5 things we learned from Hot 97's Summer Jam 2014
theGRIO REPORT - Thousands made the trek to New Jersey's Metlife Stadium for Hot 97's annual Summer Jam Sunday...
Thousands made the trek to New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium for Hot 97’s annual Summer Jam Sunday.
The 21st Summer Jam was packed with acts from the West Coast like Jhene Aiko, DJ Mustard and YG  to rising up and comers Action Bronson, Mack Wilds and Troy Ave. The show also felt like a subtle celebration of New York rap from the past.
Here are the 5 things we learned from Summer Jam 2014:
1. Chris Brown
Chris Brown may have been behind bars, but his presence was felt at Summer Jam. Some of the concert’s best moments came from artists that have collaborated with Breezy, including Kid Ink, August Alsina, Trey Songz, and Lil Wayne. His impact on hip hop and R&B can’t be denied — even when he’s sitting in a jail cell. Now that’s he’s been released, fans will hopefully get his anticipated album X soon.
2. 50 Cent brings back G-Unit
The crowd’s reaction to 50 cent was deafening as he went through the classics “What Up Gangsta,” and “21 Questions.” Then the beginning of Lloyd Banks’ “On Fire” blasted through the stadium. The G Unit reunion rumors had become reality.
Tony Yayo and former 50 enemy Young Buck also both hit the stage. Once 50 began playing his new material, the crowd wasn’t as receptive. The days when 50 Cent ran the New York City rap scene are long gone. His Summer Jam performance proved it.
3. No Love for The Roots
The Roots just released their eleventh album and can be seen nightly performing on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It still felt like the fans didn’t embrace them. The band’s been around for about 20 years, yet without consistent radio play, there was a disconnect with a predominantly teenage crowd.
4. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj had the honor of closing the show and definitely had something to prove after 50 Cent and Nas raised the bar earlier in the show. At 2012’s Summer Jam, Minaj canceled her performance after a  public spat with Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg. Her 2014 performance more than made up for it. It’s clear — Minaj is an emcee first. The Queens rapper went through her verses on recent singles “Stoner Remix,” “Chi-raq,” and “Lookin A** Boy.” Minaj also brought out Drake and Lil’ Wayne, which proved the Young Money brand still has power.
5. Is Drake the “People’s champ?”
While Nicki stole the show, the wildest crowd reaction came when Minaj brought out Drizzy to perform his hit “Worst Behavior.” Nicki got on the mic, professing her love and loyalty for Drake and what he means to the rap game. She even called him “the people’s champ.” Drake represents the emotionally-charged and honest brand of hip hop that fans can’t get enough of.
What were some of your favorite moments from Summer Jam 2014? Â Let us know what you think in the comments below.
You can check out Kyle’s musical coverage on theGrio music page and follow Kyle on Twitter@HarveyWins.
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