This past Saturday, the Rock The Bells Festival made its long-awaited New Jersey debut, bringing an unforgettable night of Hip-Hop culture to the Prudential Center with Class of 2025: Summer’s Kool. The one-night-only event gathered pioneers and rising stars for a powerful celebration of the genre’s legacy, evolution, and future.
Hosted by the legendary Roxanne Shante, the festival delivered a lineup that spanned generations, proving once again that Hip-Hop is more than music—it’s a cultural movement that continues to unite fans worldwide.
The night opened with Lil Mo, Fabolous, and Kid Capri energizing the crowd with timeless classics and street anthems that set the tone. Moments later, LL COOL J surprised fans with the trailer for his upcoming docuseries Hip Hop Was Born Here, co-produced with Peyton Manning and set to premiere July 22 on Paramount+. LL COOL J’s performance of “Rock The Bells” was a standout, drawing thunderous applause.
The energy reached a high point when State Property reunited for a rare set featuring Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, and Young Gunz, as they delivered hits like “What We Do,” “Rock the Mic,” and “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.”
Rakim and Big Daddy Kane commanded the stage in a lyrical showcase that highlighted their lasting influence on the culture. Their set was elevated by a surprise appearance from Grandmaster Flash, who sparked the crowd with a powerful salute to Hip-Hop’s roots.
Memphis Bleek, joined by Capone and N.O.R.E., delivered a gritty performance packed with Queens-bred street classics, while Remy Ma later dominated the stage with sharp delivery and crowd-pleasing charisma, backed by Kid Capri’s signature DJ cuts.
A heartfelt Uptown Records tribute, led by Eddie F. and DJ Premier, honored the label’s deep influence on Hip-Hop and R&B, reminding attendees of Uptown’s lasting legacy.
Redman, Erik Sermon (EPMD), and K-Solo represented Brick City with hard-hitting East Coast energy that resonated throughout the venue, reinforcing their place as essential voices in the culture.
Closing the night, Busta Rhymes, alongside Rah Digga, Papoose, and Spliff Star, ignited the stage with a high-impact finale. The performance included a futuristic AI-driven visual sequence that introduced “Touch It,” followed by surprise video cameos from Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson, synced to “I Know What You Want” and “What’s It Gonna Be.”
Throughout the event, surprise collaborations and tributes underscored the festival’s core message: Hip-Hop is forever.
Full Class of 2025: Summer’s Kool Lineup:
Busta Rhymes, Redman, Eric B. & Rakim, Too Short, Scarface, Fabolous, Lil Mo, Plies, Boosie, KRS-One, M.O.P., Remy Ma, Capone-N-Noreaga, Big Daddy Kane, Coast Contra, State Property (Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, Chris & Neef), Grandmaster Flash, DJ Premier, Mr. Cheeks (The Lost Boyz), CL Smooth, Father MC, Al B. Sure!, Christopher Williams, Soul for Real, Jeff Redd, Donell Jones, Horace Brown, Monifah, Intro, Kid Capri, Roxanne Shante.
Photo Credits: Raymond Alston | Courtesy of Rock The Bells
