Charlotte rapper DaBaby drew more than 10,000 fans to Concord, North Carolina, on 13 June 2026 for the inaugural Be More Grateful Festival at Route 29 Pavilion. The event marked one of the largest hip-hop gatherings in the Carolinas in recent years.
DaBaby headlined the festival, performing hits including “Suge” and “SHAKE SUMN.” The lineup also featured major artists such as 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Waka Flocka Flame, Boosie Badazz, Yung Miami, Trick Daddy and Trina. A surprise appearance from A$AP Rocky added further excitement to the day.
Organisers said the festival delivered a full-day experience of music, food vendors, and community activities. Fans described a safe and positive atmosphere, with no major incidents reported and strong praise for crowd management, free water stations, and family-friendly energy.
The event also placed strong focus on regional talent. Rising artists from North and South Carolina including Fetty P Franklin, Blacc Zacc, Stunna 4 Vegas, Kount Up Wit Dak and Trap Dickey were highlighted as some of the hottest names in the current Carolina hip-hop scene.
Industry observers say the Carolinas’ influence continues to grow, pointing to the region’s strong pipeline of talent and cultural history. North Carolina in particular is increasingly seen as a new hub for hip-hop culture, supported by the continued rise of Dreamville Festival, founded by J. Cole, which now attracts over 50,000 fans per day of concerts.
The South & North Carolina region’s past influences could also be included in upcoming festivals to heighten the excitement of “Carolina Hip-Hop.” Inclusion of performances from past sensations such as 9th Wonder, Little Brother, Petey Pablo, Lil Ru, C.KHiD, PG Ra, NGeeYL, Ricky Prince, 18 Veno, BoutADollar Butta, and LIl Ru.
Also, inclusion of the current generations of rap artists like Fetty P Franklin, Blacc Zacc, Kount Up Wit Dak, and Trap Dickey could move more of the younger generations to the festival and continue to inspire future Hip-Hop generations.
DaBaby said the Be More Grateful Festival is only “Year 1,” with plans to expand it in the coming years. With strong attendance, positive feedback, and growing online buzz, expectations are high that the event will become a recurring fixture in the Southern festival calendar.
Organisers described the festival as more than a concert, calling it a celebration of music, culture, food, and community. As North Carolina’s hip-hop scene continues to expand, the Be More Grateful Festival is positioning itself as another major pillar in the state’s fast-growing cultural landscape.
