RECAP: HOT 97 Summer Jam Celebrates 32 Years of Hip-Hop with Unforgettable Night at Prudential Center.

For 32 years, HOT 97 Summer Jam has remained one of hip-hop’s most celebrated stages, bringing together the biggest names in music while spotlighting the artists shaping the genre’s future. Hosted by Nessa, the Mornings with Mero team, and DJ Drewski, with legendary HOT 97 DJ Funk Flex keeping the energy high on the turntables throughout the night, the annual celebration at Prudential Center in Newark delivered hometown pride, surprise appearances, viral moments, and nonstop energy from start to finish.

The night opened by showcasing rising talent from across the tri-state area, with performances from Stove God Cooks, 38 Spesh, Albee Al, NEMS, Kocky Ka, Djany Dior, Ryan Witherspoon, Breannie, JDymonds, Chase Belly, BTB Dezz, Fergie Baby, NTG, King Beemo, La Biggie, and McVertt, setting the tone for the celebration. During his set, NEMS welcomed fellow New York rapper Ron Browz, who had the crowd rapping along to classics including “Pop Champagne” and “Jumping (Out the Window).”

As the evening continued, Conway the Machine kicked off the main stage performances before Honey Bxby and Omah Lay shifted the atmosphere with smooth R&B and Afrobeats performances. Natalie Nunn energized the crowd with a surprise Zeus takeover, bringing members of the network’s Baddies cast onstage while performing her viral anthem “Doin’ What I Want.”

Brooklyn collective 41—featuring Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, Tata, and Dee Billz—kept the momentum going with their viral hits before Sleepy Hallow brought Brooklyn drill to the Summer Jam stage.

 

Chicago’s G Herbo delivered one of the night’s most memorable sets, sending the audience into a frenzy during “Went Legit,” with fans rapping every lyric. He also introduced rising South Carolina artist Trim, who performed “Boat” and the viral favorite “Coconut Water.”

 

Keeping the energy at its peak, Yung Miami took over the stage with her summer anthem “Spend Dat,” showering the audience with money while surprise appearances from Lola Brooke and Fat Joe amplified one of the night’s biggest moments.

 

DaBaby brought his signature stage presence directly to the fans, moving throughout the crowd and turning the arena into a party with “Pop Dat Thang.” Zeddy Will followed with a string of TikTok favorites, including “Party at the Beach” and “Yup And I Do,” keeping the audience dancing throughout his set.

 

A true hometown celebration arrived when New Jersey native Fetty Wap returned to the Summer Jam stage, performing fan favorites including “Trap Queen,” “Again,” and “My Way” alongside longtime collaborator Monty. He also brought out New Jersey underground rappers Albee Al and Tsu Surf, turning his homecoming performance into a celebration of the state’s hip-hop scene.

Slowing things down for the lover girls and lover boys, Mariah the Scientist serenaded the crowd with fan favorites “Burning Blue,” “Spread Thin,” and “Is It a Crime,” as fans sang every lyric back to her.

Closing out the celebration, French Montana reunited with Max B for performances of “Ever Since U Left Me (I Want Deaf)” and “Minks in Miami” before launching into a run of chart-topping records and standout collaborations, including “Unforgettable,” “Stay Schemin’,” “Mo Chicken,” “Pop That,” and “All the Way Up.” Surprise appearances from Jamaican dancehall star Masicka and Remy Ma added even more excitement to an already star-studded hometown finale.

More than three decades after its debut, HOT 97 Summer Jam continues to serve as one of hip-hop’s premier live events, bringing together established stars, hometown legends, emerging artists, and devoted fans for a celebration that reflects the culture’s continued evolution while honoring the legacy that built it.