By Kim SoMajor
The final day of Music at the Intersection 2025 wasn’t just a concert, it was a definitive statement. With hip hop serving as the heartbeat of the festival’s closing moments, De La Soul commanded the Field Stage in a triumphant set that underscored their role as pillars of the culture. The energy surged when Talib Kweli made a surprise appearance, turning the performance into an electrifying, historic moment on St. Louis soil. This was hip hop history, made live and in person.
Earlier, Leon Thomas delivered one of the day’s standout performances. Blending silky R&B melodies with hip hop grit, his set carried the poise of an artist shaping the next generation of sound. Songs that could have easily belonged to a club or a concert hall landed perfectly on MATI’s outdoor stage, signaling a future where genre boundaries matter less than raw expression.
These moments tied directly back to Saturday night’s Field Stage takeover by Common and Pete Rock, proving that MATI continues to be one of the few festivals where hip hop’s legacy, present, and future are given equal weight.
St. Louis as a Living Stage
What separates MATI from other festivals is how it extends beyond traditional grounds and into the city itself. This year’s MATI Places expanded the footprint by activating local venues, galleries, and businesses in Grand Center. The Sovereign hosted intimate shows. Sophie’s Artist Lounge kept DJs spinning into the night. Washington Avenue became walkable for families with food trucks, vendors, and carnival rides.
Chuck D’s Roll Call exhibition at Legends Gallery was another cultural anchor, featuring more than 30 works honoring heroes of music and activism. It reminded fans that hip hop is not only heard but also seen, painted, and carried visually through generations.
By weaving in local businesses and art spaces, MATI broke down barriers of access. The festival was no longer only about badges and passes. It became a block by block takeover of St. Louis, open to locals and visitors alike.
Jazz and Legacy Anchors
The day opened with the Miles Davis Trumpet Summit, where Keyon Harrold joined Danny Campbell, Brady Lewis, Dustin Trump, Cassie Taylor, and Dawn Weber. It was a direct nod to St. Louis’ deep jazz roots, showing how the city continues to shape America’s musical
language.
Later in the evening, Branford Marsalis held court at the Big Top, blending mastery and improvisation in a way that reaffirmed MATI’s commitment to musicianship. And Harrold returned for his own set with Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez and vocalist Brenda Navarrete, underscoring the international reach of the festival.