Easily one of the biggest events in hip hop year after year, Hot 97’s Summer Jam goes down this Sunday and I will be in the house to capture it once again. Click below for my top 10 moments from last year:
10: The Yeezy 2
Why a sneaker for one of my top shots from 2012 Summer Jam? Because this was easily the most hyped up product that no one could get their hands on this time around last year. The hottest accessory. The most coveted product in hip hop outside of the music. These released on June 9th, 2012 and this look below was one of the first times many had seen them in the flesh.
9. Victor Cruz is Hip Hop
Victor Cruz took the stage early on in the evening, sending the crowd in to a frenzy. Cool to make the connection between hip hop and sports.
8. Trio of New Hip Hop
2012 has been the year of new hip hop faces establishing themselves and both Wale & Big Sean had tremendous album rollouts. Stalley has steadily been holding it down on the underground for MMG. Always cool to see all of these guys in one place while Meek Mill rocks the stage.
7. Waka Flocka Rocks the Crowd
Waka Flocka got the crowd turnt up as he literally ran through the crowd during his set. Even though his set was early in the night, he set the tone as he went “Hard in the Paint.” In doing so, he also broke his chain. Cool moment.
6. J.Cole Throwing Up The Roc
J.Cole is easily one of my favorite hip hop artists and it’s always cool to see him throwing up that famous Roc sign, established by the one and only Jay-Z. This picture went viral around the net after I posted it
5. Kendrick Lamar Plays the Festival Stage
Isn’t it funny how things change? Just last year, Kendrick was an opener on the Festival Stage outside of the stadium. Now? Now he would be a headliner if he was on the bill.
4. Big Sean and His Mom
Big Sean brought his mother on stage mid-set in which he stopped everything to pay tribute. Props to him for recognizing the unconditional love from Mom!
3. Nas Shuts It Down
Nas took the stage as if he were still 18 and trying to prove himself in the game – even though he’s a living legend in hip hop. Bottle of champagne in hand, he had one of the most exciting sets of the night.
2. Unexpected Arrival of Mase
Even though I wouldn’t consider myself a huge Mase fan, it was great to see the elusive rapper show his face during NYC’s biggest hip hop event. Was definitely a top moment of the night.
1. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill was definitely the #1 surprise of the night as the enigma showed up during Nas’ set to perform some bona fide classics.
