Funk Fest 2024 was simply incredible, celebrating the 51st anniversary of hip-hop with a soulful celebration at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater in South Fulton.
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For two days, music lovers of all generations came together to celebrate the rich history of R&B and hip-hop that has shaped our cultural landscape.
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Visitors from near and far attended the festival, which is part of the #SOFU summer concert series in South Fulton.
On site were seen Real Housewives of Atlanta Shamea Morton and Kelli Ferrell …
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Dr. Heavenly Kimes…
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And Lip service Podcast co-hosts Gigi McGuire and Ivy.
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The Funk Fest started on Saturday with R&B heavyweights
Saturday, August 10th was a night for the lovers as a host of R&B heavyweights took the stage and treated the crowd to timeless hits that soundtracked countless moments of love and nostalgia.
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The evening began with Shai, who set the tone with their gentle harmonies and brought back the mood of the early 90s.
Jon B followed, crooning in his typical soulful style, while Carl Thomas and Donell Jones continued the love fest with their classic tracks.
Known for his electrifying performances, Stokley delivered a set that kept the crowd on their toes, mixing old-school charm with modern flair.
The evening culminated in a performance by the legendary Isley Brothers, whose timeless music transcends generations.
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The group played their hits, including “For The Love Of You” and “Between The Sheets”.
Hip-hop dominated the Funk Fest show on Sunday
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On Sunday, August 11, it was all about hip-hop as the festival paid tribute to the genre’s 51st anniversary.
The day was a vibrant celebration of culture with a lineup that reflected the depth of Atlanta’s rap scene.
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Youngbloodz brought their southern pride to the stage, while Goodie Mob stayed true to their roots and delivered a performance that was both powerful and thoughtful.
Big Boi was showered with his Outkast flowers by the Atlanta crowd, and later he, C-Bone and Sleepy Brown thrilled fans with a setlist full of hits that have shaped Southern hip-hop for decades.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
The Queen of Neo-Soul, Erykah Badu, closed the evening with a mesmerizing performance that blended her unique sound with the essence of hip-hop to create a powerful experience that left the audience wanting more.
Adorned with a large hat, rings, a batik skirt and elaborately decorated earrings, the Texan put on a show like only she could.
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
The evening ended on a high note as She lLL Badu and Big Boi took the stage together and shared an emotional moment that reflected the spirit of the festival.
The artists celebrated hip-hop’s 51st birthday, a genre that has produced countless talented MCs in Atlanta, South Fulton and around the world. It was a fitting end to a weekend that celebrated not only the music, but the culture, history and community that hip-hop represents.
Funk Fest carried a bigger message ahead of the November elections
Funk Fest 2024 wasn’t just about music, it was a celebration of community strength and unity.
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Now in its 25th year, the festival has always been more than just a series of concerts. This year, the importance of civic engagement was emphasized and several political leaders, including Ben Crump and Pastor Jamal Bryant, participated.
Source: Pastors Karri Turner and Jamal Bryant/ Prince Williams / Getty
Throughout the weekend, the importance of voter participation in the upcoming fall elections was a recurring theme, underscoring the festival’s commitment to strengthening the community.
Leo Bennett, CEO and founder of Variety Entertainment and Funk Fest, spoke with BOSSIP about having Crump and Bryant on site to emphasize civic engagement over the weekend.
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“My most outstanding moment was when Ben Crump and Pastor Jamal Bryant united the crowd with their amazing speech about the importance of voting and participating in the elections,” Bennett said to BOSSIP‘s Liz Smith.
Bennett also gave some exclusive insights into the future of Funk Fest, revealing that the festival will take place on the high seas.
“Stay tuned for the first Funk Fest Cruise! We will also be launching our Funk Fest island tour in 2026, which includes the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and more to be announced!”
It’s safe to say that Funk Fest 2024 was more than just a festival. It was a reminder of the power of music to unite people, inspire change, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that thrives in Atlanta and beyond.
