Atlanta’s Piedmont Park was the epicenter of culture and sound this past weekend as ONE Musicfest (OMF) returned for its 16th year. Despite chilly temperatures and rain, the festival solidified its status as a premier celebration of Black music and culture, delivering a dynamic lineup that honored Atlanta’s legendary status while showcasing the rising stars of today.
A Homecoming for Atlanta’s Music Scene
ONE Musicfest Founder Jason “J.” Carter expressed the festival’s deep connection to Atlanta, calling it “our home.” This year’s celebration was particularly special, featuring headliners Future and Ludacris, along with a historic Dungeon Family reunion honoring the late Rico Wade. The move to Piedmont Park proved to be a game-changer, offering more space for attendees, brand activations, and improved accessibility.
With multiple entrance gates, ADA-friendly viewing areas, and a seamless partnership with MARTA, the festival experience was designed to be inclusive and expansive, yet still maintain an intimate feel. The park was dotted with brand activations from Toyota, Herradura, Hennessy, and others, alongside a vibrant food truck village, a karaoke stage, and ample amenities, creating a comprehensive festival environment.
Soulful Sets and Hip-Hop History
The festival kicked off with soulful performances, including Kehlani, whose voice floated effortlessly across the park as she delivered hits like “Folded” and “Nights Like This.” As dusk settled, the Dungeon Family took over the P&G Stage, transforming it into an Atlanta time capsule. They performed a wealth of classics, reminding everyone why they are the heartbeat of Southern hip-hop.
The Dungeon Family collective, featuring members of Goodie Mob, Big Boi, Killer Mike, and others, delivered a powerful performance. While André 3000 was absent, Big Boi commanded the stage, and CeeLo Green delivered a standout solo rendition of “Crazy.” Despite a leg injury, Khujo Goodie performed triumphantly, showcasing the enduring creativity of the collective.
Live Instrumentation and Surprise Guests
The Roots & Friends performance on the OMF Stage was a masterclass in live instrumentation and lyrical skill. Joined by Havoc of Mobb Deep for East Coast classics, and later by Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star, the set was electric. The energy culminated with Mary J. Blige joining for soulful renditions of “Be Happy” and “Love Without a Limit.”
Meanwhile, Future headlined the P&G Stage with a pyrotechnic-filled set that paid tribute to Young Scooter before launching into his own string of hits like “Same Damn Time” and “Mask Off.” The stage design, featuring a trap house illuminated by flames and fireworks, perfectly captured Future’s dynamic energy.
Day Two: Bridging Generations and Overcoming Weather
Day two saw Keypsiia, daughter of Joi and Gipp Gilliam of Goodie Mob, symbolically bridging generations with her early performance. The OMF Trail Ride lineup, including artists like DJ Smooth and Sky Watley, kept the energy high despite the rain and wind. Although Chief Keef couldn’t perform, D-Nice kept the crowd entertained with a nostalgic R&B set featuring Ari Lennox, Carl Thomas, and Tweet.
The Virginia duo Clipse delivered one of the weekend’s most anticipated sets on the P&G Stage, performing classics like “Grindin’” and introducing new material. Pusha T and Malice delivered an impactful performance, though their visual elements might have been more striking with a later, darker time slot. Jazmine Sullivan, braving the cold, delivered a heartfelt performance dedicated to her late mother, while Lloyd’s smooth vocals and a surprise appearance by Jagged Edge brought a wave of nostalgia to the crowd.
Ludacris’s Star-Studded Homecoming Finale
As Sunday’s headliner, Ludacris took the P&G Stage to a massive crowd, marking a 25-year homecoming celebration. Joined by Jermaine Dupri for “Welcome to Atlanta,” Luda delivered hit after hit, including “Number One Spot” and “Area Codes.” The performance was elevated by a series of surprise guests, including Chingy, Bobby V, Jadakiss, Shawnna, and Jeezy, each adding their own energy to the night.
The ultimate surprise came when Fergie flew in from Los Angeles for her first live performance in seven years, joining Ludacris for “Glamorous” and “London Bridge.” The night reached an emotional peak when Usher joined for “Lovers and Friends” and “Yeah!,” and LL Cool J, who inspired Ludacris to rap, appeared to perform “Who Do You Love.” The moment brought Ludacris to tears, calling it a memory he’ll “remember for the rest of my life.”
The festival concluded with a spectacular drone show illuminating the Atlanta sky as Ludacris performed “All I Do Is Win” and “Move (B****).” His closing remarks, thanking the fans for keeping his music relevant, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of ONE Musicfest 2025—a testament to the enduring power of Atlanta’s musical legacy and the culture it celebrates.
What was your favorite moment from ONE Musicfest 2025? Did you brave the weather to experience the culture? Share your highlights in the comments below!
Leave a Reply