This past weekend, ONE Musicfest, presented by P&G, once again turned Piedmont Park into the heartbeat of Atlanta — a vibrant celebration of sound, soul, and cultural pride that united fans from across the nation.
Despite the Sunday rain, the crowd never lost momentum. Ponchos turned to dance gear, and every beat became proof that the spirit of ONE Musicfest is truly unstoppable.
Saturday: Honoring Legacy
Day One delivered pure magic, blending hip-hop history and musical mastery. The Roots closed the OMF Stage with an unforgettable performance featuring Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, and Havoc of Mobb Deep — a once-in-a-lifetime moment that showcased the power of live instrumentation and collaboration.
When Mary J. Blige performed “What’s the 411?” backed by The Roots and joined by Black Thought, the crowd erupted — a moment that perfectly bridged R&B royalty and hip-hop greatness.
Over on the P&G Stage, the Dungeon Family Reunion reminded everyone why Atlanta remains the capital of Southern hip-hop. Big Boi, Sleepy Brown, Goodie Mobb, and Killer Mike delivered timeless hits like “The Way You Move” and “Cell Therapy,” before paying tribute to the late Rico Wade, the visionary behind their sound.
In partnership with Hennessy, the festival introduced the Rico Wade Vanguard Award, presented by Wade’s sons Rico II and Ryder alongside Greg Street, to Grammy-winning producer 30 Roc (“The Box,” “King’s Dead”). The tribute culminated in a powerhouse performance from Future, Wade’s cousin, who celebrated the 10th anniversary of Dirty Sprite 2 with fireworks, flames, and a projection of the Atlanta skyline — a true full-circle moment for the city.
Sunday: Endurance, Unity & Celebration
If Saturday was about legacy, Sunday was about endurance and community. The rain couldn’t stop the music — or the joy.
Doechii lit up the OMF Stage with a fierce, theatrical 45-minute set, opening with “Nosebleeds” and closing with her Grammy-winning “Denial Is a River.” Her performance was bold, fearless, and unforgettable.
Across the park, Ludacris turned the P&G Stage into a cinematic celebration of Atlanta culture, marking 25 years since Back for the First Time with his “Ludacris & Friends” performance. Surrounded by surprises, he brought out Jermaine Dupri, Fergie, Jadakiss, Jeezy, Usher, LL Cool J, and more — turning the night into a living tribute to hip-hop excellence. The show closed with a breathtaking 300-drone light display forming the ATL skyline above the crowd, symbolizing unity and pride.
Other standout moments included Leon Thomas’ multi-instrumental showcase with Wale, Jazmine Sullivan’s emotional, rain-soaked tribute to her late mother (joined by Ari Lennox for “On It”), and D-Nice turning his set into a full-blown block party with Case, Carl Thomas, and Tweet.
A Weekend to Remember
From timeless tributes to new icons, ONE Musicfest 2025 proved once again that Atlanta doesn’t just host music — it is music. Through rain, rhythm, and resilience, the festival reminded everyone why it remains one of the most important cultural celebrations in the country.
Cover by: Trellini Lunsford Photos by: Zorrae Tomlin and Thaddaeus McAdams
