Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq and R&B ensemble En Vogue will pay tribute to their hometown during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.
Saadiq, who co-founded the R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné! in Oakland in the late ’80s before launching a successful solo career, is set to deliver a special performance at Chase Center in San Francisco before tip-off on Sunday, Feb. 16.
Meanwhile, En Vogue — who also got its start in Oakland and rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Free Your Mind,” “Hold On” and “Don’t Let Go (Love)” — are expected to join Bay Area rappers E-40, Too Short and Saweetie for performances during the game as part of DJ Cassidy’s “Pass The Mic Live!” concert series. The three rappers are included on the Golden State Warriors’ nine-track album, “For the Soil,” which drops Wednesday, Feb. 12, and aims to celebrate Northern California’s hip-hop scene.
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Actor/comedian Kevin Hart will be on hand as the first-ever emcee of the game on Sunday, lending his humor and high energy for viewers at Chase Center and at home watching the broadcast on TNT. He’ll be joined by “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson to provide commentary during what is being described as a “reimagined All-Star Game format.”
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The night before the big game, Charlotte Hornets guard LiAngelo Ball is scheduled to make his live television debut as his rap alter ego GELO to perform his single “Tweaker” ahead of the Starry 3-Point Contest during the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night.
On Friday, Feb. 14, Vallejo rapper LaRussell — who is set to make his acting debut as baseball legend CC Sabathia in the film “Vallejo”— is expected to take the stage at the Castrol Rising Stars event.
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This year marks the first All-Star Weekend in San Francisco and the third time the Warriors have hosted the event in the Bay Area.
Festivities officially kick off on Valentine’s Day and run through Sunday at both Chase Center and Oakland Arena.
Other live music events during the weekend include a Chance the Rapper concert as part of the TNT American Express Road Show Fan Experience at Pier 48 on Thursday, Feb. 13.
The official NBA All-Star Weekend Concert Series, also at Pier 48, includes performances by Grammy-winning DJ Zedd on Friday, “Stick Season” singer Noah Kahan on Saturday, and electronic dance music duo the Chainsmokers on the final night.
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