This weekend was the host for one of Atlanta’s most anticipated outdoor music festivals. In its 5th year, the ONE Music Fest, was a success, with thousands of fans flocking to see their favorite artists, from neo-soul to old school rap and hip-hop.

Blessing the 2 event stages were Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Jhene Aiko, Method Man & Redman, Amel Larriuex, Bilal, Alice Smith, Daley, Isaiah Rashad and Cody ChestnuTT.

“There is a lack of representation for soul, progressive hip-hop, alternative and rock, represented under one roof, in the format of music festivals in Atlanta”, states J Carter, ONE Musicfest Producer.  “We have noticed that while there are many pockets of individuals that share taste in the same music, rarely do you see them share in this together. ONE Musicfest was created with the idea of ‘music as the universal language. Over time we aim to grow this fest into a phenomenon and bring together different sectors of individuals through a unique music platform.”

ONE Musicfest is known for its interactive block party experience, where guests enjoyed nationally and internationally renown DJs, a food-truck village, vending from local businesses, VIP tents and more. This year’s ONE MusicFest non-profit partner was the “Just Feed ONE” campaign in conjunction with BlackCelebrityGiving.com and I Care Atlanta. Attendees donated cans of food that will service and feed over 80 shelters across Atlanta.

King Kendrick, K.Dot AKA Kendrick Lamar arguably had the most memorable set, with 75 minutes of performance time with a live band, as the summer sun settled over Lakewood Amphitheater ushering in a beautiful, warm Saturday night for festival attendees. Dishing out “day one” hits from ‘Good Kid, MAAD City’ including, “B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe”, “Poetic Justice”, “Money Trees” and “Drank”, fans were ecstatic for Kendrick, setting the tone and pumping up the energy for the final performance of the night from age-less, baby faced spitter, Nas. 

As expected, the birthday-celebrating headliner was the star of the show. Nas, still celebrating the 20th anniversary of the timeless hip hop classic, “Illmatic”, the Queeebridge icon performed several classics including, “The World Is Yours”, “Life’s a B*tch”, “NY State of Mind” and more recent hits such as “Stay” and “The Don”. Fans from all ages were rocking to Nas’ hits spanning a 20 plus year career as if many of the songs were new releases. Needless to say, the ONE Music Fest was a success, and a must attend event for 2015.

Speaking of Nas, have you seen the “Illmatic” documentary? Check it out this weekend during the SOURCE 360 Film Festival. Tickets can be purchased online herePlease visit www.thesource360.com for more information! Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates @SOURCE360. E-mail thesource360@thesource.com if you have a question about this event. 

-Chuniq / @LoveINpower