Like many major music festivals, Broccoli City Festival didn’t have an in-person festival in 2021. This year, they’re making up for it with two days of performances. Yes, for the first time in Broccoli City’s 10-year history, the flagship concert announced today, Feb. 1, that it will span multiple days. 

Also for the first time, one of its headliners has already said he won’t participate just an hour after the dates and lineup were released. Before noon, Wale tweeted that he’s pulling out of the festival.

The D.C.-raised artist has long declared himself one of the greatest rappers of all time, regularly espousing his greatness on Twitter, so his reaction doesn’t come as much of a surprise. If you scroll down to find out why he’s no longer interested in performing at the RFK Stadium Grounds, Wale says, “Respect is why.” It seems the rapper is displeased with his ranking on the festival poster. Ari Lennox, 21 Savage, and Lil Durk get top billing. Wale’s name is on the second line along with Rico Nasty and Jeezy.

The festival is taking a positive approach with the pull out, tweeting respectful messages to the artist, and promising to “work something out with @Wale – he is a great artist that we respect!” The account has also tweeted Jada Pinkett Smith, parent of a Broccoli City Festival alum, to ask for a Red Table Talk-style sit-down with Wale. 

Regardless of Wale’s presence, the festival appears to be doing just fine. Today’s pre-sale access tickets sold out within hours. General public tickets go on sale Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. Announced artists include 21 Savage, Ari Lennox, Lil Durk, Rico Nasty, Jeezy, Summer Walker, Wizkid, Gunna, and more. Maybe even Wale.

Like years past, the festival is more than just a concert. The BroccoliCon and Career Expo will take place May 6, in person and online. On Saturday morning, May 7, the festival kicks off with Broccoli City Festival’s annual Fit Fest. May 8 will feature a brunch aspect to the fest, with restaurants to be announced.

Broccoli City began in 2013 as the District’s landmark Earth Day celebration. When the festival couldn’t be staged safely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization stayed active digitally and in person with online editions of their BroccoliCon and a Juneteenth morning bike ride.

Broccoli City Festival returns May 7 and 8 at the RFK Festival Grounds, 2400 East Capitol St. SE. bcfestival.com. General admission tickets are $168.56 after fees. VIP tickets are $482.99 after fees. $.50 from each ticket will be donated to Broccoli City Foundation. Tickets to the Fit Fest are $25.