Beginning earlier this afternoon (June 1), Hot 97’s Summer Jam XXI kicked off with performances from artists like Iggy Azalea, Chinx Drugz, Mack Wilds, Childish Gambino, and Nipsey Hussle at the concert’s Festival Stage. The annual concert is held at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

According to Billboard, the main stage’s performances kicked off with a set by R&B singer Sevyn Streeter. Shortly after, Troy Ave reportedly entered the stage backed by a video dis aimed at Trinidad James.

The Roots followed a full-day festival held in Philadelphia yesterday with a string of performances at Summer Jam. Initially performing their own material, the Philly group went on to provide a live backing for The LOX. Earlier, fellow Roots Picnic performer Action Bronson also performed singles like “Strictly 4 My Jeeps” and “Pepe Lopez.”

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

A Nas set included cameos from Meek Mill and French Montana as well as a live performance of his anthem “New York State Of Mind.” The Queensbridge emcee continued his Illmatic twentieth anniversary celebration with several other tracks from the debut.

After being introduced by Nas, 50 Cent took the Summer Jam stage as an opportunity to reunite with G-Unit emcees Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck. Together the rappers performed past hits like “I Smell Pussy,” “So Seductive,” and “Shorty Wanna Ride.” 50 Cent also invited Fabolous on stage and performed alongside Yo Gotti as well. 

During his set, 50 Cent took a picture of the crowd and referenced his recent departure from Interscope.

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

“A label can’t drop a nigga like me,” he said. “I dropped the label.”

“Niggas thought Jimmy Iovine was my boss, are you kidding me?” he seemed to say.

Later in the night, Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds introduced Nicki Minaj.

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

Throughout the concert, many of the performers shared their experiences on Twitter and Instagram.

“I Survived #SJ2014” Questlove captioned his Instagram photo.

(June 1, 2014)

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

UPDATE: Photos of the Summer Jam 2014 event can be seen below, via Miss Info

RELATED: Hot 97’s Laura Stylez & Miss Info – Share Summer Jam Stories & Possible Surprise Guests (Part 1)