Ja Rule’s Emotional Tribute, Monique The Star’s Breakout Moment & More: Summer Jam’s Biggest Highlights

Summer Jam 2025 Was a Heatwave of Nostalgia & New Vibes—And I Was There

Let me tell you something—Summer Jam 2025 came back different. The energy, the lineup, the return of the festival stage—this wasn’t just a concert, it was a moment for hip-hop and R&B. And I was right there in the mix, sweating in the 90-degree heat but too damn hype to care.

The Festival Stage Was a Love Letter to Newark

DJ Drewski (shoutout to The MVMT) and the mayor Ras J. Baraka linked up to bring something special to the Prudential Center grounds—a stage just for Newark artists. And let me tell you, the city showed the hell up.

RollingStone P and Monique The Star stole the show early. Monique’s voice? A whole instrument. She had the crowd locked in like we weren’t melting under the sun. Jay Flexn (Hot 97’s Who’s Next winner) proved why he’s next up, Honey Bxby floated through her R&B set, and Dainy Dior? She shut it DOWN. Dyce Payso, Keen Streetz, Zeddy Will, Sturdy Youngin, Dee Billz, and Oh That’s Mizzy kept the momentum going—but the real surprise was Busta Rhymes and The Conglomerate closing the outdoor stage with a roster performance that felt like a passing of the torch.

Inside the Prudential Center: Nostalgia Meets New School

Once we moved inside, the vibes shifted but stayed just as electric. Jim Jones brought out Meek Mill (yes, that happened) and Zeddy Will for an explosive moment. A Boogie did his thing, 41 and Cash Cobain put on for the city of New York , with back to back strong performances. GloRilla had the ladies turnt, but the real emotional hit came from Ja Rule’s Murder Inc. tribute to Irv Gotti.

Jadakiss, Vita, Charli Baltimore, Lloyd, and Black Child all came through—but yeah, Ashanti’s absence was noticeable. Still, Ja took us back to the early 2000s, and for a second, it felt like Summer Jam ‘03 all over again.

My personal favorite? Diamond Platnumz. The Afrobeat star had the cleanest choreography of the night—no debate. Ayra Starr held her own too, proving why she’s one of the fastest-rising stars out right now.

The Crowd Told the Whole Story

DJ Funk Flex did a quick crowd check, asking for age ranges, and when hands went up from 20 to 50, it hit me—Summer Jam is generational again. Teens screamed for the new artists, OGs rapped every word to the throwbacks, and for the first time in a minute, it felt like HOT 97 remembered its roots.

This year proved that Summer Jam isn’t just surviving—it’s evolving. By bringing back the festival stage and spotlighting Newark’s own, HOT 97 reconnected with the city in a major way. It wasn’t just about the big names; it was about community, and that’s what made it hit different.

The lineup was a perfect balance—legends like Ja Rule and Busta Rhymes passing the torch, while rising stars like Honey Bxby and Jay Flexn proved they’re ready to carry it. Even the crowd reflected that mix: young fans moshing to GloRilla, OGs rapping every word to Murder Inc. hits. That’s the energy Summer Jam should always have.

If 2025 set the tone, the future is bright. DJ Drewski’s vision, the city’s support, and HOT 97’s refreshed booking strategy made this feel like a new era. Summer Jam isn’t just a concert anymore—it’s a movement again. And I’m here for it.

Hot 97’s ‘Who’s Next’ winner Jay Flexx talks winning the crowd, his breakout moment, and the pressure

RollingStone P breaks down his ELECTRIC Summer Jam set, Newark pride .

Dee Billz on commanding the festival stage, linking with DJ Drewski, and why Summer Jam 2025 was a ‘game-changer’

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