Hot 97's Summer Jam XX: The Recap

Some thirty to forty thousand hip-hop and culture enthusiasts packed East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium for New York City’s Hot 97’s Summer Jam XX. Each and every concertgoer, filed out with the masses around 11:30pm EST – voices lost, eardrums shot, and with an unforgettable experience. Over the last twenty years, the live outdoor event has become a firm staple in hip-hop and pop culture. Always hovering around the first weekend in June, Summer Jam unofficially kicks off summertime. With the backing of an enormous media pipeline, the innovative masterminds at Hot 97 load the bill with the biggest acts in hip-hop. This year’s line up featured the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, Kendrick Lamar, Fabolous, A$AP Rocky, Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, and Wale … to name just a few. There were surprises galore, as Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, Philadelphia’s own Meek Mill, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Lil Wayne all made main stage appearances.     Considered a ragbag of sorts, the show also highlights budding acts on its “just as famed and impressive” festival stage, which has launched the lucrative careers of several iconic rap figures such as A$AP Rocky, Miguel and Big Sean. This year’s festival stage provided a monumental platform for the likes of Action Bronson, Smoke DZA, A$AP Ferg, Joey BadA$$, and Brooklyn’s own Troy Ave.  For those of us who weren't able to physically attend the spectacle, the Emmis Communications Group station provided a live stream on their website via UStream, garnering a record breaking online audience. With such breathtaking performances on the main stage, and quality festival stage pretense, next year’s installment is sure to deliver and elevate.Photos courtesy Hot97.com.