Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Menconi's next book, "Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music," was published in the fall of 2023 by University of North Carolina Press. His podcast, Carolina Calling, explores the history of the Tar Heel State through music.

Dreamville Fest, rap superstar J. Cole’s annual outdoor music and arts festival, has released its lineup for the 2024 edition. And here is who will be playing at downtown Raleigh’s 300-acre Dorothea Dix Park the weekend of April 6-7:

Saturday, April 6

• SZA
• Chris Brown
• J.I.D.
• Lil Yachty
• Schoolboy Q
• Sexxy Red
• Jeremih
• Earthgang
• Teezo touchdown
• Amaarae
• Lute
• Luh Tyler
• Domani

Sunday, April 7

• J. Cole
• Nicki Minaj
• Rema
• Jeezy
• Monica
• Rae Sremmurd
• Key Glock
• Bas
• Muni Long
• Cozz
• Omen
• Tiacorine
• Chase Shakur

This will be the fourth Dreamville Festival held in the City of Oaks since 2019. The festival has had to battle adversity from the elements throughout its history, with hurricanes and pandemics causing postponements and cancellations. Nevertheless, it has become one of Raleigh’s signature live music events as well as a top nationwide draw that attracts concert-goers from all 50 states and nearly two-dozen countries.

It helps to have J. Cole, a Grammy-winning recording artist and producer, as Dreamville mastermind and recurring headline act. From its origins as a record label, Dreamville has grown into a multi-media company that also has divisions for apparel, impact and festival events.

The Raleigh festival is Dreamville’s signature and largest event, a multi-disciplinary gathering with curated offerings that go well beyond music. The event includes displays of visual art (including muralists this year) and craft vendors.

Last year’s two-day Dreamville drew the festival's largest crowd yet with a total of 100,000 concert-goers. Tickets for 2024 start at $299.99 for two-day-general admission tickets. For details, see dreamvillefest.com.

^{Header photo by Greg Noire; fireworks photo by Julian Bajsel; on-stage photo of J. Cole by Simon Chasalow}