6 hours ago
2
With additional reporting from Taylor McGee
The 2025 Rock The Bells Festivalshook the Prudential Center to its foundations.LL COOL Jand the annual classic hip-hop fest was back in full effect with a lineup that boasted icons of the game from Rakim to Scarface to Remy Ma and Busta Rhymes.
The festival also paid homage to the legendary Uptown Records. Founded by Andre Harrell, Uptown would shape the sound of R&B and hip-hop in the 1990s, with hits from acts like Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Christopher WIlliams, Heavy D & The Boyz, Soul IV Real and more.
Okayplayer was there and we’re breaking down some of our 12 favorite moments from the stage.
1. Busta Rhymes Brings The Heat
Busta Rhymes delivered a high-energy, rapid-fire performance that had the crowd erupting. Showcasing a vet’s crowd control and charisma, his set included a surprise performance of his hit single “Touch It” with Rah Digga and Papoose joining him.
2. Redman Shows Out for His Hometown
Performing on his home turf, Brick City’s own Redman brought classic Jersey energy, witty stage banter, and deep cuts. And he brought out special guests EMPD to perform “Head Banger”--and thanked Erick and Parrish for discovering him in Jersey and launching his career back in 1992.
3. Rakim Takes Us to Church
Rakim received one of the night’s loudest ovations. Dripping in Telfar, the God MC turned a “Paid in Full” into something spiritual. The R showcased the flow and charisma he’s built his legacy on. As the audience went wild for his classics, it was clear that the legend from Long Island can forever move the crowd.
4. Too Short Brings the Bay to New Jersey
Too Short turned up the crowd with Bay Area anthems like fan favorite “Blow the Whistle.” The crowd gave the West Coast godfather all the love—and, of course, screamed his “favorite word” with him in unison. And to top it off, $hort was joined onstage by fellow legend Scarface to perform their 1998 hit “F*** Faces.”
5. Fabolous Reminds Us of the DatPiff Era
Fabolous had one of the first performances of the night–kicking off Rock The Bells with a stylish, polished performance. Mixing classics like “Make Me Better” with early aughts mixtape nostalgia, Fab had the ladies attentive and the fellas rocking.
5. Scarface Leads the Dirty South
The Dirty South represented, as Scarface gave the crowd an emotional rendition of “On My Block,” and Too $hort joined him onstage. Plies also brought some Southern charm and crowd engagement to the proceedings to the delight of the crowd. His renditions of “Shawty” and “Becky” were undeniable crowd-pleasers, proving his 2000s hits still resonate. And Boosie BadAzz turned up to perform his chart-toppers with street energy–running through hits like “Wipe Me Down” and “Set It Off.”
6. KRS-One Shows Why He's "The Teacha."
The Bronx statesman KRS-One gave a clinic as “The Teacha.” His a cappella freestyle segment felt cathartic. Although his set was cut short he made sure to acknowledge the support of 50 more years of hip-hop. While also mentioning the fact that he opened a temple of hip-hop.
7. M.O.P Antes Up
KRS set the stage—and if anyone needed further proof that the Bronx was absolutely in the building, M.O.P brought raw aggression and crowd mosh vibes. The crowd exploded during their fiery “Ante Up” performance.
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
8. Remy Ma Shows Why She's Right to be "Conceited"
The Bronx love fest continued, as Remy Ma made it clear the diva energy was in the building with her commanding presence. The round-the-way girl from the BX performed her go-to joints “Whateva,” “All The Way Up” (sans Fat Joe) and "Conceited.”
9. CNN Reunite
Capone-N-Noreaga brought out the classic Queens energy. C-N-N had an electric set. The NYC street legends got the crowd amped with the classics “C-N-N” and “Superthug.” The duo showed that their legendary chemistry is still strong, almost 30 years after their classic debut.
10. Philly Was in the Building
State Property was definitely in the building, as Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, Chris & Neef repped for Philly. Running through hits like “Rock the Mic” and “Flipside," the street hop was well-represented throughout the festival, and the City Of Brotherly Love got to remind everyone that its Hip-Hop legacy runs deep.
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
11. LL Cool J Was LL Cool J in the Best Way Possible
And none other than LL COOL J himself took the stage. The rap icon and festival founder took the energy all the way back to 1985 with a surprise performance of his timeless “Rock The Bells”--with Kid Capri spinning in support.
12. Uptown Records Revisited Its Legacy
Uptown Records got all the love—in one of the highlights of the festival.. In an emotional, stylish and soulful interlude, the stage was set to celebrate the golden era of Hip-Hop soul with a tribute to Uptown Records, late label founder Andre Harrell, and former CEO, the late Heavy D.
Mr. Cheeks of Lost Boyz took the stage for an emotional performance of the LB classic “Renee”; and CL Smooth delivered a heartfelt performance and paid tribute to those lost from Uptown Records. Father MC, Al B. Sure!, Christopher Williams, Soul IV Real, Jeff Redd, Donell Jones, Horace Brown, Monifah gave a full-on New Jack Swing and R&B celebration. Felt like a nostalgic time capsule for ‘90s heads with performances of “I’ll Do 4 U,” Miss You” and “Candy Rain”
Soul IV Real’s “Candy Rain” was a sing-along anthem of the night–thirty years later and still captured the crowd. Seeing label legends like Al B. Sure!, Soul IV Real and Christopher Williams sharing the stage was a special moment that encapsulated how much that music meant to a generation.
English (US) · 