Dreamville, inspired by Grammy-nominated rapper J. Cole, grew into something larger than his aspirations from his humble beginnings at 2014 Forest Hill in Fayetteville, North Carolina. J. Cole, whose real name is Jermaine Cole, made his mark as an artist by navigating the music industry before co-founding Dreamville Records with his manager, Ibrahim Hamad, in 2007.
With his impact on the business and notable success, Dreamville has evolved into a significant vision. He established the Dreamville Foundation to support charitable and philanthropic efforts in his hometown, and he also established Dreamville Ventures, a multi-disciplinary media company that includes Dreamville Studios, Dreamville Films, Inc., and Dreamville Festival. The subsidiary companies of Dreamville Ventures distribute films such as J. Cole: Road to Homecoming, Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming, and J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only in partnership with HBO, in addition to J. Cole’s signature music and culture festival, Dreamville Festival.
The Dreamville Festival, which officially launched on April 6, 2019, at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, NC, was a resounding success, attracting around 40,000 attendees, as the Raleigh News & Observer reported. Since then, the festival has steadily gained popularity and experienced significant growth, becoming North Carolina’s signature music festival. The 2025 event, held from April 5 to April 6, surpassed all expectations by drawing in over 104,000 attendees. It featured a stellar lineup of artists, including Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Wale, Keyshia Cole, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, 21 Savage, Coco Jones, PartyNextDoor, and more. The festival now proudly stands alongside renowned music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza Chicago, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Essence Music Festival.
The Dreamville Music Festival, seemingly nearing its conclusion, is set to triumphantly return in a rebranded format under the Dreamville label. The festival has secured a four-year contract with the city, ensuring its ongoing celebration of music, culture, and community.
“We’re going to continue on the same path that’s been successful for us,” stated City Manager Marshall Adams-Davis, told the Raleigh News and Observer while highlighting that the city is going to give what the consumers like.
Adams-Davis also mentioned to the news outlet that the 40-year-old is much involved with the newer version of the festival, but there are some uncertainties as to whether he will be a headliner.
Left: J. Cole and rapper, Ludacris, giving each other a dap, and Right: J. Cole gives singer, Erykah Badu, a hug after the two performed onstage; Courtesy of Dreamville/INSTAGRAM
The festival, which generated $10.5 million each day for the city, enhanced the festival’s economic impact, generating revenue for local businesses and boosting attractions, while showcasing the city’s character to solidify its stance as a city to host a renowned festival that can attract visitors worldwide. This return overall is significant because it not only ensures the continuation of a beloved cultural event but also signifies the resilience and determination of the Dreamville team and the city of Raleigh, NC.
Dreamville is more than just a name; it’s a symbol of a dreamer’s journey. It’s the vision of a dreamer from the Ville, committed to turning aspirations into tangible outcomes. J. Cole is the mirror of an ambitious dreamer from Fayetteville, who, despite his size, remained steadfast and boldly stepped onto the big stage. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that dreams can become reality.
