The 2025 HOT 97 Summer Jam festival lit up the Prudential Center in Newark on June 20, delivering another powerhouse lineup of performances spanning hip-hop, R&B, and afrobeats.
But beyond the star-studded sets and electric energy, one of the night’s most memorable moments came from Ja Rule, who led a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and longtime collaborator, Irv Gotti.
RELATED CONTENT: Ja Rule & Juvenile Reflect On Backlash And Industry Battles On ‘I Got Questions’ — ‘You Selling Out!’
Gotti, co-founder of Murder Inc. Records and a defining force behind early 2000s hip-hop, passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 54 following a severe stroke.
During a special Ja Rule & Friends segment, the rapper honored the man who helped shape his career and sound. “Irv crafted the soundtrack to the 2000s,” Ja Rule said in a moving recorded message, according to APP. “He never stopped pushing the culture forward.”
Then, the Queens native launched into a montage of some of his most iconic songs co-produced by Gotti, including “New York,” his 2004 rap anthem. He was joined on stage by fellow New Yorker and track collaborator Jadakiss for the special moment. The tribute continued with appearances from Charlie Baltimore and Lloyd, as the crowd was treated to a string of Murder Inc. classics, including “I’m Real,” “Always On Time,” and “Put It On Me.”
The HOT 97 Summer Jam Festival also included performances from GloRilla, Muni Long, and more.
Ja Rule wasn’t the only star who brought fun and excitement to the HOT 97 Summer Jam stage. The 2025 festival brought a high-energy mix of chart-toppers, rising stars, and nostalgic favorites to the Prudential Center in Newark for an unforgettable night of music and culture.
Headliner GloRilla brought raw energy, performing hits like “Let Her Cook,” “Whatchu Know About Me,” along with a few other fan favorites. Muni Long delivered a poised and passionate performance, highlighted by her breakout hit “Made For Me.” Despite a tight set, she made a lasting impression, thanking fans and owning the moment with grace.
This year’s roster balanced veterans and newcomers, offering something for every kind of hip-hop fan. A Boogie, Gunna, and Afrobeats sensations Asake and Ayra Starr added international flavor, while regional acts like Kash Doll, Cash Cobain, and Brooklyn drill trio 41 kept the local energy strong.
One of the night’s unexpected highlights came from Jim Jones, whose original set was cut short, according to NYS Music. Refusing to let that be the end of his moment, he stormed Funkmaster Flex’s DJ booth and secured extra time, culminating in a surprise appearance by Meek Mill.
The crowd went wild as they performed “Dreams and Nightmares,” with fans shouting every lyric in unison.
Earlier in the day, the next generation of stars took center stage at the HOT 97 Who’s Next Festival Stage in Mulberry Commons. From 3–6 p.m., emerging talent set the tone for the day, with standout performances from Zeddy Will, Dee Billz, 2Rare, Sturdy Youngin, OhThatsMizz, HoneyBxby, and Moliy.
The biggest buzz came from 13-year-old phenom JayFlexn, this year’s Who’s Next winner, who electrified the crowd and proved the future of hip-hop is already making noise, according to HOT 97.
Did you attend this year’s Summer Jam Festival? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.
RELATED CONTENT: Khaotic’s Afro-Beat Inspired ‘Appreciate Me’ Had Kandi Burruss And Lil Scrappy Vibing
