Summer Jam is without a doubt the most anticipated concert of the year and many historic moments have taken place on that Summer Jam stage! So many people have touched down on the stage that I can’t imagine having to narrow it down to just 25 great moments. Check out the list and see if your favorite moment made the cut below. Can’t wait to see what goes down at Summer Jam 2012, which is happening this Sunday!
25. DJ Khaled Wins With Rick Ross, T-Pain, Nicki Minaj, Cam’ron & More (2010)
DJ Khaled had the most star-studded set of 2010 hands down—as he very well should have. The king of the posse cut was joined by everyone from Rick Ross to Busta Rhymes, T-Pain and Cam’ron. And the heavyweight crew did nothing but celebrate for the entire set—popping bottles and going H.A.M. at every moment. He the best!24. LL Cool J Rocks the Bells with D-Block (2008)
In 2008 Alicia Keys had the SJ crowd on smash when she brought out Wu-Tang and Maino. But D-Block undoubtedly had it on lock. Not only did The LOX bring out Fat Joe, Fabolous and N.O.R.E., the boys from Yonkers tipped the scales when they brought bonafide rap legend LL Cool J to the stage for a rendition of his classic cut, “Rock the Bells.†Hard as hell!23. Nicki Minaj Dominates (2010)
Before dropping her debut, Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj seemed to be on everybody else’s song. So it was no surprise that the Black Barbie would be all over that Summer Jam stage—even through she didn’t have her own set. The Queens representer stole the show from Drake, Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Usher, rocking a different kooky outfit every time. Who’s bad?22. Destiny’s Child Barely Survives (2001)
Although Jay-Z had the 2001 Summer Jam crowd in the palm of his hand, his future wife and friends struggled to win over the notoriously fussy audience. Destiny’s Child got booed as soon as they began their set and continued to get heckled after every song, giving new meaning to their hit from the same year, “Survivor.”21. Busta Rhymes Brings out Mariah Carey, Diddy & More (2003)
If Jay-Z is the King of Summer Jam, Busta Rhymes has to be the Prime Minister. He’s rocked that stage many times, but in 2003 he took things to another level. Not only did the usually friendly Bussa Buss shock fans by joining 50 and Eminem in their Ja Rule roasting, but the Dungeon Dragon also played host to a slew of special guests including Diddy—flanked by Mr. Bentley—Don Magic Juan for “Pass the Courvoisier,†Mr. Sean-a-Paul for “Make It Clap (Remix),†a topless Bonecrusher for “Never Scared,†and none other than Mariah Carey for “I Know What You Want.†Talk about a powerful impact!20. Aaliyah Almost Misses Her Set (2000)
R&B princess Aaliyah was running so late for her spot at Summer Jam 2000 that she nearly didn’t get a chance to perform. By the time she made it to the stage her dancers didn’t even have time to change out of their street clothes. The crowd didn’t care one bit though, greeting her with open arms. Her performance that year was one in a million—and then the next year she was gone.
Full list here.
