Hip-hop’s biggest and brightest stars descended upon Newark, New Jersey, for another incredible year of music during the annual Rock The Bells Festival on June 28. The lineup featured a heavy-hitting list of hip-hop icons, including Lil’ Mo, Remy Ma, Fabolous, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Redman, and more.
Hosted by the iconic Roxanne Shante, the festival wasn’t just a gathering — it was a powerful homage. With her signature energy and unapologetic charisma, Shante reminded the crowd that this wasn’t simply a reunion; it was a celebration of hip-hop’s legacy and a call to honor its past, present, and future.
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The night roared to life with Lil’ Mo, Fabolous, and Kid Capri setting the stage ablaze, blending soulful hooks, gritty bars, and classic turntablism to instantly lock the crowd into the moment. Lil’ Mo looked incredible as she commanded the crowd. Dressed in a fierce custom bodysuit created by stylist Jaesyn Burke and adorned with the words “Lil Mo Was Here,” the “Super Woman” hitmaker delivered an effortless performance with incredible style.
Then came LL Cool J, who stormed the stage with an explosive performance of “Rock The Bells.” As a bonus, he surprised fans with an exclusive preview of Hip Hop Was Born Here, his upcoming docuseries created in collaboration with Peyton Manning, set to premiere July 22 on Paramount+.
One of the most electric highlights of the night was the highly anticipated State Property reunion. Freeway, Beanie Sigel, Peedi Crakk, and Young Gunz brought undeniable energy, tearing through Philly-bred anthems like “What We Do,” “Rock the Mic,” and “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” shaking the crowd with every verse.
Remy Ma, Busta Rhymes, and more kept the energy high.
The lyrical gods, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane, took the stage next, schooling the audience with razor-sharp rhymes and masterful stage presence. Their back-and-forth delivery was both a tribute to and a demonstration of true hip-hop artistry. In a surprise twist, Grandmaster Flash made an appearance mid-set, reminding everyone why he’s one of the genre’s architects.
Keeping the momentum alive, Memphis Bleek linked up with Capone and N.O.R.E. for a hard-hitting surprise set, diving deep into street-certified bangers and Queens anthems that lit the crowd up with raw energy.
Kid Capri made a triumphant return, this time backing Remy Ma, whose high energy, invigorating stage presence, and razor-edged delivery had the audience in full attention mode. Remy gave the crowd her all, churning out classic hits like her 2006 banger “Conceited.”
Bringing the night to a thunderous finale, Busta Rhymes—flanked by Rah Digga, Papoose, and the ever-hype Spliff Star—lit up the stage with a high-octane performance. A stunning, AI-powered visual sequence launched the explosive opener “Touch It,” setting the tone for a cinematic close. Just when the energy peaked, surprise video cameos from Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson lit up the screens, seamlessly syncing with crowd favorites like “I Know What You Want” and “What’s It Gonna Be,” sending the audience into a frenzy.
Did you attend this year’s Rock The Bells festival? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.
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