Rock The Bells Festival made its long-awaited New Jersey debut this past Saturday, bringing an unforgettable celebration of Hip-Hop to the Prudential Center in Newark. Themed Class of 2025: Summer’s Kool, the one-night-only event showcased the genre’s rich past and vibrant future, uniting legendary artists and rising voices in a powerful tribute to Hip-Hop’s legacy and evolution.
Hosted by the trailblazing Roxanne Shante, the festival delivered a series of show-stopping performances and surprise moments. The night opened with Lil Mo, Fabolous, and Kid Capri energizing the crowd with classics that set the tone early. LL COOL J followed with a performance of “Rock The Bells,” then surprised fans with the premiere trailer for his upcoming docuseries Hip Hop Was Born Here, debuting July 22 on Paramount+.
State Property’s long-awaited reunion featured Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, and Young Gunz, who reignited the crowd with hits like “What We Do” and “Rock the Mic.” Rakim and Big Daddy Kane delivered a lyrical masterclass, joined mid-set by Grandmaster Flash for a nod to Hip-Hop’s roots.
The energy stayed high as Memphis Bleek, Capone, and N.O.R.E. kept the crowd hyped with New York street anthems. Remy Ma followed, joined by Kid Capri, delivering a commanding set full of lyrical precision. A moving Uptown Records tribute, curated by Eddie F. and DJ Premier, reminded fans of the label’s enduring influence…