Top

RECAP: ONE Musicfest: ‘A Love Letter To Atlanta’ Celebrating Rico Wade and 25 Years Of Ludacris.

Some of the Biggest Stars Performed, including Headliners and Other Performers Such as Future, Doechii, and The Roots with Busta Rhymes, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Mary J Blige, Usher, Fergie, Kehlani, The Clipse, Jeezy, Jazmine Sullivan, The Dungeon Family including Big Boi of Outkast, Goodie Mobb, and Killer Mike, Leon Thomas, Wale, Jadakiss, and More!!

Notable Attendees included Tyler the Creator, and Actor Anthony Mackie, Among Others.

This past weekend, ONE Musicfest, presented by P&G, once again transformed Piedmont Park into a vibrant epicenter of sound, soul, and celebration — uniting music lovers from across the country for two unforgettable days of performances, tributes, and cultural pride. Despite Sunday’s rain, the crowd’s energy never wavered, proving that ONE Musicfest’s spirit is truly unstoppable.

DAY ONE — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

Saturday kicked off with an electric mix of legacy, lyricism, and live instrumentation that set the tone for an iconic weekend. The OMF Stage closed with a powerhouse lineup led by The Roots, joined by Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, and Havoc of Mobb Deep — creating one of the most historic moments in ONE Musicfest history.

The Roots delivered a high-energy, deeply musical set that showcased why they remain one of the most respected live bands in hip-hop. The night reached peak emotion when Mary J. Blige took the stage — performing “What’s the 411?” backed by the band, as Black Thought dropped in for a verse that made the crowd roar. The collaboration was pure magic, blending R&B royalty and hip-hop mastery into one unforgettable finale.

Before The Roots closed out the night, Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star brought unmatched showmanship and lyrical precision. Their performance, supported by The Roots’ live instrumentation, was a reminder of what true stage command looks like. Havoc of Mobb Deep then took fans on a journey back to the golden era of New York hip-hop — gritty, real, and timeless.

Earlier in the evening, the Dungeon Family Reunion turned the P&G Stage into a southern celebration of legacy. The Dungeon Family, a collective of influential hip-hop artists including Big Boi, Sleepy Brown, Goodie Mobb, and Killer Mike, brought generations together with timeless hits like “The Way You Move” and “Cell Therapy.” This reunion, a rare and special event, was a testament to the enduring impact of the Dungeon Family’s music on the hip-hop genre.

The reunion culminated in a heartfelt tribute to the late Rico Wade, the legendary architect of the Dungeon Family sound. In partnership with Hennessy, ONE Musicfest presented the inaugural Rico Wade Vanguard Award to Grammy-winning producer 30 Roc (“The Box” by Roddy Rich, and “King’s Dead” by Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake). This award, a symbol of innovation and excellence in music production, was presented by Rico Wade’s sons Rico II and Ryder, alongside Atlanta’s own Greg Street, underscoring the festival’s commitment to honoring and promoting talent in the music industry.

Following the tribute, Future — Wade’s cousin and proud Dungeon Family descendant — took the stage for a breathtaking set that fans immediately hailed as “one of the best performances in OMF history.” His show honored Rico’s legacy while celebrating the 10th anniversary of Dirty Sprite 2, complete with fireworks, flames, and an ATL skyline projection that symbolized a full-circle family moment.

 

Future by Tokio Pete for ONE Musicfest

Dungeon Family by Alive Coverage for ONE Musicfest

Black Thought & Havoc of Mobb Deep by Jamece Hall for ONE Musicfest

 

Other Highlights from Day One

• Wale lit up the stage with his D.C. go-go rhythms and unmatched charm.

• Ray J brought the crowd to life, stepping off stage to personally connect with fans.

• Kehlani captivated the crowd as her loyal fans sang along with every lyric in perfect harmony.

 

DAY TWO — SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26

If Saturday was about legacy, Sunday was about endurance, community, and pure joy. Even as the rain fell, the crowd refused to back down — dancing through every drop, a testament to their resilience and the unifying power of music.

Headlining the OMF Stage, Doechii brought her signature boldness and artistry to life with a 45-minute set that was equal parts theatrical and thrilling. Opening with “Nosebleeds,” she immediately ignited the crowd, commanding the stage with her powerhouse vocals and avant-garde presence. She closed with “Denial Is a River,” the Grammy-winning song that skyrocketed her career, sealing her status as one of this generation’s most exciting live performers.

Closing out the P&G Stage, Ludacris celebrated 25 years since his debut Back for the First Time with a cinematic and star-studded “Ludacris & Friends” performance. The set opened with an Atlanta-narrated visual montage, followed by hit after hit — “Move B**h,”* “Stand Up,” “How Low,” and “One Minute Man.”

The surprise guests made it legendary:

• Jermaine Dupri, opening with “Welcome to Atlanta”

• Fergie, performing “Glamorous” in her first live performance in seven years

• Jadakiss, Jeezy, Chingy, Shawnna, and Bobby V bringing classic heat

• Usher, joining for “Lovers & Friends” and “Yeah!”

• And LL Cool J, closing the night with “Loungin (Who Do You Love)” — sealing the weekend with pure hip-hop royalty

The set ended with a stunning 300-drone light show forming the ATL skyline above the crowd, creating an image of unity that defined the weekend.

More Day Two Highlights

• Leon Thomas wowed fans with his multi-instrumental brilliance — playing guitar, drums, and performing alongside Wale for their hit “Feelings on Silent.”           

• Jazmine Sullivan delivered an emotional, rain-soaked performance that brought tears and togetherness as she honored her late mother on her birthday. When Ari Lennox joined her for “On It,” it became one of the festival’s most memorable moments.

• D-Nice turned his set into a high-energy block party, keeping the dance floor moving nonstop with performances from Ari Lennox, Case, Carl Thomas, and Tweet.

 

Usher & Ludacris by Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest

Ludacris & Jeezy by Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest

Doechii by Alive Coverage for ONE Musicfest

Tyler The Creator by Tokio Pete for ONE Musicfest

 

Among those spotted enjoying the festival were special guests Tyler the Creator and Anthony Mackie, star of Captain America, both taking in the performances and celebrating the culture that Atlanta built.

Founder J. Carter described this year’s festival as “a love letter to Atlanta.” From the Rico Wade Vanguard Award to Ludacris’ hometown tribute, ONE Musicfest 2025 embodied the city’s legacy — celebrating where Atlanta has been and where it’s headed next.

Even in the rain, the message was clear: Atlanta doesn’t just make music — it makes history.

 

 

Share