( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) An Unforgettable Night of Icons, Culture, and Cross-Generational Legacy
ENSPIRE Contributor: Kirah Smith
Photo Credit: Simone Joyner (Getty Images)/Joseph Okpako (WireImage)
LONDON — July 11, 2025 — Grammy-winning rapper Drake opened his three-night headline takeover at Wireless Festival with a jaw-dropping surprise: an onstage appearance by none other than Lauryn Hill, one of the most revered figures in hip-hop and R&B. The pair’s performance ignited a wave of praise from fans and critics alike, instantly becoming one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.
This year, Drake became the first artist to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival. The opening night showcased his R&B roots, as the Canadian star curated a nostalgic, soulful setlist featuring special guests. The Finsbury Park crowd was treated to performances from Bobby Valentino, who performed his hit “Slow Down,” Mario with “Let Me Love You,” Bryson Tiller delivering “Exchange,” and Giveon with soulful renditions of “Chicago Freestyle” and “Heartbreak Anniversary.”
Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images for ABA
Fans were already buzzing, but nothing could prepare them for what came next.
As the night neared its emotional peak, Lauryn Hill appeared on stage to perform her classic Ex-Factor. The moment transitioned seamlessly into Drake’s Nice for What, which famously samples Hill’s 1998 hit. The crowd exploded with excitement, and social media lit up with praise. Her performance was unannounced, making it even more special, especially considering her rare live appearances.
In addition to the surprise collaboration, Drake also performed several fan-favorite R&B tracks. He moved through a string of emotional favorites including “Marvin’s Room,” “Jaded,” “Passionfruit,” and “Jungle.” He was later joined by frequent collaborator PARTYNEXTDOOR, and the two debuted several songs from their upcoming joint project $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, including “CN TOWER” and “Spider-Man Superman”.
Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage
To close the night, Drake stunned the crowd with a heartfelt cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” followed by a Lauryn Hill encore performance of “Ready or Not.”
The union of Drake and Lauryn Hill represents more than music; it symbolizes the blending of two generations of cultural influence on one of the world’s biggest stages. Hill’s legacy as a trailblazer continues to resonate with today’s artists, and Drake’s decision to spotlight her contributions during a headline performance solidified that reverence.
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