by Andrea K. Castillo
September 2011

Hip-Hop's most hyped concert event of the year, Hot 97 Summer Jam, was held this past Sunday, June 5th at the New Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey. Over 50,000 hip-hop fans were in attendance for the show, which is known for boasting some of the biggest names in the game on one bill. Mr. Black and Yellow himself, Wiz Khalifa, opened the show with high energy performing favorites "Roll Up" and "Black and Yellow" of course. Gucci Mane's protégé, Waka Flocka was up next and brought his dirty-south sound to the Northeast. He performed all his club-bangers and shared the mic with Wale for the infectious single "No Hands".

Brooklyn's own Fabolous hit the stage with a live band, hyping the crowd with street anthems and club bangers, notably "Everything Everyday" with an appearance by Ryan Leslie, and "You Be Killin’ Em" for the ladies. Queens representer Lloyd Banks shut down the first half of the show, performing old and newer hits like "Fire", "Beemer, Benz or Bentley" and "Start it Up". Hands down, the best set of guests whom included Mobb Deep, Lloyd, Jeremih, Juelz Santana, Ryan Leslie, Fabolous, and Swizz Beatz.

Chris Brown brought his A-game to the table combining choreography with smooth R&B vocals to tracks like "Transform Ya" and "Take You Down". His big guest was Busta Rhymes, who showed that he's still got it for his super-fast verse in "Look At Me Now". The newly reunited Dipset was next up, bringing out all of Harlem and performing their hits, in addition to showcasing the newer works of their protégé, Vado.

The show was closed with epic performances by Lil Wayne and Rick Ross. Wayne let out his inner rock star, performing with a live band and bringing out the entire Young Money family, and performing "Miss Me" with Drake and new single off "The Carter IV", "Hot In Love". Rick Ross performed his hits, "Hustlin" and "BMF" among others, and brought out guests Diddy, Meek Mill, Jadakiss and Wale.

Overall, Hot 97 Summer Jam 2011 was a solid mix of hip-hop newcomers and heavy weights, filled with crowd-pleasers and show-stopping moments. Another one for the record books.

For more info: www.hot97.com

Photos: Judy Williams

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