Review: Erykah Badu, H.E.R and more at Toyota Music Factory

Spotify's first-ever RNB X festival took place on a lively Sunday at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving’s Las Colinas district, marking a milestone event dedicated exclusively to R&B music. This debut festival assembled a diverse lineup of artists representing the genre’s rich heritage and evolving sound, creating a platform that bridged established icons with promising newcomers.

The event commenced with local talent RJTheWeirdo, hailing from Oak Cliff, whose set ignited the audience with selections from his album “At Least She’s Beautiful.” His performance, featuring standout tracks such as “Catchabody” and “The Perfect One,” resonated strongly with the hometown crowd, setting an intimate tone that reflected the city’s deep-rooted musical culture.

Following RJTheWeirdo, artists Jai’Len Josey and Destin Conrad contributed sultry melodies infused with reggae influences, expanding the festival’s sonic palette. The British singer kwn then took the stage accompanied by a live band, performing a medley that included his notable singles “worst behavior” and “good girl.” His energetic delivery and enthusiasm for returning to Texas further energized the audience.

Destin Conrad made a second appearance, collaborating with kwn on the track “all fours,” effectively closing the festival’s first half and paving the way for the headline acts.

The Grammy-winning H.E.R. marked her return to live touring after a four-year hiatus, engaging the Dallas crowd with both familiar hits and new material from her forthcoming album. Her performance demonstrated a blend of vulnerability and excitement as she debuted unreleased songs, inviting the audience into her creative process. The connection with the crowd was palpable, with H.E.R. praising their vocal support and acknowledging Dallas’s vibrant music scene.

Adding a special moment, actor Miles Canton, known for his breakout role in the 2025 film "Sinners," joined H.E.R. onstage for a duet of "Best Part." Canton’s history as a touring companion of H.E.R. and his encouragement from her to pursue acting added an extra layer of narrative to the evening.

Closing the festival, Dallas native and neo-soul legend Erykah Badu delivered a psychedelic set that seamlessly wove together selections from her latest album “Before The World Blows” alongside timeless classics like “On & On,” “Otherside of the Game,” and “Window Seat.” Her collaboration with producer The Alchemist was highlighted by performances of revered tracks from his extensive catalog, including “Hold You Down” and “We Gon Make It.”

This appearance offered Dallas audiences a rare opportunity to experience Badu’s new material live, given that the official tour for the album excluded a stop in her hometown. Throughout her set, Badu acknowledged the city’s enduring support, addressing technical delays with humor and reaffirming her deep connection to South Dallas.

The festival not only celebrated R&B’s past and present but also emphasized the genre’s dynamic future by spotlighting emerging artists alongside celebrated figures. By gathering this spectrum of talent in one venue, Spotify’s RNB X festival underscored Dallas’s significance as a cultural hub for music innovation and community.

While the event was a one-day affair, the performances and interactions left a lasting impression, highlighting the vitality and resilience of R&B as a genre. Details about future editions of the festival remain limited, but the inaugural event set a promising precedent for continued celebration and exploration of R&B’s evolving landscape.