Missy Elliott, The Killers, and Anderson .Paak Lead RiverBeat 2025 in Celebration of Memphis Music

RiverBeat 2025 brings a star-studded lineup to Memphis this May, featuring headliner Missy Elliott alongside The Killers, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Public Enemy, Ludacris, and local legends in the Memphis Rap OGz showcase. The festival promises three days of music, culture, and unforgettable performances on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Memphis’s musical legacy will be on full display at RiverBeat 2025, where Missy Elliott will lead a star studded lineup that honors the city’s role as a crossroads of sound and culture. Set to run May 2-4 on the banks of the Mississippi River, the three-day festival brings together global superstars and local legends, showcasing the city’s enduring impact on music.

Elliott, a hip-hop trailblazer whose hits like “Work It” and “Lose Control” redefined the genre’s possibilities, shares headlining honors with rock powerhouses The Killers and genre-blurring innovators Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals. Public Enemy, Ludacris, and a slate of Memphis rap pioneers round out a roster that blends big names with deep local roots.

While RiverBeat’s programming spans genres, this year’s spotlight firmly shines on hip-hop. Public Enemy, the iconic group behind politically charged anthems like “Fight the Power,” and Ludacris, celebrated for his Southern rap dominance and dynamic wordplay, join the lineup. Adding a distinctly Memphis touch, the Memphis Rap OGz showcase will bring together local legends La Chat, Crunchy Black, Al Kapone, Skinny Pimp, DJ Zirk, Gangsta Pat, and DJ Spanish Fly — trailblazers whose raw, underground sound continues to influence the global hip-hop scene.

“Memphis is a city where music is constantly evolving,” said Jeff Bransford, Festival Producer at Mempho Presents. “RiverBeat isn’t just about bringing big names to the stage; it’s about honoring the artists who have shaped Memphis and celebrating the city’s ongoing contribution to music.”

The festival also delves into Memphis’s roots in blues and gospel, featuring performances that underscore its place in the cultural fabric of American music. Grammy-winning producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell will curate the Royal Studios Blues Jam, which includes blues icons Bobby Rush and members of the Burnside family. Meanwhile, the Sunday Gospel Celebration will close the festival with soulful performances by The Wilkins Sisters, The Jubilee Hummingbirds, and Elizabeth King.

Organizers are building on the success of RiverBeat’s 2024 debut with a host of upgrades, including five stages equipped with immersive visuals, cutting-edge sound, and interactive projections. Two newly added entrances — the North Entrance and the Butler Street Entrance — aim to streamline access for festivalgoers while connecting them to downtown Memphis businesses. Returning favorites like the Ferris wheel, nightly fireworks, and an expanded lineup of food vendors ensure an experience that refle cts Memphis’s vibrant culture.

Tickets for RiverBeat 2025 are now on sale. Three-day general admission passes are priced at $199, with VIP packages available for $849, inclusive of fees. Single-day tickets and the full daily lineup will be announced in February. Fans can visit www.RiverBeat.com for more information.