Pusha T’s Cousinz Festival Returns to Virginia in August
Hip-hop heads and R&B lovers, mark your calendars—Pusha T’s Cousinz Festival is officially back for its second annual celebration. The 2025 edition will take place on August 30 in Norfolk, Virginia, bringing another stacked lineup of artists, DJs, and culture to the heart of the 757.
The festival, founded by Pusha T and his Heir Wave Music Group, made waves last summer by blending nostalgic legends with the hottest current names in music. And this year, the Cousinz Festival lineup is even bigger.
A Celebration of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Southern Vibes
In a time where music festivals have become crowded with commercial sameness, Cousinz Festival stands out as a culturally curated experience. Last year’s inaugural show featured icons like Erykah Badu, Larry June, and Jermaine Dupri, blending soulful performance with local flavor.
For 2025, the torch is being passed to a new group of stars. Jeezy, T-Pain, and Lil Kim are set to headline, offering fans an irresistible mix of gritty lyricism, Auto-Tune anthems, and unapologetic Queen Bee energy. Whether you came up on Jeezy’s Thug Motivation 101, partied to T-Pain’s Buy U a Drank, or grew up on Lil Kim’s trailblazing bars—there’s something here for every generation of hip-hop.
DJ Legends Take the Stage: Envy, Clue, and More
Cousinz isn’t just about the artists—it’s a DJ playground too. DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club is on deck, along with DJ Clue, a longtime mixtape pioneer and club favorite. Their presence brings old-school vibes and party-starting energy to the event.
In fact, the festival emphasizes the roots of hip-hop culture, where DJs were often just as iconic as the rappers they supported. Expect everything from turntable tricks to crowd control masterclasses, with DJ sets that remind fans how influential the booth really is.
Presale Tickets Drop April 28
If you’re trying to catch the action live, presale tickets go on sale April 28 at 10am ET. Last year’s tickets moved fast, especially VIP packages and local early bird deals.
Fans are encouraged to sign up on the official Cousinz Festival website for presale access, as general admission will likely sell out quickly. A local pre-sale will be held at the Waterside District on April 25 from 4-7pm, as well. General on-sale tickets are available on May 1, at 10am.
With Norfolk’s growing reputation as a cultural hub in the DMV-Southeast corridor, events like Cousinz are putting the city on the national radar.
What Makes Cousinz Different?
There are plenty of festivals, but Cousinz Festival’s identity lies in its family reunion energy—something Pusha T is passionate about.
The name “Cousinz” speaks to kinship. Whether you’re related by blood, music, or neighborhood roots, it’s a space to reconnect. Norfolk and the greater Hampton Roads region have produced generations of music talent—from Pharrell Williams and Missy Elliott to Timbaland, Clipse, and D.R.A.M. This festival isn’t just a show; it’s a celebration of the region’s rich contributions to Black music culture.
Pusha T’s Legacy and His Impact on the Culture
While Pusha T is best known for his rap career—from Clipse classics to GOOD Music dominance—his contributions as a curator and connector are just as powerful.
With the launch of Cousinz Festival, he’s showing artists how to reinvest in their communities. This festival isn’t backed by a massive corporate entity. Instead, it thrives on authenticity, local partnerships, and real musical lineage.
Pusha has always maintained ties to his Virginia Beach roots, and events like this one demonstrate how homegrown talent can create platforms that are just as influential as Coachella or Rolling Loud—minus the Hollywood frills.
Norfolk: The Rising Cultural Hub of Virginia
Hosting the festival in Norfolk is no accident. The city has been quietly evolving into one of the South’s most exciting cultural destinations. Its blend of historic Black neighborhoods, revitalized arts districts, and food/music scenes makes it the perfect backdrop for a music event that’s both classic and current.
Norfolk’s Waterside District, NEON Arts District, and Scope Arena have all played a role in spotlighting Virginia talent. With Cousinz Festival landing on the Norfolk Scope Grounds again this year, the synergy between the location and the lineup feels intentional—and powerful.
A Look Back at 2024’s Festival Highlights
If you missed last year’s show, you missed a vibe.
Erykah Badu brought ethereal soul and timeless energy. Larry June delivered a wellness-meets-hustler sermon. And Jermaine Dupri, who also hit the DJ booth, turned back the clock for a full-blown So So Def set.
The event was co-hosted by Chico Bean, whose comic timing and energy helped give Cousinz its casual, communal tone. Fans danced, laughed, and reconnected under the Virginia sun—and this year is shaping up to be even more immersive.
What to Expect in 2025
With artists like Jeezy, T-Pain, and Lil Kim, you can expect unforgettable performances. T-Pain’s live vocals and energy have long surprised casual listeners who only know him through Auto-Tune. Jeezy’s trap anthems still hit hard. And Lil Kim remains one of the most important female figures in hip-hop history.
Beyond that, fans can likely expect pop-up shops, local food vendors, art installations, and interactive experiences—hallmarks of last year’s Cousinz Fest. The event serves as a music-meets-culture experience where fans aren’t just passive observers—they’re part of the show.
Building Community Through Music
One of the most exciting things about Cousinz Festival is the platform it gives emerging local talent. While the headlines go to the Jeezys and T-Pains of the world, the stage often opens with lesser-known artists from Virginia and nearby regions.
That opportunity to perform on the same bill as national legends is invaluable for upcoming musicians. It’s part of a broader push by Pusha T to create pipelines for talent in the South, particularly in areas historically overlooked by major industry players.
A Must-Attend Festival for Real Music Fans
In a sea of festivals, Cousinz Festival 2025 stands out by staying true to its roots. It’s less about influencer clout and more about real music, shared culture, and community vibes.
If you’re looking for an authentic hip-hop and R&B experience this summer—without the inflated ticket prices or overdone aesthetics—then Norfolk is calling. The city’s ready. The artists are ready. The Cousinz are coming back together.
Presale begins April 28, and you’ll want to lock in your spot early. Because when family comes together, it’s not just a concert—it’s a memory.
