East Rutherford, NJ-The return of Hot 97’s Summer Jam was as epic as they come. All of Hip-Hop’s finest came out to the Met Life Stadium despite the remnants from hurricane Henri taking the day hostage to celebrate its homecoming.
It’d been over twenty-four months since the June 2, 2019 Summer Jam due to the shutdown from Covid-19. In addition to the global destruction, the Hip-Hop and R&B industry dealt with their share of losses.
In 2020, renowned music executive and multimedia producer Andre Harrell, lyrically talented Pop Smoke and just this year the incomparable DMX, diabolical lyricist Biz Markie, former Bad Boy rapper Black Rob and impresario extraordinaire Chucky Thompson.
In the face of adversity, it was now time for the world of Hip-Hop to reassemble and show out, bringing back the excitement of live entertainment to anxiously awaited fans.
Brazen hot girl Saweetie kicked off the jamboree with her sexy entourage on fire tracks “My Type” “Tap In” “Talkin’ Bout” and sassy “Best Friend” flossing her serious twerk game, warming up the drenched crowd.
After, it was new school versus old school New York style with a tad island vibe when aspiring Bronx native Capella Grey took to the stage with fresh single “Gyalis” reppin his flow. Jamaica’s own dance hall crooner Mavado went back with smash classic “Weh Dem A Do” while Harlem’s A$AP Ferg made his swift appearance.
Polo G hit the limelight getting his shine on with “Pop Out” and “RAPSTAR” before Staten Island’s CJ laid down his swag on two-time platinum hit “Whoopty” with special appearances from Wu-tang legends Method Man, Ghostface and Raekwon also epically lacing first-time ever Latino Hip-Hop performance with El Alfa on “La Mama’ de La Mama'” and Farruko fire track “Pepas” getting the set lit.
Fivio Foreign and the Brooklyn Drill squad scorched the platform paying respects to the late Pop Smoke along side his mother and Tennessee rapper Moneybagg Yo brought out latest rappers 42 Dugg and EST Gee rocking out “Wockeisha” and “Time Today” midway through the concert including Meek Mill flexing a powerful display.
Soaked raincoat supporters forgot about the weather as the festivities continued with Swizz Beats and his all-star tribute to the unforgettable DMX together with heavy hitters The Lox, Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, M.O.P. and special guests R&B virtuoso duo The Isley Brothers performing one DMX’s favorite jams “Between The Sheets” having the arena go ballistic.
The versus battle of flesh contenders Da Baby and Rotimi made their presence known getting shirt less for the ladies while Migos, prominently pregnant Cardi B, and DJ Durel did it up A-town style performing hits “Fight Night” “Handsome and Wealthy” and “Bad and Boujee” illuminating the stage.
Coke Boys founder French Montana blazed the set with his clique bringing out Rowdy Rebel and Bobby Shmurda to the stage causing an all-out turn up on NY themed smash “Hot N*gga” luring Bobby to a media pit/fan jumping spree.
Closing the blow-out bash was A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie propelling in the air via helicopter to the sold-out stadium performing smoldering track “Look Back At It” getting it in divvying up the finale with Capella Grey and multitalented H.E.R to flaming track “Damage”. There was no question, Hot 97’s 2021 Summer Jam made up for lost time.
