J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival Has Always Kept It In The Family

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J. Cole, JID, and Ari Lennox_dreamville(1024x450)
Getty Image/Merle Cooper

Last year, I called Tyler The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw the best music festival in today’s market. In two reviews running, I wrote that the Los Angeles-based fest set the standard by focusing on fan experience, highlighting local music, food, and overall vibes, and maintaining a close-knit feel among the artists on stage.

So it makes sense that one of the few other festivals hitting all those high points would be another artist-owned and curated festival, J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival. Now in its fifth and final year, Dreamville Festival has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the best-in-class festivals around, and with its end, it’s leaving behind a void that few other festivals can fill. It also leaves behind a blueprint for other mid-size festivals to follow, and perhaps its success can be duplicated in the future by other artist-fronted festivals.

The number-one tenet of Dreamville’s success over the past year is baked into the concept. Unlike other artist-owned festivals or hip-hop festivals that rely on organizing principles like a sound or an era, Dreamville is based around the stable of artists on J. Cole’s label, Dreamville Records. Since the label already includes an array of artists with different but thematically similar sounds and overlapping fanbases, Cole has already created a draw that makes the price of admission much more appealing.

Think about a wide-ranging lineup for a festival like Coachella. For a casual fan, maybe only the top line artists are interesting enough to warrant a ticket, so if the headliners don’t appeal, the surrounding experience might not feel worth it. For a hip-hop-oriented event like Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash, the diversity of sounds on the lineup could draw a wider range of fans — or, a fan of, say, Saba would simply not find it worth the price since there aren’t too many other acts of his ilk on the flyer.

With Dreamville, the odds of a J. Cole fan also enjoying a frequent collaborator like Ari Lennox or Bas is higher. Likewise, the lesser-known artists like Cozz or Lute get the halo effect of sharing certain stylistic aesthetics with JID or Earthgang. The “family-first” concept ensures that there’s a solid enough foundation to build on that there’s always been a core of “day-one” fans willing to buy-in on the strength of the brand name before any glitzy stars are added to the bill. This is similar to Flog Gnaw, in that many of Tyler’s Odd Future cohorts are practically guaranteed to show up.

When those big names are booked, though, there’s a relatively easy to grasp throughline: These are Cole’s faves, his friends, and his extended family. Bold-print names like Big Sean and 21 Savage from the first year were folks Cole shares multiple or recent songs with. Likewise, Drake’s appearance in 2023 presaged the two blog-era faves’ eventual joint tour — which really was a good idea before Drake decided to take shots at you-know-who on “First Person Shooter.”

Older acts like Lil Wayne, Nelly, and Usher are clear influences on J. Cole, and were the top names in the game as he rose through the ranks. It makes sense some of his biggest fans would also look up to those artists. This is family-first, extended to include older branches and roots of the family tree that spawned Cole and his Dreamville compatriots, as well as musical “cousins” like SZA and Summer Walker, Ari Lennox’s fellow descendants of Erykah Badu — who is, fittingly, also performing at this year’s final festival.

Even the food options at the festival each year put more focus on local businesses from J. Cole’s home state, North Carolina. The upcoming final festival boasts a 30% increase in vendors, with over 76 local eateries offering everything from barbecue (the state’s signature) to Filipino finger foods. It’s clear that care and intention was put into every aspect of the festival experience, all with keeping the theme of family and community at the forefront of the festival’s strategy. With this year’s food lineup growing and the music lineup coming full circle, Dreamville Festival is going out with a bang. Hopefully, any new fests that crop up to fill the space will take its family-first outlook to heart.



source https://uproxx.com/music/j-cole-dreamville-festival-kept-it-in-the-family/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.