J. Cole discussed the future of the festival after surprising the audience at the last Dreamville Fest with a performance by Erykah Badu.
In the grand finale of the event held in Raleigh, J. Cole brought out Erykah Badu for a special performance of "Too Deep for the Intro," which samples Badu's track "Didn't Cha Know" from her album Mama's Gun. The stage was modeled after Cole's old apartment in Queens, known as "Mohammad's Crib," giving a personal touch to the festival's conclusion.
The fifth and final Dreamville Festival at Dorothea Dix Park drew large crowds, featuring headliners such as Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, and Keyshia Cole. The lineup also included performances by various artists like Tems, GloRilla, J.I.D., and Wale.
While confirming the festival will return in 2026 under a new name, Cole assured fans that the event's essence would remain, emphasizing its communal and inclusive vibe. The city of Raleigh has committed to hosting the festival at Dorothea Dix Park for at least four more years, aiming to uphold its Hip-Hop roots and community-driven ethos. Cole's manager, Ibrahim "Ib" Hamad, highlighted the festival's atmosphere as a global "family reunion" that brings people together.