*Summer Jam 2025, produced by the Black Promoters Collective and local NY station Hot 97, showed once again why it’s one of the nation’s most iconic Hip Hop celebrations— a night where generations of stars and fans come together to revel in the culture.
Now in its 31st year, Summer Jam packed out Newark’s Prudential Center on Friday, June 20, as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, giving the city not just a hip hop explosion, but a much-needed economic boost to the embattled city.
Local businesses, restaurants, and hotels reported surges in traffic as thousands of fans poured into the city, generating millions in revenue for Newark and helping fuel its ongoing revitalization.
Jazmyn Summers caught the concert for EURweb.
A Movement, Not Just a Show
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This year’s lineup was stacked:
- A Boogie
- Gunna
- GloRilla
- Muni Long
- Asake
- Ayra Starr
- Kash Doll
- Jim Jones & Friends
- Cash Cobain
- 41 (Kyle Rich, Jenn Carter, Tata)
- Bobby Konders & Jabba
- Ja Rule & Friends: A Tribute to Irv Gotti
From chart-topping hits to deep cuts, each artist delivered high-energy sets that had the arena rocking from start to finish.
Ja Rule’s Emotional Tribute to Irv Gotti
One of the night’s most powerful moments came during Ja Rule’s tribute to Irv Gotti, the Murder Inc. mastermind who passed away in February at 54 from a stroke.
Ja Rule hit the stage cloaked in all white, face hidden behind a mask, as a voiceover filled the arena:
“Irv crafted the soundtrack to the 2000s. He never stopped pushing the culture forward.”
Then came the reveal — Ja ripped off the mask and launched into “New York”, joined by Jadakiss in a goosebump-inducing moment. The hits kept flowing: “I’m Real,” “Always On Time,” “Put It On Me” — with Charlie Baltimore and Lloyd joining the tribute set. The crowd roared, reliving the Murder Inc. glory days while honoring Gotti’s legacy.
Old School Meets New School
The night wasn’t just about nostalgia.
Jim Jones brought that Harlem hustle energy, surprising fans with Juelz Santana for a mini-Dipset reunion.
Even when Jones’ mic was mysteriously cut off after 20-plus minutes, the energy didn’t drop — Meek Mill stormed out unannounced, ripping through “Dreams and Nightmares” in a moment that felt raw and electric.
Gunna had the crowd vibing with his melodic flow.
Meanwhile GloRilla proved she’s one of the most exciting voices of the new wave.
A Boogie delivered a set packed with hits, connecting with the hometown crowd.
Meanwhile, Asake and Ayra Starr brought Afrobeat flavor, showing how Hip Hop continues to evolve and influence global sounds.
The Return to Jersey
After a one-year detour at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, Summer Jam’s return to New Jersey felt like a homecoming.
The show, long a staple at MetLife Stadium and Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, brought thousands of fans back to the Garden State — and injected fresh energy into Newark as part of the city’s cultural and economic revival.
From the booming bass to the surprise guests, Summer Jam 2025 delivered on its promise: a night that celebrates Hip Hop’s past, present, and future.
Don’t sleep — next year’s tickets will go fast. Hit up Ticketmaster.com before they’re gone!
Article by Jazmyn Summers. Photos by Se7en of Revenue Entertainment You can hear Jazmyn every morning on “Jazmyn in the Morning “on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz . Subscribe to Jazmyn Summers’ YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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