ONE MusicFest 2025 Was a Symphony of Unity in the Heart of Atlanta

Piedmont Park was alive in a way only Atlanta can pull off. That energy didn’t just come from the stage, either — it came from the people, from the way their bodies collectively synced to a shared heartbeat of sound and pride. The 2025 ONE MusicFest proudly displayed that this city is a hub for music — its pulse, its swagger, and its soul.

Boosie brought an undeniable fire, reminding everyone why the controversial rapper still commands attention. Kehlani, despite being under the weather, owned the stage with a pristine performance of her hit single “Folded.” Ray J, Bobby V, and Pleasure P brought back millennial 106 & Park vibes to the P&G Stage, and Wale reminded Atlanta and anyone watching that real bars do, in fact, come from the DMV.

The emotional centerpiece came Saturday evening with a tribute to the late Rico Wade, a founding member of the production group Organized Noize and a cornerstone of the Dungeon Family. Big Boi, Goodie Mob, and Sleepy Brown turned the park into a celebratory testimonial, blending reverence and commemoration. Their set wasn’t just a performance, it was a cathartic salutation to a legendary architect of Atlantean sound. Future — a cousin of Rico — closed out the first night with a legendary performance, showing that Atlanta’s cultural lineage is alive, thriving, and unapologetically bold.

Sunday may have brought clouds and scattered rain, but the festival’s spirit continued to shine through. DJ D-Nice spun a generation-connecting set with special guests Ari Lennox, Carl Thomas, Tweet, and even Uncle Luke, demonstrating how music can create intimacy even across open spaces. In contrast, Leon Thomas was a one-man band, shifting effortlessly between drums, guitar, and vocals throughout his performance. The chart-topping singer’s set served as a reminder that pure musicianship still matters in the digital age.

Jazmine Sullivan delivered a passionate tribute to her late mother, briefly turning Piedmont Park’s chaotic joyousness into a moment of pensive reflection. Doechii asserted herself as the queen of the new school, delivering a swamp-infused production that bridged hip-hop’s history with its future. Lloyd’s set also celebrated legacy, bringing out Jagged Edge and keeping the crowd riding high on nostalgia.

Then came the grand finale: Ludacris celebrating the 25th anniversary of his major label debut album, Back for the First Time. The MusicFest became a time machine, with surprise appearances from Usher, Fergie, Polo the Don, Jeezy, Chingy, Jadakiss, and LL Cool J. The electrifying performances were a living chronicle of Luda’s undeniable impact, with the crowd hanging on every bar.

The ONE MusicFest was more than a weekend of performances; it was a declaration that Atlanta creates, sustains, and elevates culture like no other. Rain or shine, the festival displayed the city’s identity, history, and connection. In Piedmont Park, it was clear: Atlanta doesn’t follow the beat, it is the beat.

Check out Okayplayer's exclusive coverage of the ONE MusicFest, below.