by: Isolina Campbell-Cronin @futurelina
Last night, New York’s HOT 97 brought together Hip Hop’s hottest artists at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the 23rd annual Summer Jam concert. Top artists, both rookies and vets, performed your favorite songs from the radio today, throwback hits, and exclusive new releases.
Doors to the festival stage opened at 2 PM and the main concert stage opened at 5:30 PM. However, attendees and fans without tickets partied in the parking lot tailgate style as early as 10 AM.
New artists such as Dej Loaf, Fetty Wap, and a handful of local artists performed on the festival stage. Fans were upset that Fetty Wap didn’t get a set on the main stage for the biggest show of his career so far.
HOT 97’s hottest DJs and radio personalities got the crowd hyped for the main event to begin. The cast of the radio station’s hit morning show ‘Ebro in the Morning’ graced the stage, accompanied by radio hotties Ness Nitty and Megan Ryte.
Trey Songz was surprisingly the first top performer to hit the main stadium stage. The lady’s man opened with hits from his 2014 album ‘Trigga,’ and followed up with his forever favorites like ‘Bottoms Up.’ Trey reminded us he can actually sing by doing an acapella cover to Juvenile’s ‘Slow Motion’ before ending the show with his highly requested single ‘Slow Motion.’
DJ Camilo got the crowd lit for the next superstar to turn up the stage. Nessa introduced Chris Brown, who stuck with his Cali swag wearing camo shorts, red camo Bape sweater, and fresh pair of white Air Forces. Before really turning up Chris told the crowd, “Throughout my trials and tribulations its you guys who made me number one.” Despite the Brown’s latest social media troll, he put on an amazing show; performing favorites like ‘Poppin,’ ‘Loyal,’ and ‘New Flame.’
The Virginia native brought out his “homie” and your favorite G-Unit members, 50 Cent & Lloyd Banks. French Montana also made his first, of many, appearances on the stage during Chris’ set.
Next up was a New York rap class reunion brought to us by Brooklyn’s own, Fabolous. Having just welcomed his second son into the world just a few days ago, Loso got the crowd lit with his hit single ‘Lituation’ from his latest album ‘The Young OG Project.’ Chris Brown returned to the stage to sing the chorus to he and Fab’s collaboration ‘She Wildin.’
Fabolous wasted no time bringing out some of New York’s rap greats. Remy Ma and Fat Joe gifted us with a performance of ‘Lean Back’ and Method Man and Redman gave us a quick reunion show. I think even Fab was surprised to see Busta Rhymes, Black Rob, and Mobb Deep. But he definitely knew about super special guests Lil Kim, Jadakiss, and Mase. Loso and his homies definitely showed out for their city!
Right around the same time the concert took a turn for the West Coast with Kendrick Lamar, the crowd outside attempted to start a riot. Late comers were upset when the ticket checkers temporarily held the line. Pushing and fighting began as angry concert goers tried to rush the door. Police officers and stadium security quickly settled the crowd with pepper spray. HOT 97’s Ebro responded on Instagram; check out what he had to say about the chaos on his Instagram @ebroski.
Meanwhile, everyone inside safely turned up with Kendrick who brought out Schoolboy Q to perform their single ‘Collard Greens’ and songstress SZA joined K Dot for ‘B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe.’ Surprise guest and IG sensation @welvendagreat, who has a whopping 1.1 million followers.
Besides Fabolous bringing out everyone’s favorite New York rappers, Big Sean had the best set. Not relying on lip syncing, we actually hear Big Sean’s trademark flow; he literally spit 32 bars without taking a breath. Sean, who reportedly ended things with Ariana Grande, remixed one his verses to, “My ex girl on glee and shit prolly making less money than me and shit.” Okay, we see the shade Sean. Surprisingly, none of Sean’s superstar friends who already hit the HOt 97 stage came out to perform their hits together.
Philly’s Meek Mill ended the show and brought out some very special guests. Meek and French paid tribute to the late Chinx Drugs, who was fatally shot in Queens earlier this month. As many predicted (and prayed) the Dreamchaser’s rapper girlfriend Nicki Minaj performed her Young Money hits ‘Only’ and ‘Truffle Butter.’ After performing, the Queens native professed her love to the crowd and to her rapper boo. Check out the video on IG @theflvr. Future and Meek Mill ended the show, leaving the crowd completely satisfied (or maybe it was just all the smoke in the air).
HOT 97 Summer Jam 2015 brought out Hip Hop legends and rap superstars who are flooding airways right now. The surprise guests were a treat for their loyal tri-state fans. I wonder who next year’s show will bring. Check out footage from this year’s concert at HOT97.com.
