Does that feel right for Patti? Patti wants to hype it up.
We try to balance the show out (so) each night feels like it's telling a story that continues.
They need to feel like they're part of a single journey," said McDonald.
The festival also navigated lengthy negotiations to secure a special anniversary tribute to the late R&B artist Aaliyah, curated by Missy Elliott, which delayed lineup announcements until late June.
"The work with the family was just a longer process," said McDonald.
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McDonald stated that the emotional weight of the tribute required significant deliberation from Aaliyah's family and Elliott before they committed to the performance structure.
"They had to get grounded in it.
There's an emotional connection between Missy and Aaliyah that wasn't as simple as, 'Oh yeah, I'll do that' as much as, 'I've got to sit with that and really figure that out.
Can I do it right? What would it look like?
How can I curate it, because I can't do it alone?' That (took) longer than booking a single artist.
That was more complicated than booking Cardi B," said McDonald.
Community and Cultural Reflections
The festival's focus on its core demographic remains a point of discussion among long-time participants and cultural observers.
Reflecting on the perceived shift toward a global audience at the expense of traditional African American supporters, beauty influencer Deja Zhane highlighted the importance of foundational attendees.
