Nashwa Rockingster
The highly anticipated annual music festival, Hot 97 Summer Jam, made its triumphant return to UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., bringing together hip-hop's biggest names to commemorate the genre's 50th anniversary. The event featured electrifying performances by Cardi B, Scar Lip, The LOX, Lola Brooke, Coi Leray, Latto, Ice Spice, GloRilla, and Fivio Foreign, among others. This year's Summer Jam showcased the evolution of hip-hop through a special presentation by Jadakiss and a legendary set by Rakim, captivating the crowd and solidifying it as a night to remember.
On June 4th, the annual Hot 97 Summer Jam festival took place at UBS Arena, marking a significant milestone as hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary. The event drew a massive crowd from across the NYC tri-state area, eager to witness performances from some of the industry’s hottest artists.
Bronx-born rapper, Cardi B, headlined the show with an exhilarating performance. Cardi was joined on stage by rising female rappers Latto and Glorilla, as well as a surprise appearance by 21 Savage.
Coi Leray commanded the stage with her dynamic presence, showcasing intricate choreography alongside her dancers. Ice Spice, one of the most highly anticipated artists of the evening, delighted the crowd by bringing out Flo-Milli and Kalii for special collaborations. The energy and excitement continued throughout the night as each artist delivered unforgettable performances, further igniting the celebratory atmosphere.
Jadakiss of The LOX presented a special tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, featuring a legendary set by Rakim. The performance, accompanied by a captivating video montage, highlighted the evolution of hip-hop over the past five decades.
The 2023 edition of Summer Jam also showcased emerging talent on an outdoor stage, treating early-arriving fans to performances by artists such as French Montana, NLE Choppa, and Scar Lip.
Despite attempts by county officials to halt the show, the heavy police presence did not dampen the festive spirit and excitement surrounding the biggest Hip-Hop show of the summer.
Hot97’s Summer Jam is legendary for its surprise moments and iconic performances that had Hip-Hop buzzing for days. The 2022 Summer Jam featured performances by Fivio Foreign, Busta Rhymes, Chloe Bailey, The City Girls, Jadakiss, and more.
Essence Fest Continues Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration
The celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary extends to the upcoming Essence Festival, where acclaimed artists such as Jill Scott, Ari Lennox, Salt-N-Pepa, and many others will take the stage. This ongoing commemoration highlights the enduring influence and cultural significance of hip-hop music.
