Written by | Ray Cornelius
#FunkFest officially rolled into Atlanta last night for three nights of R&B, Soul, Hip Hop and much more. The SOLD OUT engagement is taking place on ATL’s Southside at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater.
Hip hop icons Digable Planets opened the show a little after 7 p.m. (too bad I didn’t get any shots of them as I was running late) followed by R&B’s newest sensation Ro James, who thrilled the crowd with his hit single, “Permission.” Atlanta rap icons, The Dungeon Family All-Stars were added to the ticket, per the request of Erykah Badu. The legendary group ran through a set of their hits to the delight of the crowd.
Closing out the show was the reigning queen of neo-soul herself, who had a tough time to getting to Atlanta (due to inclement weather) and held the show far beyond its 11 p.m. end time. However, Badu did not disappoint and gave long time and first time fans a taste of her #BlackGirlMagic.
Badu, who appeared in classic “Inspector Gadget” apparel, performed snippets of such hits as “Tyrone,” “On and On,” “Out My Mind, Just in Time,” and “Next Lifetime” plus a medley of old school rap songs. She also thanked her “real” fans for rocking with her through the many different phases of her life and career.
I also had the pleasure of enjoying FORD‘s VIP Tent where I sipped on cocktails from Gentleman Jack, PEPSI and ate a variety of Tex Mex treats. I also bumped into my buddy and actress Chrystale Wilson as well as City of South Fulton Councilwoman Carmilitha Gumbs. Other Atlanta notables included iconic TV actress and Alzheimer’s Disease advocate Bern Nadette Stanis, better known as “Thelma” from “Good Times.”
Check out more photos below and come back for more pics + a recap from the rest of this weekend’s festival:
FORD allowed some #FunkFest guests to Roll Like VIPs
Carmilitha Gumbs – City of South Fulton Councilwoman
Actress Chrystale Wilson and guest
DUNGEON FAMILY ALL-STARS
RO JAMES
BADU
[presented with a CLASSIC filter]
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com