HOT 97 SUMMER JAM 2008 RECAP

by Anita S. Nixon

What better place to hold the championship of all concerts but Giants Stadium, the home of the winners of the 2008 Super Bowl. Musical all stars like Kanye West and Alicia Keys all touched down on the HOT 97 Summer Jam stage this year. The weather was perfect this year, with sunny and clear skies with temperatures reaching the lower 80s. Hundreds of concert goers arrived early to enjoy the HOT 97 Summer Jam Tail Gate party which featured performances by today's rising stars as well as several vendor booths giving away cool prizes. Celebrities, artists and athletes kicked with concert goers in the Platinum Players Lounge and VIP Parties, while Hip Hop's MVPs prepared for the big show.




Check Out Video from HOT 97 Summer Jam 2008!
Presented by Boost Mobile!Ray J & Yung Berg were first up to perform. Both rapper and R&B singer had successful hits this year including Berg's "Sexy Lady" and Ray J's "Sexy Can I". Ray J also serenaded the ladies on the piano with his ballad, "One Wish". Songwriter turned singer, The Dream has emerged from behind the scenes and into the limelight with hit singles, "Shawty is the Shhh" and "Falsetto". Responsible for Rihanna's, "Umbrella" and J Holiday's, "Bed", The Dream captivated his audience with his quirky lyrics and the creative choreography of his dancers.

Summer Jam is not only known for its heavy hitter lineup, but the surprise guests as well. Alicia Keys followed The Dream, representing for her hometown of New York City. After performing hits like "Teenage Love Affair", Alicia brought out newcomer Maino, who's single, "Hi Haters", is blowing up the HOT 97 airwaves. HOT 97's Miss Info had been hinting on air that Alicia would also bring out classic rappers like she did during her first Summer Jam appearance back in 2004. She did not disappoint bringing out the Wu-tang Clan's Raekwon, Method Man and Ghostface Killah. The three of course performed classic Wu tracks like "CREAM", and "Ice Cream". Speaking of 90s classics, Sheek Louch and Styles P of D-Block hit the stage next performing songs from their Lox days and their newer hits as well. Jadakiss, Fabolous, Fat Joe, N.O.R.E. and Red Café all joined D-Block for hot joint, "Paper Touching". Swizz Beatz joined Styles P for his single "Blow Ya Mind" and surprise guest LL Cool J briefly graced the stage performing, "Head Sprung".


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