Watch J. Cole Bring Out Erykah Badu at Dreamville Fest

At the closing night of the 2025 Dreamville Fest, the crowd was electrified as J. Cole took the stage for his final performance at the festival.

With a career-spanning setlist that included fan favorites like “Power Trip” and “Sideline Story,” the night was already shaping up to be a memorable one.

However, it was the surprise guest appearance that stole the show.

The moment everyone’s been waiting for! @JColeNC opened up his final @dreamvillefest performance with a stage set to replicate his room at Mohammed’s apartment — his old landlord and the first person to really believe in his music. #DreamvilleFest #dreamville #jcole pic.twitter.com/fhu58NebEG

— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) April 7, 2025

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As the beat of “Too Deep for the Intro” dropped, the atmosphere shifted, and the crowd erupted when none other than Erykah Badu walked on stage.

The soulful legend, known for her unique style and voice, joined Cole to perform her classic track, “Didn’t Cha Know,” which is famously sampled in Cole’s “Friday Night Lights.”

The collaboration between the two was nothing short of magical, a blend of modern rap and timeless soul that left fans speechless.

J. COLE

DREAMVILLE FEST SETLIST

Rags to riches
Grown simba
Lights please
Lost ones
Clouds
All I want is you (Miguel cover)
Too deep for the intro
Looking for trouble
Sideline story
Lost ones
Can’t get enough
She knows
Power trip
Wet… pic.twitter.com/J5ze7a634V

— Cole World (@JColeVillle) April 7, 2025

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The stage itself was designed to evoke nostalgia, built to look like J. Cole’s old apartment in Queens, affectionately known as “Mohammad’s Crib.”

This was a nod to the early days of his career, a reminder of where he started and the journey he had taken to reach this point.

The intimate set design paired perfectly with the heartfelt energy of the performance, symbolizing his growth and the deep connections he’s made along the way.

Dreamville Fest 2025 marked the end of an era for J. Cole, but his final act was nothing short of legendary, bringing together some of the greatest names in music to celebrate his journey.

Erykah Badu’s appearance was the icing on the cake, a beautiful moment that capped off a night to remember.

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