OneMusicFest 2014: The Good, the Great, and the Could-Have-Been-Better

#OMF2014 ‘s sea of fans at Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta, GA (Photo Credit: Branden Camp/Access Atlanta)

Making it to the OneMusicFest (#OMF2014) was a necessity for me. I have been for the previous two musical adventures and was never disappointed. At my first outing, my wife met Eric Roberson out in the crowd walking around. Last year, we enjoyed a full day of musical greatness filled with Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Quadron, Joey Bada$$, and plenty others. This year promised us both Kendrick Lamar and Nas at a new venue. Therefore, this year would have to be better than last year.

From one perspective, the situation could be considered an improvement. From another perspective, it could easily be considered a situation stifled by its own goals of grandiosity.

The Good about the OneMusicFest

The good thing about this year’s musical festival is the overall level of artists that actually performed. To be fair, there were no lackluster performances to be had. From the energetic feel of Isaiah Rashad to the subdued musical hues of Jhene Aiko, the music was on point. The biggest highlight of the day had to be the performance from Redman and Method Man. Their show was filled with crowd participation, crowd surfing, and water bottles emptied on the crowd. The music, for what it was worth, was all the way on point.

Redman and Method Man rocks the stage at #OMF2014. (Photo Credit: @whycauseican)

U.K.’s Daley singing to the crowd. (Photo Credit: @whycauseican)

The Great about the OneMusicFest

The best thing about the festival, above all, is the healthy atmosphere that remains drama free. With a healthy mixture of different types of people, it is like a Rainbow Coalition of fans and music lovers alike. Plenty of the festival goers were anywhere from newborn all the way up to their 50’s and 60’s. The racial make-up spanned the globe. So, it needs to be said that the OneMusicFest was a haven for a unity that is quite hard to construct in regular American society.

Jhene Aiko doing her thing on stage. (Photo Credit: Prince Williams/ @atlpics)

Amel Larriuex serenading the crowd. (Photo Credit: @whycauseican)

The Could-Have-Been-Better about the OneMusicFest

The biggest problem with the festival would be the venue. With everything that was going on, Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood may not have been the best place for the festival. It is true that it allowed room for more people (and possibly more money). However, the previous spot (the field behind the Masquerade) allowed for a more intimate experience. Plus, there were issues with the concessions running out of food and beverages (all at a higher ticket price). It is safe to say that Aaron’s Amphitheater wasn’t truly prepared for the festival.

Kendrick Lamar spitting bars from his Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City album. (Photo Credit: @whycauseican)

Nas headlined the festival, giving fans his all on stage. (Photo Credit: Prince Williams/@atlpics)

The Verdict

OneMusicFest 2014 was an enjoyable time slightly marred by a lack of venue preparation. The artists were great. The atmosphere was even better. However, the change in venue may not have been the best bet. Still, OneMusicFest 2014 was enjoyable for all that participated.

I fully anticipate what next year has in store!

Special thanks to The Garner Circle!