Rock the Bells returns this summer with the Class of 2025: Summer’s Kool. Standing at the head of the class when the festival makes its New Jersey debut at Newark’s Prudential Center on June 28 will be Busta Rhymes, Redman, Remy Ma, Too $hort and Scarface, among others. The one-night affair is being presented in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective.
Spanning generations, genres and regions, the lofty lineup also includes Eric B. & Rakim, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Plies, Boosie, Fabolous, Lil’ Mo and Capone-N-Noreaga. Representing the underground will be M.O.P. and Coast Contra. There will also be a special Uptown Records Celebration. Curated by DJ Eddie F, the salute will feature performances by Al B. Sure!, Donell Jones, Christopher Williams, Monifah, Soul for Real and more. The entire evening will be hosted by recently minted Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and rap pioneer Roxanne Shanté and soundtracked by the legendary DJ Kid Capri.
In a statement announcing this year’s festival, Rock the Bells founder LL Cool J said, “Rock the Bells has always been about the elevation, preservation and innovation of hip-hop. Class of 2025: Summer’s Kool is more than a festival — it’s a cultural homecoming. We’re celebrating the artists who built the foundation and the new voices pushing it forward, all in one night. This is hip-hop in its full glory — past, present and future.”
Noted Shelby Joyner, president of the Black Promoters Collective, “Partnering with LL Cool J and the Rock the Bells festival is an extension of our shared commitment to celebrating Black culture through powerful live experiences. This isn’t just an event — it’s a cultural movement. We’re proud to help bring together generations of fans and legends to honor hip-hop’s impact and ensure its legacy continues to thrive on the biggest stages.”
Additional artists will be announced in the coming week. For more information about tickets, visit the Rock the Bells website.
Rock The Bells 2025
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