TwoGether Land Festival Brought The Nostalgic Heat To Dallas

Maybe it was the over-95-degree thick, humid air creating a sweltering utopia under the blaring Dallas sun. Maybe it was the mesquite barbeque pit smoke and the sugary smell of high-caffeine sweet tea swirling together to form a fragrant oasis. It very well could have been a mystical combination of Martell Swift cognac shots, deep-fried catfish nuggets, and Lousiana hot sauce, linking up in my digestive system inducing the undeniable itis. Whatever the case, the inaugural TwoGether Land Festival almost did not seem real, until it was. 

For two days, thousands gathered at Dallas’ Fair Park for music, food, and fun. With Lil Wayne and Summer Walker billed as headlining acts and several musicians taking the stage beforehand, the offering, which originated with Atlanta’s ONE MusicFest creators, had a unique, vibrantly curated VIBE for most music lovers.  

Aside from the star-studded lineup, a podcast stage featuring Angela Yee’s Lip Service, and Whoreible Decisions Live provided an under-the-shade interaction for entertainment beyond Hip-Hop and R&B. Roller skating, mechanical bull rides, and Curren$y’s Jet Life lounge offered niche activities for the hobbyists. Brand activations from the likes of RedBull, Jack Daniels, Martell, Febreze, Mielle Organics, and more assured all guests left with welcomed freebies. One music stage eliminated the need to run to catch acts, providing the chance for the audience to find a spot, get comfortable, and enjoy music into the night. 

The festival itself proved to be a trip down memory lane and back. The festival grounds, muddy from rain the night before, acted like a time machine—bringing attendees back to the early 2000s sneaker-destroying glory years.

“I haven’t heard this song since 9th grade,” shouted one festival goer as Dem Franchize Boyz’s “White Tee” blared through the speakers. The Pew Research Center counts individuals born between 1981 and 1996 as the millennial generation, making us now aged 27 through 42 years old. Our formative years, teenage angst, college matriculation, and entrance into the world of adulthood have been anchored by moments in music and pop culture. All of this was in full effect throughout the weekend. 

The 2000s R&B that scored our first kisses and heartbreaks oozed gracefully from kings of the era as Dru Hill, and The-Dream ran through their classic records. Thousands of crunk revelers stood, excitingly rapping every word to performances from Three 6 Mafia, Gucci Mane, and Jeezy, bringing back the familiar first taste of rowdy nightclubs. 

Even the best parts of modern acts were callbacks to the past. Kenyon Dixon’s performance was a reminder that R&B is made for groovy dance moves and choreographed two steps. Latto, Key Glock’s loudest responses came in their nostalgic songs that sampled 2010s classics. In true millennial fashion, the primarily 30 and up crowd also relished in the newer talents trending songs, and new-aged styles. 

Many attendees left new fans of artists including Amaarae, That Mexican OT, 310babii, and Mariah The Scientists, who all delivered fun-filled sets. Shaboozey also made an impression on onlookers, despite a few slight technical difficulties. 

A highlight of the festival came when the hometown heroes took over, reminding all of the Hip-Hop culture that exists in the city. Hosted by Hollyhood Bay Bay, Dallas-bred hitmakers entered centerstage one-by-one, with throwback club bangers and new TikTok trends. Ranging from Lil Will performing “My Dougie,” Lil Ronny MothaF delivering a live rendition of “Circle,” and Big Tuck flexing “Not A Stain On Me,” the energetic set also featured GS Boyz bringing back “Stanky Legg,” and Erica Banks bouncing “Bussit.” 

The entire moment gave flowers to artists including the aforementioned performers as well as Dorrough, Charlie Boy, Fat Pimp, T-Real Lee, Prince Rick, Trap Starz Clik, and more whose cultural contributions represent various regions and eras of the Triple D. 

Lil Wayne as a headlining act solidified TwoGether Land as a love letter to millennials. Born in 1982, the New Orleans rapper’s career dates back to the 1990’s Weezy’s signature lighter flick essentially initiated our evolution. His performance included tracks for his day-one fans, chart-topping crossovers, and mixtape rhymes that prove why he considers himself “The greatest rapper alive,” including “

As Lil Wayne showered adoring fans with love as he moved backstage, reality set in. TwoGether Land was officially over, signaled by lines of patrons delicately marching on sore feet to packed-out parking lots and rideshare pickup locations, taking the third day of the holiday weekend to relax, rejuvenate, and reminiscence on the festival and the dazzling trip down memory lane.