrounded by music, love, and legacy.
You didn’t just miss performances; you missed moments.
Moments when generations sang together.
When rain couldn’t wash away joy.
When Atlanta showed the world — again — why it’s the capital of culture.
So, if you weren’t at ONE Musicfest 2025, consider this your reminder: next year, don’t just watch it happen. Be there when it does.
Because ONE Musicfest isn’t just a festival.
It’s a feeling — and Atlanta is the only place on Earth where you can feel it this deep.
