Drake performs onstage during Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park on July 11, 2025 in London, England.
Joseph Okpako/WireImage
With Iceman season fast approaching, Drake is primed and ready to kick off another album worthy of anticipation and hype, especially after the release of his new single “What Did I Miss?” But, on Friday night (July 11), fans at the U.K. Wireless Festival didn’t get the mischievous, revenge-plotting Drake looking to avenge his losses. Instead, they received a Drake who was keen on celebrating his R&B heroes, his OVO comrade PARTYNEXTDOOR, and day-one fans who have always appreciated the melodic side of Heartbreak Drake.
“This is the first time in my life that I’ve done three different shows on three different days,” Drake told the crowd during his performance. “You came to a very special night. It’s night one. It’s a celebration of all things R&B. All things melodies. All classics.”
Along with Drake headlining three nights of Wireless, Friday’s outing wasn’t just a highlight reel featuring The Boy and Friends; it served as a thriving garden for R&B artists from the States and across The Pond. The U.K.’s shining stars like KWN and Nippa treated the day as a homecoming, while Summer Walker and Leon Thomas demonstrated their performance prowess and elite status in the genre. The guest list ran deep, with surprise appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, Kehlani and more, making day 1 a dreamscape for R&B purists.
Check out the best moments from Drake’s R&B-themed night 1 at Wireless Festival. Plus, stay tuned for more coverage of Drake’s day 2 and 3 performances, along with special surprises.
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Ty Dolla $ign Anoints Leon Thomas as the “King of R&B”
As Leon Thomas continues to have an impressive 2025 campaign, courtesy of his top 15 Billboard Hot 100 single “Mutt,” the R&B polymath earned a monumental co-sign from his mentor and EZMNY Records label boss Ty Dolla $ign. During a spellbinding set that showcased Thomas’ wizardry as a singer and guitarist, it was his mastery of songs like “Not Fair” and “Yes It Is” that truly captivated viewers. Following his sizzling effort, Ty Dolla $ign joined his protégé onstage and boldly declared Thomas as the new “King of R&B.”
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U.K.’s Rising Stars Show & Deliver
As the U.K. continues to thrive as a breeding ground for burgeoning R&B stars, Nippa and KWN showcased why they are currently the country’s brightest exports. Nippa, U.K.’s charming lothario, spoonfed fans hearty servings of smiles and sorrow. He hopscotched between songs like the dance-ready “One More” to the brooding ache of “Unfair.” KWN’s intensity was just as edgy, especially when she called on Kehlani for a steamy sequel of their contagious hit “Worst Behaviour (Remix).”
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Sailorr & Karri Are the Next Wave of Stars for R&B & the AAPI Community
The AAPI community is having a banner year in R&B, led by breakout stars Sailorr and Karri. Draped in an all-pink ensemble, Sailorr exuded beauty and poise while staking her claim as one of Florida’s Finest. Her set struck a nerve with the heartbroken, who clung to every word of “Down Bad” and “Cut Up.” Meanwhile, Karri, fresh off tour with Isaiah Falls, flew U.K. fans straight to the West Coast with his buttery vocals and laid-back charisma anchoring “3 AM in Oakland.” Together, they’re forging a new standard for AAPI excellence in R&B.
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Summer Walker Relives Her Epic 2022 Wireless Performance of “Sessions 32”
Three years ago, a pregnant and vulnerable Summer Walker burst into tears when fans belted “Session 32” in unison. The now-viral performance not only captured Walker’s strength but transformed her vulnerability into a superpower. Fast forward, and the singer ruminated on the pivotal rendition, where she encouraged fans to sing along and relive her transformative moment.
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PARTYNEXTDOOR Sets the Table for Drake’s Entrance
Before Drake entered center stage, PND kicked their joint headlining set off with gusto. Not only did he break into P4 anthems like “No Chill” and “For Certain,” but he revisited his rookie days, returning to his self-titled debut project and performing “Wus Good / Curious.” Then, once PND strolled into “Come & See Me,” that proved to be the perfect launching pad to introduce Drake.
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Drake Brings the B-Side Gems for His True Fans
As promised, Drake gift-wrapped a slew of classic R&B deep cuts, including “Jungle” and “Feel No Ways.” He didn’t skimp on the popular favorites too, using “Marvins Room” and “Passionfruit” as a melodic master class for those unfamiliar with The Boy’s emotional depth.
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Drake & PND Give an Early Taste of Their U.K. Tour
The OVO tandem introduced a first-ever look at their $ome $exy $ongs 4 U U.K. Tour by giving a crash-course example of their elite chemistry and crowd control. Opening with “CN TOWER,” Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR thrived off the crowd’s energy, propelling them to slow-burning songs like “SPIDER-MAN SUPERMAN” before shifting gears to their cultural anthem “SOMEBODY LOVES ME.”
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Drake Pays Homage to His R&B Heroes
In true celebratory fashion, Drake called on the R&B cavalry to make the night that much more special. He enlisted Mario and Bobby Valentino for a nostalgic performance of their throwback cuts before calling on Bryson Tiller and GIVEON to inject their energy into the night’s smooth vibes. The biggest hero of the night came in the form of Ms. Lauyrn Hill, who wowed the crowd with an electric performance of Fugees’ “Ready or Not” before doing a clever mash-up of “Ex-Factor” and Drake’s “Nice for What,” a first in both of their careers.
