HBCU homecomings have always set the tone for some of the most memorable moments in Black culture, extending far beyond the campus and even some of the big stages in music. On these weekends, the campus transforms into a true living, breathing audience. Balloons draped throughout the campus in school colors. Buzzing vendor booths with all sorts of merchandise and art surround the perimeter. Sizzling food options that fill the soul and soak up the booze. Bands battle it out on the field showcasing their school pride. Alumni and students dressed to the nines as they watch, cheer, and judge, turning every performance that hits the stage into a moment that defines the vibes for the multi-day weekend, and even further, an artist’s career.

For rising artists, homecoming stages offer up a chance to connect directly with loyal listeners, gain exposure to alumni and media networks, and cast their music to a wider net. One example that comes to mind dates back to October 1995 at Howard University’s Homecoming. Notorious B.I.G. and Foxy Brown were at the height of their careers, iconically performing on The Yard in front of thousands of fans. That performance alone became such a foundational moment for hip-hop at HBCUs, and also helped solidify Howard’s homecoming as one of the major cultural events in the DMV that would, in turn, later attract high-profile performers and massive crowds for years to come.

For rising artists, homecoming stages offer up a chance to connect directly with loyal listeners, gain exposure to alumni and media networks, and cast their music to a wider net. One example that comes to mind dates back to October 1995 at Howard University’s Homecoming. Notorious B.I.G. and Foxy Brown were at the height of their careers, iconically performing on The Yard in front of thousands of fans. That performance alone became such a foundational moment for hip-hop at HBCUs, and also helped solidify Howard’s homecoming as one of the major cultural events in the DMV that would, in turn, later attract high-profile performers and massive crowds for years to come.

Over time, HBCU homecoming stages have seen performances that echo far for rising stars testing out their craft. Even legendary acts have stamped their importance and impact on the culture. Homecoming creates moments. It inspired the greats like Beyoncé, who coined the Black homecoming experience at her legendary Coachella performance. It’s even influenced others outside the culture, like Taylor Swift, who once faced accusations of cultural appropriation at her 2019 Billboard Music Awards performance that featured a marching band dressed in pastel pinks that appeared very similar to the style of “Beychella.”

Over time, HBCU homecoming stages have seen performances that echo far for rising stars testing out their craft. Even legendary acts have stamped their importance and impact on the culture. Homecoming creates moments. It inspired the greats like Beyoncé, who coined the Black homecoming experience at her legendary Coachella performance. It’s even influenced others outside the culture, like Taylor Swift, who once faced accusations of cultural appropriation at her 2019 Billboard Music Awards performance that featured a marching band dressed in pastel pinks that appeared very similar to the style of “Beychella.”

The muse that is homecoming is bringing HBCU culture to the forefront. Here are some of the most unforgettable homecoming performances over the years that helped catapult some of our current faves on the charts and a few homecoming-inspired performances that brought more life to the culture:

The muse that is homecoming is bringing HBCU culture to the forefront. Here are some of the most unforgettable homecoming performances over the years that helped catapult some of our current faves on the charts and a few homecoming-inspired performances that brought more life to the culture:

Drake – Howard University, 2012

Drake – Howard University, 2012

It would be impossible to talk about iconic homecoming performances without mentioning Drake. Just three years after signing to Young Money and breaking through with So Far Gone, he shocked thousands of students and alumni with a surprise appearance on The Yard during Howard University’s 2012 homecoming. Howard hadn’t seen talent of that caliber in years, and Drake instantly lit up blogs and media outlets across the country. Fans stormed the stage trying to get close to the Toronto rapper, adding to the chaos and thrill of the moment.

It would be impossible to talk about iconic homecoming performances without mentioning Drake. Just three years after signing to Young Money and breaking through with So Far Gone, he shocked thousands of students and alumni with a surprise appearance on The Yard during Howard University’s 2012 homecoming. Howard hadn’t seen talent of that caliber in years, and Drake instantly lit up blogs and media outlets across the country. Fans stormed the stage trying to get close to the Toronto rapper, adding to the chaos and thrill of the moment.

What made it special wasn’t just the surprise—it was the timing. Drake was already a star, but still in the early chapters of building the OVO empire. The performance gave him cultural currency with an audience that values realness and community. For Howard, it was a reminder that Yardfest remains one of the most important stages in Black culture. And for Drake, it was another building block that would push him toward all his Grammy-winning success.

What made it special wasn’t just the surprise—it was the timing. Drake was already a star, but still in the early chapters of building the OVO empire. The performance gave him cultural currency with an audience that values realness and community. For Howard, it was a reminder that Yardfest remains one of the most important stages in Black culture. And for Drake, it was another building block that would push him toward all his Grammy-winning success.

Outkast – Morris Brown College, 2006

Outkast – Morris Brown College, 2006

When it comes to weaving HBCU culture into mainstream music, few artists have done it like Outkast. In 2002, the duo released Morris Brown—a track that didn’t just nod to the Atlanta-based HBCU, but put the school’s culture front and center. The song features the Morris Brown College Wolverines Marching Band, giving the school national visibility at a time when it was facing financial struggles.

When it comes to weaving HBCU culture into mainstream music, few artists have done it like Outkast. In 2002, the duo released Morris Brown—a track that didn’t just nod to the Atlanta-based HBCU, but put the school’s culture front and center. The song features the Morris Brown College Wolverines Marching Band, giving the school national visibility at a time when it was facing financial struggles.

That moment mattered on multiple levels. For Outkast, it reinforced their reputation as artists who celebrate Southern Black culture in all forms. For Morris Brown, it was a shot of cultural credibility and pride, showcasing the influence HBCU bands carry in shaping sound and style. Coming just a few years after Drumline spotlighted HBCU marching culture for a wider audience, Morris Brown cemented the connection between music, film, and the lived experiences of HBCU students.

That moment mattered on multiple levels. For Outkast, it reinforced their reputation as artists who celebrate Southern Black culture in all forms. For Morris Brown, it was a shot of cultural credibility and pride, showcasing the influence HBCU bands carry in shaping sound and style. Coming just a few years after Drumline spotlighted HBCU marching culture for a wider audience, Morris Brown cemented the connection between music, film, and the lived experiences of HBCU students.

CoCo Jones – SpelHouse, Southern University, and NCAT, 2023-2024

CoCo Jones – SpelHouse, Southern University, and NCAT, 2023-2024

Performing at HBCU homecomings didn’t make singer, actress, and songwriter CoCo Jones a star — but it did strengthen her credibility and remind fans of the talent they first saw during her early Disney years. At North Carolina A&T’s Homecoming in 2023 and Spelhouse Homecoming in 2024, she brought her live vocals with confidence, proving her artistry translates as powerfully on stage as it does in the studio.

Performing at HBCU homecomings didn’t make singer, actress, and songwriter CoCo Jones a star — but it did strengthen her credibility and remind fans of the talent they first saw during her early Disney years. At North Carolina A&T’s Homecoming in 2023 and Spelhouse Homecoming in 2024, she brought her live vocals with confidence, proving her artistry translates as powerfully on stage as it does in the studio.

Beyond showcasing her talent, these performances reconnected Jones with a community that has supported her throughout her career. Singing hits like “ICU” and debuting tracks like “Most Beautiful Design,” her undeniable aura fused effortlessly with audiences that came to feel her authenticity and next-generation energy.

Beyond showcasing her talent, these performances reconnected Jones with a community that has supported her throughout her career. Singing hits like “ICU” and debuting tracks like “Most Beautiful Design,” her undeniable aura fused effortlessly with audiences that came to feel her authenticity and next-generation energy.

Megan Thee Stallion – Claflin University, North Carolina Central University, Virginia State University, and more

Megan Thee Stallion – Claflin University, North Carolina Central University, Virginia State University, and more

Megan The Stallion has a way of turning HBCU homecomings into viral moments. In 2019, Claflin University students campaigned to bring her to their homecoming, and when she finally hit the stage the crowd went  wild. Later that year at Virginia State, her performance and interaction with students made people feel even more connected to the Houston rapper.

Megan The Stallion has a way of turning HBCU homecomings into viral moments. In 2019, Claflin University students campaigned to bring her to their homecoming, and when she finally hit the stage the crowd went  wild. Later that year at Virginia State, her performance and interaction with students made people feel even more connected to the Houston rapper.

For Megan these stages have tied back into her own experience at Texas Southern. Graduating in 2021 while balancing a rising music career, she showed just how resilient and dedicated she was to knocking out her goals. Her journey is inspirational for the youth, a true testament that hard work pays off, and the communities where you’ve left your mark will always be there to celebrate you. 

For Megan these stages have tied back into her own experience at Texas Southern. Graduating in 2021 while balancing a rising music career, she showed just how resilient and dedicated she was to knocking out her goals. Her journey is inspirational for the youth, a true testament that hard work pays off, and the communities where you’ve left your mark will always be there to celebrate you. 

In the heart of summer festival season, Next Wave is spotlighting artists who are made for the stage—and Keypsiia was born for it. With a voice that shape-shifts across genres and a presence that lights up a room, the Atlanta-based genre-bender is crafting a sound that’s nostalgic yet entirely new. 

“I would describe my music as a play on all things nostalgic, but experimental,” she says. “I’m something like a genre bender.”

“I would describe my music as a play on all things nostalgic, but experimental,” she says. “I’m something like a genre bender.”

Keypsiia has created genre-bending music and mentally stimulating art for the stage and the soul. Whether it’s children vibing to her hooks or elders connecting to her soulful storytelling, Keypsiia’s music is built for everybody. Her music journey started with her single “Crush” in 2023, a debut that changed her entire world and introduced a new era of Southern artistry—equal parts experimental and homegrown. 

Keypsiia has created genre-bending music and mentally stimulating art for the stage and the soul. Whether it’s children vibing to her hooks or elders connecting to her soulful storytelling, Keypsiia’s music is built for everybody. Her music journey started with her single “Crush” in 2023, a debut that changed her entire world and introduced a new era of Southern artistry—equal parts experimental and homegrown. 

“I’ve been able to stay on stage regularly while also getting spins nationwide on the radio,” she added. “Now, I’m being presented bigger opportunities from the work I’ve put in these last 2 years. I’m looking forward to how this year sets me up for phase 3 of this journey.”

“I’ve been able to stay on stage regularly while also getting spins nationwide on the radio,” she added. “Now, I’m being presented bigger opportunities from the work I’ve put in these last 2 years. I’m looking forward to how this year sets me up for phase 3 of this journey.”

When it comes to Keypsiia’s personal influences, she revealed many of her biggest inspirations are mostly songwriters and producers. She shared that The Dream influenced how she approaches songwriting and how she attacks the hook of a record.

When it comes to Keypsiia’s personal influences, she revealed many of her biggest inspirations are mostly songwriters and producers. She shared that The Dream influenced how she approaches songwriting and how she attacks the hook of a record.

“Being new generation Dungeon Family, my upbringing was a heavy influencer in how I approach my entire career, brick by brick,” she noted about her influences.  

“Being new generation Dungeon Family, my upbringing was a heavy influencer in how I approach my entire career, brick by brick,” she noted about her influences.  

As Keypsiia continues to rise, July is a fitting time to celebrate her momentum. It’s the doll’s Cancer season and summer festivals are calling. As someone who’s had the privilege of seeing her live, she’s ready. 

As Keypsiia continues to rise, July is a fitting time to celebrate her momentum. It’s the doll’s Cancer season and summer festivals are calling. As someone who’s had the privilege of seeing her live, she’s ready. 

“I love festivals so I hope to touch any of them, to be honest,” she says. “Because I’m in Atlanta, I’d love to rock One Music Fest for sure.” 

“I love festivals so I hope to touch any of them, to be honest,” she says. “Because I’m in Atlanta, I’d love to rock One Music Fest for sure.” 

With a catalog that refuses to stay in one lane and a stage presence that’s anything but boring, she’s setting her sights on shows that can match her energy. 

With a catalog that refuses to stay in one lane and a stage presence that’s anything but boring, she’s setting her sights on shows that can match her energy. 

“Live performance is where I shine,” she declares.

“Live performance is where I shine,” she declares.

But Keypsiia is more than the music—she’s a movement. 

But Keypsiia is more than the music—she’s a movement. 

“My personal superpower would be providing a space to allow people’s true self-confidence to shine,” she shares. 

“My personal superpower would be providing a space to allow people’s true self-confidence to shine,” she shares. 

Her lane? Empowerment with a groove. 

Her lane? Empowerment with a groove. 

“There’s not enough positive influence when it comes to providing the masses with mentally stimulating art… I urge people that being intelligent is the slyest thing you can be.”

“There’s not enough positive influence when it comes to providing the masses with mentally stimulating art… I urge people that being intelligent is the slyest thing you can be.”

Offstage, Keypsiia’s thinking bigger than music. The SWATS Princess shared with us her true mission work. 

Offstage, Keypsiia’s thinking bigger than music. The SWATS Princess shared with us her true mission work. 

“Swerving through my crafts is the main reason why I’m in entertainment. Serving young women in the community is my mission work,” she told us.  “I’m most excited to provide life and character development tools for young girls aged 12–22. I plan to have something like a school.”

“Swerving through my crafts is the main reason why I’m in entertainment. Serving young women in the community is my mission work,” she told us.  “I’m most excited to provide life and character development tools for young girls aged 12–22. I plan to have something like a school.”

With a mission rooted in authenticity and service, she’s using every lyric, look, and live show to build a world where creativity, confidence, and community reign.

With a mission rooted in authenticity and service, she’s using every lyric, look, and live show to build a world where creativity, confidence, and community reign.

In a time when the industry is flooded, Keypsiia’s strategy is simple: be real, be consistent, and don’t stop trying. 

In a time when the industry is flooded, Keypsiia’s strategy is simple: be real, be consistent, and don’t stop trying. 

In terms of her personal formula to success, she shared, “Do Not Stop Trying. As soon as I cut myself off from being a student, the purpose is not being fulfilled.”

In terms of her personal formula to success, she shared, “Do Not Stop Trying. As soon as I cut myself off from being a student, the purpose is not being fulfilled.”

Keypsiia is a believer that talent is only an inkling of how artists carve their own wave in music. She attributes personality and storytelling to how fans can relate to the artists, sharing that being your best self is the ideal way to connect. 

Keypsiia is a believer that talent is only an inkling of how artists carve their own wave in music. She attributes personality and storytelling to how fans can relate to the artists, sharing that being your best self is the ideal way to connect. 

“The people will attach and stay connected to what’s real… and no one can do Keypsiia.” 

“The people will attach and stay connected to what’s real… and no one can do Keypsiia.” 

Believe it. 

Believe it. 

To keep up with Keypsiia’s movement, be sure to follow her here. 

To keep up with Keypsiia’s movement, be sure to follow her here.