Inside Dreamville Festival: A Global Celebration Returns to North Carolina

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

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Dreamville Festival, the brainchild of hip-hop icon J. Cole and his powerhouse label Dreamville, is gearing up for another epic year. Set to take over Raleigh’s scenic Dorothea Dix Park on April 5-6, 2025, the festival has become a defining moment in the music calendar, blending incredible performances with a celebration of culture and community.

After breaking records in 2024 with 100,000 attendees from across the United States and beyond, Dreamville Festival is primed to surpass expectations yet again. Presale tickets go live on December 11 at 9 a.m. EST, offering General Admission (GA), GA+, and VIP options. Early buyers can lock in the best rates, as prices are expected to climb closer to the event. If presales sell out, general ticket sales will follow.

This isn’t just another music festival; it’s an immersive experience. From live art installations and local food vendors to Dreamville’s iconic Ferris wheel—where attendees can take in breathtaking views of Raleigh’s skyline—every detail reflects a thoughtful curation of music, art, and community. The festival also shines a light on meaningful causes, with proceeds supporting the Dreamville Foundation and Dix Park Conservancy.

Dreamville Festival has become synonymous with economic and cultural impact. With an annual contribution of $145 million to Wake County’s economy, the event not only entertains but also bolsters local businesses and nonprofits. Vendors, artisans, and muralists transform the park into a vibrant hub of creativity, while Nonprofit Row provides a platform for community organizations to connect with festival-goers.

At its heart, the festival is a love letter to J. Cole’s home state of North Carolina and the global Dreamville family. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes the brand a cultural powerhouse while delivering two days of unforgettable music and camaraderie.

Whether you’re a loyal fan or new to the Dreamville universe, this event offers a unique blend of energy, connection, and creativity. Mark your calendars and set your alarms—this is a moment you won’t want to miss.

J. Cole grows up with ‘4 Your Eyez Only’

J. Cole’s  4 Your Eyez Only is a love letter to Hip Hop. The interesting thing about J Cole is that their is a segment of the population who loves him and another who feels like he is cool and not living up to his potential. I can say with utmost certainty that J. Cole is easily one of the most talented and honest artists that we have come across in many years. 

This recent project has been in the making for the past 2 years. At first listen the music sort of blended into my surroundings. I knew it was dope but I wasn’t tuned in. When I came back to it I was focused and what I found was that this is not an album of thrown together songs. It has a common theme of redemption, forgiveness and love. Now the average Hip Hop fan was probably not checking for that after the release of “False Prophets” and “Everybody dies”, two songs released before the the album was dropped. Interestingly neither song is on the album. Cole hit his fans with the old one two. He dropped some heat for them and then provided a project full of thought and substance. 

This is a project from an emcee who has matured with every release. There are a few standout songs. “Foldin Clothes” is a song where Cole laments on his love for his significant other and wants to show his appreciation “If I could make life easier , the way you do mine save you some time alleviate a bit of stress from your mind help you relax let you recline.” “She’s Mine part 2” is the most personal and emotional of all the songs from the project. It’s a song about his daughter. He speaks on his love for her. “Reminisce when you came out the womb tears of joy I think fill up the room you are now the reason that I fight I ain’t never did nothin this right tinny whole life.” Even as he shares this deep emotion he still touches on the economic struggles of Black people on Black Friday. 

4 Your Eyez Only touches minds and souls in a way that autotune never could. Excellent work Mr. Cole. 

Buy/Listen to “That Ol’Boom Bap’ ft Precise produced by Dj Tekwun