Up The Smoke Festival: 10K Fans, Major Headliners, and a Carolina Energy Surge

On April 20th, 2025, Charlotte, North Carolina lit up for one of the biggest live music events the Carolinas have seen in years — the Up The Smoke Festival at PNC Music Pavilion. Over 10,000 fans packed the venue for an unforgettable day of high-energy performances, surprise moments, and pure Carolina culture.

Headlined by Kodak Black, the festival also brought out a stacked lineup including DaBaby, DDG, Yung LB, Skrilla, Rubi Rose, Benton, Jewels, and more. From the moment gates opened, the crowd was electric, ready for a night that would cement Up The Smoke as a must-attend Carolina music event.

Stephenthadream Leads the Charge

Hosting duties were handled by Stephenthadream, one of the Carolinas’ premier voices on the mic, who kept the crowd engaged, hyped, and locked in between every set. True to his style, he brought along fellow hosts Khalil the Host (aka “Party Boy”) and ShaneTV, giving them the stage to showcase their own energy and connect with thousands of festival-goers.

The chemistry between the hosts and the performers kept momentum at an all-time high, turning the gaps between acts into moments just as memorable as the headliners themselves.

Unforgettable Performances

• Kodak Black closed out the night with an explosive set, blending chart-topping hits with fan favorites that had the entire pavilion rapping word-for-word.

• DaBaby brought unmatched Carolina pride, storming the stage with his signature confidence and hit-filled setlist.

• DDG had fans locked in from start to finish, with phones up capturing every moment.

• Benton delivered a performance full of raw lyricism and crowd-moving energy, cementing his place as a Carolina favorite.

• Jewels lit up the stage with smooth presence and undeniable charisma, keeping the crowd engaged throughout.

• Yung LB, Skrilla, and Rubi Rose each brought their own style and strong fanbases, showing exactly why they hold weight in the areas they represent.

Behind the Scenes with Rhythm Radar

Rhythm Radar had cameras rolling from start to finish, capturing the chaos, the energy, and the magic that made Up The Smoke more than just a festival — it was a statement. From backstage moments with performers to crowd reactions in the pit, our coverage shows the festival exactly how it was experienced.

The Cultural Impact

Events like Up The Smoke aren’t just concerts — they’re community milestones. They bring together fans, artists, and industry figures under one roof, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and building the Carolina music identity.

Follow the Movement

This was the festival that kicked off our coverage of Stephenthadream’s hosting run and marked a major moment for Carolina live music in 2025. Watch the full recap on YouTube and follow Rhythm Radar on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the hottest events in the region.