The third annual So So Def Summerfest came to a successful close in Atlanta Sunday night (Aug 3), despite a violent interruption to the festivities early Saturday morning (August 2).
A full capacity crowd joined Island Records President Jermaine Dupri at the posh Velvet Room Nightclub in Northeast Atlanta to close out five days of celebration hosted by JD, Nelly and a number of their celebrity friends including actors Gabrielle Union, Larenz Tate, and Nia Long.
The Sunday night party was quite a contrast to the subdued All-White Affair held at the Woodruff Arts Center on Saturday.
Sources told AllHipHop.com that several of the invited celebrities who were to make up the party’s hosting committee, failed to appear due to security concerns sparked by a shooting at Dreamz Nightclub during the So So Def Summerfest’s official “Welcome To Atlanta” kick-off.
Dekalb County police spokesman Marcus Hodge confirmed to local ABC affiliate WSB-TV that shots rang out at the packed venue around 3:30 am on Saturday, where an all-star list of revelers – including Young Jeezy, Usher, J Holiday, actress Regina King and co-host Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs – were attending.
According to Hodge, an altercation started after patrons of the club found out they had allegedly been double-charged by security guards at Dreams to enter the venue’s VIP section.
The individuals in question were then promptly escorted out of the nightclub, where an unknown man began firing.
One security guard was grazed in the arm and taken to an area hospital, where he was treated and released.
Authorities are still investigating the incident in hopes of developing leads to the gunman’s identity.
“I’m sad this incident happened because it interrupted a beautiful and loving party,” Dupri told AllHipHop.com. “But I’m happy none of my people or friends got hurt. And the party continues.”
Less than twelve hours later, fans were treated to a celebrity basketball game at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena, where JD lead his So So Def team to victory against Nelly and his Derrty Ent. crew.
Additional players included Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, comedians Chris Tucker and Kevin Hart, and the NBA’s Josh Smith, Larry Hughes, and Lou Williams.
“Over all the weekend was incredible,” Dupri remarked. “To me, it’s headed to the Essence Festival level. We already have new sponsors calling to be a part of next year and I can’t wait.”
