ONE MUSICFEST ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR LUDACRIS & FRIENDS IN EPIC FASHION
Photos by: De’Andre Silas
We all know what FOMO is (“Fear of Missing Out,” for those who don’t), but after this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, the CDC might have identified a new strain of that regret-induced virus: FOMOMF — Fear of Missing ONE Musicfest.
If there was ever a time to escape the group chat and actually pull up, this was it. For those who didn’t make the trip, FOMOMF symptoms have been running rampant—but don’t worry. Let this recap serve as both your cure and your cautionary tale.
Presented by P&G, ONE Musicfest was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment you stepped into Piedmont Park, you could feel the difference in the air compared to previous years. The vibe was elevated—cooler temps on Saturday set the tone for cooler, calmer crowds (and let’s be real, everyone loves a peaceful party).
No great Atlanta weekend comes without a little drama, of course. Sunday brought a prosperous, if not precipitous, downpour that could’ve drowned the mood—but instead, it only made the festival’s resilience shine brighter. Rain or not, OMF weathered the storm and delivered two unforgettable days of vibes, culture, and energy that deserve to be relived—day by day.
DAY ONE — Saturday, Oct. 25th
Saturday came with big expectations and a healthy balance of new school vs. old school entertainment, while delivering an intriguing dynamic of rhythm and rawness. What took everyone by surprise was the dedication to the details of how the day unfolded and how much emotion would be drawn out as a result.
It didn't take long for the weekend to start off on a high note! Festival-goers could kick their shoes off and let their hair down, riding a soulful wave of smooth R&B. Acts at the beginning of the day like The BoykinZ and FLO, provided an upbeat tempo that was contagious and set the tone for the ONE Musicfest Stage and P&G Stage respectively.
Photo Credit: De’Andre Silas // Kehlani
Don't sleep on the Toyota Stage Music Den, though, as it featured some hard-hitting R&B artists like Jai’Len Josey , who absolutely brought the house down, Dondria, who filled the air with her smooth vocals, and Aaron Page, holding it down for the fellas but making sure to keep the ladies satisfied. Not far behind was the familiar four-man group RSVP (Ray J, Sammie, Bobby Valentino, and Pleasure P), who quickly reminded everyone what fan service and REAL 2000s R&B combined is supposed to feel like.
With her viral hit "Folded" commanding the airwaves of late, queen Kehlani was the perfect complement to round out the group, transforming her set into a mass karaoke party.
For an hour or two, Piedmont Park turned into a love lounge under the open sky, where harmonies met sunshine and everybody was swaying in sync.
In true ONE Musicfest fashion, the vibe flipped fast. Suddenly, it was time to put those stomping shoes on, pop in your grill, tie that durag, and SET IT OFF. The energy shifted as Rasheeda hit the stage, followed by the likes of Mr. Wipe Me Down himself, Boosie. It didn't stop there, as legends of hometown king Greg Street took control, featuring Trinidad James, Trick Daddy, Project Pat, and others. The crowd let loose like it was Freaknik revisited. Every bassline hit a little harder, every lyric felt like a personal anthem, and the Atlanta crowd made sure to remind everyone exactly whose city it was.
The remainder of the night catered to the old school hip-hop, throwback classic lyricist lovers, and an ode to those same lyricists who paved the way by providing us with those timeless classics. The OMF & P&G Stage came together in sweet harmony, blessing us with a Dungeon Family Reunion with appearances from Sleepy Brown, Big Boi, Killer Mike, and Goodie Mob. Old heads in the crowd couldn't resist rapping along to tracks like "Soul Food", "The Whole World", and "Cell Therapy." The atmosphere felt like everyone was being served a hot, home-cooked Southern meal with a savory Old Fashioned on the rocks to wash it all down.
Photo Credit: De’Andre Silas // Mary J. Blige
The Roots and Havoc of Mobb Deep stepped out next, bringing that gritty New York edge to the Atlanta stage, reminding everyone why they’re one of the most respected live acts in hip-hop. Their set was a masterclass. Mary J. Blige also graced the night with those soul-soaked vocals that only she can deliver with her classics "I'm Going Down" and "Real Love."Then came a mean one-two punch: Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star, commanding the stage with unmatched chemistry, speed, and charisma that represented an exchange of eras, a moment that felt truly iconic in hip-hop history. Fans of the genre knew they were witnessing something rare — living legends sharing one stage, honoring the culture that built them.
Easily the most monumental moment of the night came when the lights dimmed for a tribute to the late, great Rico Wade — the visionary, producer, and founding member of the Dungeon Family, whose influence shaped not just Atlanta’s sound, but modern hip-hop itself. ONE Musicfest, with presenting partner Hennessey, introduced the inaugural Rico Wade Vanguard Award, honoring excellence and innovation in music. The award was presented to Grammy-winning producer 30 Roc, and in a deeply touching moment, it was given by Rico Wade’s sons, Rico II and Ryder Wade, alongside Atlanta’s own Greg Street. The emotion in the park was palpable — you could feel the city’s heartbeat in that tribute.
To tie everything together, Future took the stage to close out Day 1. You couldn't script this moment any better, because it was bigger than music. Not only was this the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking album Dirty Sprite, but Future is also the cousin of Rico Wade, becoming the living embodiment of the legacy Rico helped create. His performance, coupled with the bonds of lineage and culture, was a living, breathing showcase of the heart and soul of Atlanta hip-hop.
DAY TWO — Sunday, Oct. 26th
Saturday gave us moments that embodied tribute, legacy, family, emotion, and tradition. Sunday, however, would prove to be surprising, galvanizing, legendary, and just the right amount of dramatic.
Gates didn’t open until noon, and the first official act wasn’t scheduled until 12:45 p.m., but the first performance of the day came courtesy of Mother Nature, and she put on quite a show of her own. A cold front had blown in overnight, dropping temperatures into the low 50s by midday. Midwesterners might’ve called that perfect “shorts and tank top” weather, but for us Southerners, it was jacket season—no hesitation.
Photo credit: De’Andre Silas // LL Cool J
Still, the suspense and excitement rolled on. The first act on the OMF Stage, Keypsiia, set the tone immediately. Her look and demeanor said “soft-spoken sweetheart,” but her stage presence told a different story—bold, confident, and commanding. She gave us all our concert-flavored coffee in a cup, shaking off any lingering morning chill. And in true ONE Musicfest fashion, her appearance tied beautifully into the weekend’s theme of legacy—Keypsiia is the daughter of Joi and Big Gipp of Goodie Mob, further connecting the moment to the Dungeon Family lineage being celebrated throughout the festival.
A perfect complement to the early lineup was Marvin Sapp, who took us all straight to church and reminded everyone how blessed we are to serve a mighty God. With hymns like “My Testimony,” “Praise Him in Advance,” and “Never Would Have Made It,” the crowd swayed with eyes closed and hands lifted high. It was a beautiful moment of collective praise—a barometer for how high the energy and spirit would rise throughout the rest of the day.
Then came the shift—the mood and the weather turned. What could have dampened the day instead worked to everyone’s benefit. As the rain began to fall, the TrailRide Extravaganza kicked off at the P&G Stage, and suddenly, the entire park was alive. Aunties and Uncs swapped church slippers for stepping shoes, and before you knew it, boots were on the ground.
Mike Clark Jr. started strong with “Keep On Steppin’,” while young sensation Ms. Shirley stole the show with moves that could humble even the most seasoned steppers. Then came Cupid, turning up the tempo with “Flex,” followed by Tonio Armani, who had the crowd galloping to “Cowgirl Trailride.” Finally, 803 Fresh closed the set with the viral anthem “Boots on the Ground.” Even as the rain poured, not a soul in sight seemed to care—VIP, GA, and pit-goers alike were caught up in the rhythm of toe taps and clacks echoing through the park.
The downpour continued, but the vibe only got stronger. In fact, the weather almost added to the day’s soulful theme. On the ONE Musicfest Stage, DJ D-Nice delivered a masterful medley of R&B and soul classics, joined by surprise appearances from Case, Tweet, Ari Lennox, and Carl Thomas—a nostalgic dream lineup for lovers of feel-good music.
The momentum carried into a standout set from Leon Thomas, who gave fans a preview of his upcoming tour that’s kicking off October 30th in Dallas. His performance was magnetic—smooth vocals, flawless range, and a crowd that looked more like a Woodstock sea of faces than a rainy Atlanta afternoon. Everyone sang along to “Yes It Is,” eagerly waiting for his hit single “Mutt,” and when it came, the entire audience was locked in perfect harmony.
Jazmine Sullivan followed and delivered what many called the most emotional performance of the weekend. Fighting back tears, she sang her heart out through the rain in honor of her late mother, who would’ve celebrated her birthday that very day. It was raw, real, and utterly unforgettable—a moment that silenced the crowd and lifted every soul in attendance.
Then came Doechii, closing out the OMF Stage with her signature blend of artistry and chaos. Her Live From The Swamp aesthetic transformed the space into a living art piece—lush, vibrant, and alive with sound. The minute “Alter Ego” dropped, the audience was completely transported into her world.
Meanwhile, over at the P&G Stage, Clipse reminded everyone why their name still commands respect in hip-hop circles. The second Pusha T and No Malice stepped out, the air got heavier, and the energy sharpened. Their chemistry was undeniable—two brothers, two emcees, moving in perfect sync like lyrical prizefighters. “Grindin’” hit, and the crowd erupted, beating along to that unmistakable Neptunes beat. Even as the rain poured harder, they never flinched. It was a masterclass in grit and grace—a reminder of why real lyricists never go out of style.
The tone then shifted once again, this time into a softer, sweeter gear—classic 2000s R&B. Lloyd came out first, all charm and soul, instantly igniting the crowd with “Get It Shawty.” Ponchos couldn’t stop the dancing—people were grooving, laughing, and singing every word. Then Jagged Edge took over and slowed things down with “I Gotta Be” and “I Promise.” Couples held each other close, hands intertwined, swaying like it was prom night all over again. It was pure nostalgia—a love letter to an era when R&B ruled the airwaves.
Then came the finale—the moment everyone had been waiting for. Rumors had been swirling about Ludacris’s set and who might show up, but nothing could’ve prepared the crowd for what unfolded. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration—25 years of hits since Back for the First Time.
As soon as Doechii’s set wrapped, the park transformed. A countdown appeared on the big screen, and the crowd joined in—“Eight, seven, six…” When it hit zero, a short video played, honoring Rico Wade and his enduring impact on Atlanta music. Then, in perfect synchronicity, a fleet of drones lit up the sky, spelling out “I ATL.” The symbolism was undeniable.
Moments later, Ludacris appeared atop the steps, commanding the stage like a general leading his troops. What followed was a non-stop barrage of hits: “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Move B**h,”* and “Splash Waterfalls.” The Sainted Trap Choir joined him for “Area Codes,” giving the anthem a gospel-like resonance that echoed across Piedmont Park.
Then came the parade of special guests. Jermaine Dupri appeared for “Welcome to Atlanta.” Chingy and Jadakiss followed, performing “Right Thurr” and “We Gonna Make It.” Shawnna, the First Lady of DTP, brought the fire with “What’s Your Fantasy.” And just when the crowd thought it couldn’t get any better, Jeezy stepped out, shaking the ground with “All There.”
Photo Credit: De’Andre Silas // Usher
But the surprises kept coming—Fergie made her return to the stage after seven years, stunning the crowd with “Glamorous.” Then, as if scripted by fate itself, Usher emerged from the shadows atop the stage stairs. The park exploded as he glided down to join Luda, and together they delivered a flawless rendition of “Lovers & Friends.”
The night was already unforgettable—but the final surprise took it over the top. LL Cool J, Ludacris’s childhood idol and inspiration, appeared unannounced to present his respects. The moment was pure emotion—Luda’s face said it all. You could feel the love and legacy flowing between generations of hip-hop greatness.
Throughout the night, artists like Busta Rhymes, Tyler, The Creator, Spliff Star, Kevin Liles, and Naughty by Nature were seen soaking it all in, giving Luda his well-earned flowers. It wasn’t just a show—it was a coronation.
Whether you came for the music, the memories, or just a weekend escape, this year’s ONE Musicfest wasn’t just one of the best in the festival’s history—it was one of the greatest live music experiences ever. Massive thanks go out to the OMF team, founder Jason Carter, PR powerhouses Daylon Cole and Tresa Sanders, Live Nation Urban, and every partner who helped make it happen.
It’s hard to imagine topping this lineup, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that ONE Musicfest will always find a way. Here’s to 2026!