The Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event concluded with a highly anticipated free concert at Webster Hall in New York City on Friday, September 5, 2025. This spectacular gathering, presented by State Farm, Ralph Lauren, and UnitedMasters, served as the vibrant centerpiece for Billboard’s Hip-Hop & R&B Week. The event drew an immense crowd, with New Yorkers lining three city blocks, eagerly hoping to gain entry to the star-studded showcase. Billboard CEO Mike Van underscored the concert's importance, remarking, “This concert is a testament to the vibrant future of hip-hop and R&B and our commitment to celebrating artists who are shaping the music landscape.”

The evening ignited with an electrifying atmosphere, expertly curated by DJ Ohso, who meticulously spun through a dynamic mix of hip-hop bangers, sultry Afro tunes, and even a touch of Paramore, keeping the audience engaged, energized, and hungry for the night’s performances. Armanii, a Billboard Rookie of the Year, kicked off the live acts with his signature blend of dancehall and hip-hop grooves. Fans swayed and celebrated as he performed crowd-pleasers such as “8:00 PM” and “JUMP (Bounce).” Following Armanii, GELO, another one of Billboard’s Hip-Hop Rookies of the Year, commanded the stage with his confident swagger, igniting the party with powerful cuts from his debut album, *League of My Own*. While his newer tracks resonated, it was his viral hit “Tweaker,” with its unifying “woah’s” and “ahh’s,” that fully locked the crowd into a state of ecstatic participation.

The energy remained palpable as Odeal, recognized as Billboard’s African Rookie of the Year, made his presence immediately felt throughout Webster Hall. The audience erupted at his mere sight, with dozens of diehard supporters passionately screaming out every syllable of his popular songs, including “Soh-Soh,” “London Summers,” and “Miami.” Following Odeal, Ravyn Lenae floated onto the stage, quickly transporting the crowd to a more mystical realm. Lenae gracefully sang through her biggest hits, including “One Wish” and “Love Me Not,” sprinkling a captivating enchantment throughout the room.

The grand finale was delivered by the headliner, Leon Thomas, who truly brought the house down. The fast-rising R&B star, recently honored with the Breakthrough of the Year Award at Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players 2025 event, delivered a powerful and relentless performance. He showcased his immense talent by passionately railing on the drums, shredding on the guitar, and singing his absolute heart out, deploying his full musical arsenal. The crowd, admittedly somewhat worn after such a lengthy showcase, enthusiastically rallied behind Thomas, fully revitalized when Ty Dolla $ign made a surprise appearance. Ty Dolla $ign casually strutted onto the stage, joining Thomas to perform his verse on “Far Fetched.” The excitement intensified as the DJ then queued up “Carnival,” the chart-topping *Vultures 1* track by Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Ty, which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart back in 2024. As Ty belted out the single and hyped up the crowd, Leon and his band delivered an unforgettable, high-energy performance.

In addition to the captivating musical performances, attendees had the opportunity to engage with interactive brand experiences. These included a State Farm-sponsored custom T-shirt printing station and a L’Oréal–Ralph’s Club photo booth, adding another layer of entertainment and immersion to the evening. The night, described as almost like a