The 2025 HOT 97 Summer time Jam pageant lit up the Prudential Middle in Newark on June 20, delivering one other powerhouse lineup of performances spanning hip-hop, R&B, and afrobeats.
However past the star-studded units and electrical power, one of many night time’s most memorable moments got here from Ja Rule, who led a heartfelt tribute to his late good friend and longtime collaborator, Irv Gotti.
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Gotti, co-founder of Homicide Inc. Data and a defining drive behind early 2000s hip-hop, handed away on Feb. 5 on the age of 54 following a extreme stroke.
Throughout a particular Ja Rule & Buddies phase, the rapper honored the person who helped form his profession and sound. “Irv crafted the soundtrack to the 2000s,” Ja Rule stated in a transferring recorded message, in accordance with APP. “He by no means stopped pushing the tradition ahead.”
Then, the Queens native launched right into a montage of a few of his most iconic songs co-produced by Gotti, together with “New York,” his 2004 rap anthem. He was joined on stage by fellow New Yorker and observe collaborator Jadakiss for the particular second. The tribute continued with appearances from Charlie Baltimore and Lloyd, as the group was handled to a string of Homicide Inc. classics, together with “I’m Actual,” “At all times On Time,” and “Put It On Me.”
The HOT 97 Summer time Jam Pageant additionally included performances from GloRilla, Muni Lengthy, and extra.
Ja Rule wasn’t the one star who introduced enjoyable and pleasure to the HOT 97 Summer time Jam stage. The 2025 pageant introduced a high-energy mixture of chart-toppers, rising stars, and nostalgic favorites to the Prudential Middle in Newark for an unforgettable night time of music and tradition.
Headliner GloRilla introduced uncooked power, performing hits like “Let Her Cook dinner,” “Whatchu Know About Me,” together with just a few different fan favorites. Muni Lengthy delivered a poised and passionate efficiency, highlighted by her breakout hit “Made For Me.” Regardless of a decent set, she made a long-lasting impression, thanking followers and proudly owning the second with grace.
This 12 months’s roster balanced veterans and newcomers, providing one thing for each form of hip-hop fan. A Boogie, Gunna, and Afrobeats sensations Asake and Ayra Starr added worldwide taste, whereas regional acts like Kash Doll, Money Cobain, and Brooklyn drill trio 41 saved the native power sturdy.
One of many night time’s surprising highlights got here from Jim Jones, whose authentic set was minimize brief, in accordance with NYS Music. Refusing to let that be the tip of his second, he stormed Funkmaster Flex’s DJ sales space and secured further time, culminating in a shock look by Meek Mill.
The group went wild as they carried out “Desires and Nightmares,” with followers shouting each lyric in unison.
Earlier within the day, the following technology of stars took heart stage on the HOT 97 Who’s Subsequent Pageant Stage in Mulberry Commons. From 3–6 p.m., rising expertise set the tone for the day, with standout performances from Zeddy Will, Dee Billz, 2Rare, Sturdy Youngin, OhThatsMizz, HoneyBxby, and Moliy.
The largest buzz got here from 13-year-old phenom JayFlexn, this 12 months’s Who’s Subsequent winner, who electrified the group and proved the way forward for hip-hop is already making noise, in accordance with HOT 97.
Did you attend this 12 months’s Summer time Jam Pageant? Inform us about your expertise within the feedback part.
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