Summer Jam 2018: The Best Performances

The most fascinating aspect of the Summer Jam 25th anniversary set design was the screen portraying images of lineups come and gone. Amazingly, few artists displayed could qualify as a one hit wonder, with many names still ringing bells. For twenty-five years, Hot 97 has been able to put on a show that captures the current direction of rap, while being selective enough to preserve the reputation they’ve built. 2018's edition was no exception.

After last year’s timing debacle, some thought 2018 might be the beginning of a downward trend for Summer Jam. Perhaps they might’ve been right, if Summer Jam didn’t manage to stack the bill more than ever before. Some would argue the biggest get is Kendrick Lamar, who raises the Summer Jam profile while warming himself to New York audiences even more. Yet the most appreciated (and undeniably important) addition was Meek Mill, who crafted an energetic performance that nobody in the attendance will forget anytime soon. 

There may have not been an iconic Summer Jam screen moment. Instead, the night put the shine on the music, which doesn’t happen nearly enough. Giving some of hip-hop’s best, from New York and beyond, a chance to show off their talents to 50,000 plus. What’s better than that?

The infamous Summer Jam screen lit up. On it was a live video of a helicopter descending and a man heading toward a four wheeler. The Maybach Music tag rang across the stadium as the crowd anxiously rose. Pulling onto the stage with theatrics ready for Wrestlemania was Meek Mill, on the same type of bike that originally caused him to lose his freedom.

The crowd’s exuberance was undeniable as Meek hopped off the bike and straight into the new national anthem “Dreams and Nightmares.” It was a sight to behold, a potentially career defining performance. As the set progressed, he touched on many of his hits, with the crowd holding it down with every word.

This is what Summer Jam is about.

Kendrick had to deal with a tired crowd, but regardless, he was still able to put on a stellar performance. He went through some of his hits, digging from each of his albums, with the exception of Section.80. The crowd took some time to warm up to Kendrick, but once “Swimming Pools” dropped they were truly enamored with his ability to rap at a higher level live.

The highlight of Kendrick’s performance was when he brought out Jay Rock to perform “King’s Dead,” as who doesn’t get a good time saying “and then I freaked it.”  

The second Lil Wayne touched the stage I was taken back. Admittedly I wasn’t too excited to hear Wayne go through his hits, even though it was the anniversary of Tha Carter 3. But I can admit when I am wrong.

The way Wayne strutted onto stage as the “Mr Carter” instrumental built up was monumental. Although Wayne forgot a few words throughout, just hearing “6 Foot 7 Foot” and “A Milli” live was enough to put the man's significant legacy in perspective.

We usually forget about Summer Jam’s festival stage, but great stuff happens there too. This year, the likes of Famous Dex, Don Q and Dream Doll each had a chance to grace the stage, but the show was stolen by Jay Critch. As soon as the DJ asked the crowd if Brooklyn was ready, the roar was immense, as they knew exactly who was arriving.

Critch went through all of his major singles that have made waves throughout Brooklyn in the last year. If the way the crowd shouted each line to “Fashion” is any indication, Jay Critch will be a mainstay on the Summer Jam main stage for years to come.

A Boogie made sure to bring out all the stops for his performance, as he was joined by Don Q, PNB Rock and Davido. The guests were merely a cherry on top, because the Bronx artist had audiences eating out of his hand even when he went acapella.

The crowd recited every single word of the hits, and as you looked around, it was clear how much Boogie means to the city. Some were even near tears from singing so passionately. After a performance of that magnitude, A Boogie will surely find himself billed higher on the Summer Jam card come next year.

What can’t Swizz Beatz do? He can produce, DJ, rap and most importantly in the case of Summer Jam, put on a show. Swizz set it off with some solo tracks to warm the crowd up, but it when he began to bring out guests, the energy reached another level. First he invited The Lox onto the stage for their yearly performance of “We Gonna Make It” which never gets old. Then Swizz hopped in the time machine and brought back Bell Biv DeVoe for a rendition of “Poison.”

The most fascinating part of the set was the long awaited beat battle between Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, where they played their hits in an attempt to figure out whose best production discography reigns supreme. It’s easy to forget how many great songs each legend has produced, and it was a pleasure to watch them run through their insanely deep catalogs.

After Kendrick Lamar’s performance concluded, most of the crowd was unsure what exactly was happening. Most concerts would close with Kendrick, but Summer Jam had other plans as they brought out DJ Megan Ryte along with special guests billed as her “Friends.”

The guest that got the largest ovation was Brooklyn’s Casanova, whose rendition of “Set Trippin” may have been the second most excited the crowd got that night behind Meek. Megan Ryte proceeded to take an unconventional route, extending her reach to Houston by bringing legends Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Bun B to the stage.