Despite the pouring rain that canceled the festival stage portion of 2016’s Summer Jam, the clouds traveled to another destination once it was time for the main event.
Even though a few artists weren’t able to touchdown on that famous stage, the annual concert seemed to pay homage to the beauty of rap collectives. With a few members of Bad Boy reuniting for an epic tour, it looks like 2016’s theme in music is showcasing the nostalgia and need for rap troupes putting on live performances as a unit.
Even though a few solo acts like Maino and Uncle Murda, plus Bryson Tiller accompanied by Fabolous for a brief moment, and DJ Khaled’s onslaught of guest features that kept the crowd excited, the groups from G.O.O.D. Music to A$AP Mob truly had the crowd on tilt.
Here, VIBE recaps the standout moments from Summer Jam’s performers.
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Image Credit: Getty Images -
Maino & Uncle Murda
Image Credit: Getty Images If you thought a thunderstorm was going to stop Summer Jam 2016, think again. Brooklyn’s very own Maino and Uncle Murda were first up on the mainstage, performing tracks from their joint project, Yellow Tape: King Kong & Godzilla.
Milly Rock originator 2Milly came through and repped for BK as well, leading the crowd in moving their arms left and right.
The highlight of Maino and Murda’s set was the respect they paid to Chinx Drugs. Rest in peace. – Ashley Monae
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G.O.O.D. Music
Image Credit: Getty Images If anyone forgot just how good, G.O.O.D Music really is, the rap collective/record label founded by Kanye West reminded us all with their Summer Jam set.
It had been a good minute since we saw Ye, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Travis Scott on one stage, not to mention the newly-signed Desiigner. Kcking the night off with “Champion” from the forthcoming collective LP Cruel Winter, the crew flexed their bars.
Although Ye forgot a few of his own lyrics on “Clique,” the crowd held him down while he laughed it off.
With each member taking center stage to perform their own hot hits, it was undeniable to say that 18-year-old Brooklyn native Desiigner stole the show with not one but three encore’s of his street anthem “Panda,” followed with a hug of approval from Ye. – Ashley Monae -
Bryson Tiller
Image Credit: Getty Images By now, we all know that just a year ago Bryson Tiller was working double shifts at Papa John’s and UPS to feed his daughter. One of this past years most notable artists to transcend to stardom in the blink of an eye, Tiller has become a fan favorite and even your favorite artists artist.
For his Summer Jam debut, he kept things in the same vein of his usual live show, seranding the ladies with his modest but significant catalogue.
Fabolous came through as Tiller’s special guest, laying down his verse on “Sorry Not Sorry (Remix).” – Ashley Monae
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Terror Squad: Fat Joe & Remy Ma
Image Credit: Getty Images Although all members of Terror Squad weren’t present on the Summer Jam stage, Fat Joe and Remy Ma ran down a hit-list of songs the pair have been attached to over the years.
Joey Crack performed one of his standout singles featuring Rem, “Lean Back,” which had attendees doing their own rendition of the nonchalant move, plus their current hit, “All The Way Up.” He also brought out surprise guest Ashanti, who rocked out in a blue one-piece to “What’s Luv.”
But it was Remy Ma who stole the entire night, with her captivating performances of “Conceited,” “Whuteva,” to the legendary Big Pun’s “Twinz” verse.
In memory of the late rapper, his “Still Not A Player” rang througout the stadium, receiving roars from the crowd once R&B singer Joe stepped onstage to sing his chorus. When the lights went low, and the artists exited the stage, their performance left you wanting more. – Camille Augustin -
A$AP Mob
Image Credit: Getty Images A$AP Mob sought to bring back the feel-good vibes with their bass-heavy tunes despite a major scuffle in the crowd. Although the stadium’s lights were left on, the Mob still shined bright with their top hits blaring throughout MetLife.
A$AP Rocky took the stage first, backed by a slew of dancers sashaying to his music. “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” got the crowd on Rocky’s lit-wave before his compadre, A$AP Ferg, carried the torch for the second half of their performance.
“New Level” elevated the crowd to a higher plateau while “Work” rattled your eardrums like never before. The pair then took turns trading lyrics on their collaborative singles like “Shabba Ranks,” while A$AP Yams’ visage beamed on the main screen, keeping the memory of their fallen confidant present in all that they do. – Camille Augustin -
DJ Khaled & Friends
Image Credit: Getty Images To round out the long night of festivities, DJ Khaled traveled straight from Philly after wrapping his set on Beyonce’s Formation World Tour to conduct his wave of performances.
The We The Best leader shared the stage with his frequent collaborators/friends including Busta Rhymes, O.T. Genasis, Yo Gotti, took a trip down to Jamaica with Mavado, and celebrated New York City with the presence of The Lox.
Although Khaled’s set was cut short given the timing, it was still an unforgettable night. – Camille Augustin