CMF Brings the Heat to Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s summer soundtrack will hit an electrifying peak from July 24–26, 2025, as the Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G returns to Paycor Stadium and the Andrew J. Brady Music Center. One of the largest and longest-running urban music festivals in the country, CMF is more than a concert—it’s a cultural cornerstone that brings icons, legends, and emerging artists together in a celebration of rhythm, soul, and community.
And while fans were understandably disappointed to hear Janet Jackson had to withdraw due to personal matters, the festival didn’t miss a beat. CMF responded in style—announcing LL Cool J and Toni Braxton as Saturday night headliners, a switch that only adds more historic heft to an already unforgettable lineup.
Let’s break it down by the beats.
Thursday, July 24 – A Hip-Hop History Lesson
The kickoff night at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center is a full-blown tribute to the architects of hip-hop. If you're looking for bars with history and beats that built a movement, this is your night.
Scarface, the deep-voiced philosopher from the Geto Boys, will bring his southern storytelling and reflective rhymes that made him a staple in any hip-hop historian’s collection.
Atlanta's Goodie Mob, known for blending Southern flavor with socially conscious lyrics, adds depth and soul to the night.
The Sugarhill Gang are the pioneers that brought rap into the mainstream with 1979’s “Rapper’s Delight.” Without them, there’s no radio hip-hop, no global movement.
Young MC, best known for the eternally catchy “Bust a Move,” injects a little West Coast fun and nostalgia into the mix.
This is more than a concert—it's a sonic museum of hip-hop’s roots.
Friday, July 25 – A Fusion of Soul, Funk, and Legacy
Friday at Paycor Stadium turns up the warmth with a lineup that bridges old-school excellence and modern-day soul.
Earth, Wind & Fire headline with their unmistakable blend of funk, soul, jazz, and disco. From “September” to “Fantasy,” their catalogue is a living, breathing dance floor.
Anthony Hamilton brings grit and gospel to his smooth R&B, his voice like aged bourbon over heartbreak and hope.
Jazmine Sullivan, Grammy-winning powerhouse, delivers vocal acrobatics and deep emotional pull—think of her as soul’s next generation torchbearer.
PJ Morton, the Maroon 5 keyboardist turned solo savant, offers a lush fusion of gospel roots and funk finesse.
The Zapp Band will plug in their talk box and bring the bounce—because it’s not a funk party until Zapp makes your shoulders move.
And finally, a heartfelt Tribute to King Records led by Cincinnati’s own Dreion pays homage to the local label that helped launch the careers of James Brown, Bootsy Collins, and a legacy of rhythm and blues greatness.
This is the kind of night where every note feels like home.
Saturday, July 26 – A Grand Finale of Star Power and Soul
Saturday was already shaping up to be a showstopper—and now with LL Cool J and Toni Braxton joining the lineup, it's a mic-drop moment.
LL Cool J, a two-time Grammy winner and true hip-hop pioneer, brings hits and charisma. Backed by DJ Z-Trip, he’ll take fans from the golden era of rap to the future of live performance.
Toni Braxton, sultry and timeless, will slow the tempo down in the best way. Her performance—featuring hits like “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin Me High”—will pour honey on the night’s pulse.
The Tribute to Frankie Beverly, led by Jubu and featuring icons like Ronald Isley, Joe, After 7, Dave Hollister, and Raheem DeVaughn, will honor one of the most beloved figures in soul music with a warmth and groove that only CMF can deliver.
Rising star Lucky Daye brings fresh energy with his genre-bending, Grammy-winning take on R&B.
Classic R&B crooners 112 return to stage with smooth harmonies and danceable love songs that shaped a generation.
And The Bar-Kays, funk trailblazers since the Stax Records days, will ensure the party starts—and ends—with funk-fueled fire.
More Than a Festival—A Force for Cincinnati
Beyond the beats and ballads, CMF is an economic and cultural engine. According to a study by the UC Economics Center, the festival pumps $107.4 million into the local economy annually. Hotels fill, restaurants buzz, and small businesses thrive. The festival creates jobs, draws tourism, and puts Cincinnati on a national stage.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of old-school R&B, a hip-hop head, or someone who just loves live music that moves you—CMF 2025 is your moment.
🎟️ Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com, and you’ll want to move fast—this lineup is moving the needle already.
From legends to local heroes, nostalgia to newness, CMF 2025 isn’t just a festival—it’s Cincinnati’s crown jewel of sound. Don’t miss it.