Doechii, Clipse, Ludacris and more highlights from One Musicfest Day 2

On its second day, despite lower temperatures than Day 1, mixed with early afternoon drizzle that turned into brief rain showers through the day, One Musicfest’s crowd continued enjoying performances from some of the biggest names in Black music.

They danced through brief downpours during the festival’s trail ride set and cheered during shows from Marvin Sapp, DJ D-Nice and friends, Leon Thomas, Clipse, Jazmine Sullivan, Tweet and Atlanta’s own Jagged Edge (joined by Lloyd). The night’s headliners were Doechii and a set from Ludacris, who brought a crew of special surprise guests that included Jermaine Dupri, Usher and LL Cool J.

For those who missed Day 2, here’s what happened Sunday night at One Musicfest.

Earlier this month, One MusicFest founder J. Carter told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that hosting the set aligned with the festival’s mission of amplifying the variety of Black culture. “How do you produce this festival without doing this (set)? It brings folks together of all ages.”

Not even Sunday’s rain could block that camaraderie. The afternoon performance began with Big Chad Reed of Clarksville, Tennessee. He brought cookout energy with songs “Outside” and “I Know Somebody.”

Rockmart native Sky Whatley doubled down on that momentum as the crowd increased, with “Auntie Love” (featuring an appearance from Big Gipp) and “I Love Me Some Me.” Southern soul star Mike Clark Jr. was next to hit the stage. The 21-year-old’s country swagger hit a groove for songs like “Auntie Outside” and “Keep on Steppin,’” with help from 4-year-old line-dance phenom Ms. Shirley.

Chief Keef was slated to grace the P&G stage at 3:45 p.m., but about 15 minutes before his scheduled slot the festival announced his performance was canceled.

“We regret to inform the One Musicfest family that Chief Keef will not be performing today,” read a black screen at the stage. A rep for the festival told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that no further information was available.

Chief Keef previously canceled a One MusicFest performancein 2023.

The second rainstorm of the afternoon turned Piedmont Park into a muddy mess, but it didn’t stop fans in ponchos from catching rap duo Clipse at the P&G Stage.

Siblings Pusha T and Malice spent most of their 45-minute set performing songs from their latest album, “Let God Sort Em Out.” The brothers’ stage show included strobe lights, grainy video montages and portraits of Black musicians flashing, as they went through songs from “Let God Sort ‘Em Out,” including “Chains and Whips,” “P.O.V.,” “F.I.C.O.” and “So Be It.”

The Virginia natives and proteges of producer Pharrell Williams revisited classics like “Mr. Me Too,” “Keys Open Doors,” their Birdman collaboration “What Happened to That Boy” and “Popular Demand (Popeye’s)” before closing with their anthem, “Grindin.”

After a stellar breakout year and in the middle of her first major tour, Doechii stepped onto the One Musicfest stage with poise. The Grammy-winning rapper was backed by hype woman and Atlanta resident DJ Miss Milan.

With a stage that mirrored a Florida swamp, Doechii opened her set with “Nosebleeds,” the surprise track she released after winning a Grammy for best rap album this year. For the duration of her performance, she delivered theatrical lyrics in a composed manner that served as a reminder for why she won a Grammy in the first place.

“Nissan Altima” is Doechii simply flaunting her talents. “Alter Ego” and “Persuasive” feature Doechii as mother of the ballroom. And “Boom Bap,” her closing song, was Doechii as underdog, rapping like her rent was due.

It was easy to be distracted by what appeared to be sound issues throughout the set. She took frequent pauses during the show but never addressed the reasons on stage.

Doechii’s performance was scheduled for an hour, but she began a few minutes after her 7:45 call time and ended around 8:30.

Then Ludacris showed up on stage to celebrate his 25-year career in hip-hop and show love to his hometown. He appeared with a live band, pyrotechnics and colorful drones in the sky resembling Atlanta’s skyline.

The Grammy winner performed “Southern Hospitality,” “What’s Yo Fantasy” and “Ho” from his 2000 debut album, “Back From the First Time.”

He sprinkled in other catalog favorites like “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker,” “Roll Out (My Business),” “My Chick Bad,” “Stand Up” and “Act a Fool.” The multi-hyphenate entertainer, once known as on-air personality Chris Lova Lova, shared the limelight with members of the past and present roster of recording acts signed to his record label, Disturbing the Peace Records.

Day 1 performer Bobby V returned to the stage with the Ludacris for “Pimpin’ All Over the World,” and Decatur rapper I-20 came on for “Move.” St. Louis rapper Chingy did his breakout single “Right Thurr” and their collaboration “Holidae In,” and Chicago femcee Shawnna delivered her sexually charged “Gettin’ Some.”

He opened with “Welcome to Atlanta,” featuring producer Jermaine Dupri wearing singer Usher’s MLB All-Star game Atlanta Braves jacket. LL Cool J performed “I’m Bad” and his “Loungin” remix.

Singer Usher showed up for their megahits “Lovers and Friends” and the chart-topping “Yeah!”

Rapper Jadakiss spit bars from his appearance alongside Ludacris on Nas’ “Made You Look” remix, along with his own singles “Knock Yourself Out” and “We Gonna Make It.” Jeezy came out for Shawty Lo’s “Dey Know” remix before delivering “All There” and “Put On.”

During “Area Codes,” the screen flashed several three-digit numbers and cut to a black-and-white portrait of the late Nate Dogg, who was featured on the song’s chorus. Fergie even showed up for the Polow da Don-produced hit “Glamorous” and “London Bridge.”