S. Samuel
With New York radio station Hot 97's annual Summer Jam concert roughly 72 hours away from kicking off, local rap stars French Montana and Maino dish out on doing it big this time around.
According to Montana, this year’s concert will give him an opportunity to wipe away a bad memory from Summer Jam ’11.
He was actually supposed to hit the stage last year as a surprise during Rick Ross‘ set, but says he got bumped when Ross’ set ran long. “I was kinda hurt,” Montana said of the missed chance to perform “Choppa Choppa Down.” But this time Montana has his own set. “It’s a big thing for me, especially being from New York. It’s the night that everybody talks about,” he said of the concert, adding that over the years, the Summer Jam stage has seen the biggest entertainers, from Jay-Z to Michael Jackson. (New York Daily News)
Brooklyn rap veteran Maino is also looking to cash-in on headlining this year’s event.
“This is the first year I got my own set,” said Maino, who has been a surprise guest at previous Summer Jams for artists ranging from Alicia Keys to T-Pain. “To be from New York and to get to do Summer Jam on your own is like the highest validation you can get,” said the rapper who remembers attending the concert as a fan. “It feels good to get out there and scream ‘Brooklyn’ and they scream back.” Maino said he was looking forward to giving Queens native Robbie Nova a chance to perform with him. Nova sings the chorus on Maino’s hit single, “That Could Be Us.” (New York Daily News)
Just last week, Grammy-winning rapper Eminem announced Slaughterhouse’s participation at Summer Jam.
“Yeah, well I actually talked to the guys and they want to do it. So I guess we’ll just make it official? Slaughterhouse performing Summer Jam, June 3rd,” Em said in an interview with radio personality Peter Rosenberg. “[I’d tell them] just be themselves. Be them. I really feel like, this group, like you said, I feel like hip-hop needs this. And I think people will see when this album comes out. … Right now, I’m finishing up everything on the Slaughterhouse album and kind of getting into my next record a little bit. There’s basically a couple things I’ve been working on. I’m starting to toy.” (Hot 97)
This year’s showcase is headlined by rap stars ranging from Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj to Waka Flocka Flame and Young Jeezy.
Moments ago, New York’s Hot 97 crew officially announced the line-up for this year’s Hot 97 Summer Jam. As always, fans can expect a star-studded cast, with Waka Flocka Flame, French Montana, Maino, Young Jeezy, J. Cole, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled & Friends and Nicki Minaj all confirmed to perform at the one-day showcase. The Summer Jam takes place on Sunday June 3rd at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey. (Soul Culture UK)
Summer Jam 2012 kicks off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 2 PM EST.
