Rhyme Fest 2025: Los Angeles Hip-Hop Homecoming and Future Expansion FAQ

What is Rhyme Fest and what makes it unique?

Rhyme Fest is an annual hip-hop festival that emphasizes artist-first curation and community energy, featuring true-school lineups that bridge generations of hip-hop culture rather than just being another concert series.

When and where did the 2025 Rhyme Fest take place?

The 2025 Rhyme Fest occurred on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at The LA Memorial Coliseum’s Torch venue, continuing the festival’s presence on the Coliseum grounds that began in 2024.

Who were the headline performers at Rhyme Fest 2025?

The 2025 festival was headlined by Raekwon & Ghostface Killah with surprise appearances by Cappadonna, and featured West Coast pillars Xzibit and DJ Quik, along with The Alchemist, Dilated Peoples, Dead Prez, Masta Ace, Conway the Machine, ¡Mayday!, Onyx, and The Shapeshifters.

How has Rhyme Fest evolved since its inception?

Rhyme Fest has grown from a 300-capacity launch at the Ukrainian Culture Center in 2013 to major stadium events, expanding through intimate venues (2013-2022), moving to outdoor stadiums in 2023 (Adelanto stadium), and establishing itself at the LA Memorial Coliseum campus in 2024-2025.

What makes the 2025 edition particularly significant?

The 2025 festival represented a cross-coastal conversation with Wu-Tang lineage meeting West Coast classics, featured festival-grade operations with cashless concessions and clear-bag entry, and cemented Rhyme Fest as a must-attend Los Angeles hip-hop festival with multi-era artists.

Who founded Rhyme Fest and what is their vision?

Rhyme Fest was founded by Rafael Dos Santos, who built the festival on respect for the craft and community, with plans to level up production, storytelling, and curation each year and expand from Los Angeles to the world in 2026.

What venues has Rhyme Fest utilized throughout its history?

The festival has utilized multiple venues including the Ukrainian Culture Center, The Pomana Fox Theater, The Mayan, The Belasco, The Hollywood Arena, Adelanto stadium, and most recently The Torch at the LA Memorial Coliseum campus.

What are the future plans for Rhyme Fest?

Following the 2025 success, organizers are planning an even bigger 2026 edition and laying groundwork to expand Rhyme Fest from Los Angeles to global markets, continuing the festival’s steady growth trajectory.

How has media coverage reflected Rhyme Fest’s importance?

Media outlets like Underground Hip Hop Blog and Songkick have recognized Rhyme Fest as an important platform for bridging hip-hop generations and a curated gathering of hip-hop’s past, present, and future, not just another concert.