Today, there’s so much more to music festivals than just the music. Of course, you have to account for the overpriced food, ounces upon ounces of hand sanitizer, the shitty service due to network congestion… Oh, and the drugs; it’s a laundry list of things. I’m talking about the bigger picture. The pictures, the sunburn, the aches in your knees from standing all day. I could go on and on.
While, it seems that everyone has their own festival, it’s safe to say that there’s enough room in the world for more. The inaugural Dreamville festival originally slated to be held September 10, 2018 had to be postponed due to weather conditions brought by Hurricane Florence was finally held on April 6, 2019 in Raleigh, NC.
It’s been a week since the inaugural Dreamville Festival and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
The Experience:
It was a muddy mess. But to be honest, I wouldn’t have had it any other way - wait. That’s a lie. I ruined my sneakers, BUT that wasn’t my concern for a majority of the day. The vibes were there, so many people excited to be apart of this new and long-awaited event. It felt special, because it was. For many of us, Dreamville is like family - its hard to explain, but if you know, you know.
Dreamville Festival felt like a family reunion with all of your cousins that you actually like. Imagine that, LOL.
This festival was my first time shying away from the performer’s sets and enjoying some of the exhibits. One that stood out to me was the In My Lifetime: Mini Hip-Hop Museum. We just randomly stumbled upon it, after I woke up from a 15 minute nap in the wet grass. When we walked up, I instantly found an old The Source Magazine cover with Lil’ Kim on the cover from 2002 and wanted to keep it. In this little booth there were a bunch cut-outs from old magazines, and I think CDs. I can’t remember that well - we drank a lot before we arrived to the festival.
It was a beautiful day, but not without flaws. The lines were too long. I waited in line for water for about an hour, and I’ve read a number of places that people waited longer for food. While, I understand - it’s still just too long. Minor complaints on such a great day.
As the night came, the heavy hitter performances came on. I made my way to 21 Savage’s set as I was excited to see him after his arrest from the hands of ICE. 21 had a lot more energy this time around. I was pleasantly surprised. I was able to watch SZA on the screens, as I didn’t want to lose my spot for Cole.
I didn’t stay for Cole - and yes, I regret it. But I’ve forgiven myself. As soon as I stepped foot out of the park his set started and I cried the heaviest of cries on the inside. The park was strictly no re-entry, so there was nothing I could do, but sing Middle Child outside of the gates.
In the end, I’m just happy I went! I was worried originally that it wouldn’t be rescheduled, so to be there just satisfied me. That’s on period.
If you’re a fan of Cole, you’re aware for his love of his hometown Fayetteville, and the state of NC. Both are common themes in his music, and this festival was an indication of that. While, I’m not from North Carolina - I felt that. We all felt that. It was such a great time. Can’t wait to go back in 2020!