KingVMA & Friends Lights Up the Stage at No Stress Academy

The energy was electric on July 12 at the No Stress Academy as KingVMA & Friends brought together some of the most talented rising stars from North and South Carolina for a night of pure artistry, culture, and connection.

The lineup was stacked with both veteran performers and emerging voices, showcasing the deep and diverse talent pool of the Carolinas. Nomad Risky, J Merc, Playground Baby, ECain, BriFineAss, Bhadie23, and Soulfully Peaceful represented North Carolina with a range of performances that blended melodic hooks, raw lyricism, and crowd-hyping anthems. From South Carolina, Jair Tha Popstar brought his signature sound and charisma to the stage.

Of course, Carolina Space Kids held it down with standout sets from FrescoFrom34 and NMB Ceez, proving why the collective continues to make noise across the region.

The man of the hour, King VMA, delivered a high-octane performance, running through hits like “Red Flags,” “Shoot For The Starz,” and fan-favorite “4 Da Racks.” Backed by an elite DJ lineup including DJ Dede, DJ Doall, DJ SeemBeats, and his official DJ DJ Motiv, King VMA brought the house down with each track.

Beyond the music, Kashvision was on the ground capturing exclusive content and conversations with several artists. Rising rapper J Merc opened up about her collaboration with ShyFromDaTre and how their chemistry in the studio has turned into a real friendship. Visionary artist and entrepreneur RK Elo spoke passionately about his journey building an independent label housing 26 artists with a mission centered on mutual uplift and access to opportunities.

This event wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of Carolina talent, community, and momentum. With the announcement of a KingVMA & Friends Tour hitting Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem this December, it’s clear that this is only the beginning.

Check out full interviews and exclusive event coverage now on our Events Page.