CoCo Jones, YG Marley and New Edition: Camaraderie at Jazz in the Gardens 2025 (Photos)

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2025 RECAP: TWO DAYS OF ICONIC PERFORMANCES, TRIBUTES & UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS

Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) 2025 delivered two days of legendary performances, emotional tributes, and once-in-a-lifetime moments, further cementing its reputation as one of the premier music festivals in the nation. From R&B powerhouses to hip-hop legends and reggae royalty, this year’s lineup gave fans an unforgettable experience.

DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS

Coco Jones Captivates the Crowd
Coco Jones set the stage ablaze with her commanding presence and stellar vocals. Performing her latest single, “Taste,” she instantly engaged the audience with its catchy melody. Her heartfelt rendition of “Here We Go” showcased her vocal range and ability to connect deeply with the crowd. Closing out with the fan-favorite “ICU,” she left the audience in awe, many visibly moved by the song’s emotional depth. Her high-energy set and crowd participation created the perfect atmosphere for the electrifying performance that followed.

YG Marley and New Edition: A Family Affair
YG Marley, son of Lauryn Hill, took the stage with a powerful performance, joining his mother in a celebration of music that resonated with generations. New Edition followed, showcasing their unbreakable bond and camaraderie as they performed a mix of group hits and solo highlights. The crowd enjoyed every moment, soaking in the rare opportunity to witness all of New Edition’s members performing together while appreciating their individual artistry.

Xscape Delivers Timeless R&B Magic
The legendary R&B group Xscape set the JITG stage on fire with their signature harmonies and dynamic setlist. From their first hit “Just Kickin’ It” to the soulful “Do You Want To,” where LaTocha Scott serenaded her husband, every moment was pure nostalgia. The group made the night even more special by inviting a lucky fan on stage to dance, creating an unforgettable memory for the crowd.

Busta Rhymes Brings the Energy, Rising Stars Shine
In a high-energy moment, Busta Rhymes made an appearance, delivering his signature rapid-fire flow that had the crowd on their feet. Meanwhile, rising stars Samara Cyn, Foggieraw, and Mannywellz each brought their unique energy—whether it was soulful vocals, witty wordplay, or genre-bending vibes, they all proved why they are the next wave of musical greatness.

A Special Moment: Ms. Lauryn Hill & Doechii
In a powerful moment of generational impact, Ms. Lauryn Hill—the first woman to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys—introduced Doechii, the most recent woman to take home that honor. Doechii lit up the stage with an electric, high-energy performance, proving exactly why she’s next up.

A Fugees Reunion to Close the Night
As if the night couldn’t get any more legendary, Ms. Lauryn Hill was joined by Wyclef Jean for a surprise Fugees reunion. The duo performed classics like “Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not,” sending the crowd into a frenzy and closing out the night in spectacular fashion.

DAY TWO HIGHLIGHTS

Kem’s Soulful Connection
Kem delivered a show-stopping performance, showcasing his amazing stage presence and deep connection with the audience. Taking his energy beyond the stage, he waded into the crowd and invited three different men to sing along with him. Explaining that he was an “equal opportunity entertainer,” he brought a white man forward to sing “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” emphasizing unity and love amidst the world’s challenges. He also paid homage to Angie Stone, ensuring her spirit remained present throughout the night.

Beenie Man Brings the Party
Reggae icon Beenie Man, who hasn’t played in the US in decades, turned JITG into a full-blown Caribbean dance party, with everyone—audience, staff, and even security—on their feet. The energy soared when he brought Mya on stage, sending the crowd into an absolute frenzy. Their chemistry was electric, creating one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

Toni Braxton’s Timeless Elegance
Toni Braxton captivated the crowd with an effortlessly stunning performance, her velvety vocals shimmering as brightly as her jeweled ensemble. Sharing the stage with her sister, Trina Braxton, she turned the night into an unforgettable celebration of music, emotion, and timeless R&B magic. In a heartfelt tribute to the late Angie Stone, Toni delivered a tearful, soul-stirring rendition of “Breathe Again,” sharing that it was one of Angie’s favorites. Her dazzling presence and flawless delivery left the audience in absolute awe.

New Edition’s Unbreakable Bond
New Edition closed out the festival with a performance that was nothing short of legendary. Their camaraderie was evident as they performed together like they were still the young kids who took the world by storm decades ago. The set was a perfect mix of group hits and solo highlights, giving the audience the best of both worlds. The crowd had an absolute blast, soaking in the rare opportunity to witness all of New Edition’s members performing as one while also appreciating their individual artistry.

Photo Credits: Robin James, Walik Goshern and Detiko Cox