HOT 97 Summer Jam 2009 By Anita S. Nixon

HOT 97 set out to save the world from wack concerts this year, and any of the 50,000 fans at Summer Jam 2009 would agree, the mission was accomplished. Angie Martinez and 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan hosted the sold out comic book themed show, which would be the last before Giants Stadium’s demolition. With the premiere of Jay-Z’s "Death of Autotune" live with Mister Cee and Funkmaster Flex, fans knew an appearance from Hov was likely. Out of the darkness and smoke, the greatest of all time Jay-Z emerged dressed in all black. Brooklyn’s ambassador needed no introduction as the crowd’s deafening roar embraced him. Jay’s DOA had been released only two days before Summer Jam, yet the audience mouthed every word.

Day 26 opened the show followed by former Pretty Ricky singer Pleasure P. Serani, Mavado and Elephant Man all On Da Reggae Tip veterans, represented for dancehall at Summer Jam this year. Mary J. Blige, the official queen of Hip Hop Soul looked stunning as she performed her greatest hits. Fellow New Yorker Method Man joined the queen on stage, for Hip Hop classic “All I Need”, and brought out Redman for "Da Rockwilder" and their new single "Ayo". Swizz Beatz joined Jadakiss on stage for Who’s Real and Busta Rhymes commanded the stage with Respect My Conglomerate.

For the ladies in the crowd, Kiss brought to the stage newcomer Jeremih to perform his ode to Birthday Sex. Every female in the audience went crazy when teen actor turned rapper Drake made an appearance durring Young Jeezy's set performing the number one song, on HOT 97’s playlist Best Ever I Had. The Dream performed major singles "Rockin’ That Thang" and "Walking on the Moon" with a Michael Jackson twist, bringing out label mate Fabolous. Lil Kim joined T-Pain who sported his infamous 10 lb diamond encrusted chain for their newest hit "Download".

Jim Jones and Juelz Santana truly know how to close a show, bringing out all of Harlem world and on stage. It was truly a celebration and even Soulja Boy, Kid Cudi, Ron Browz and Ryan Leslie joined the set. Jim Jones tossed hundred dollar bills to the audience while Juelz popped a couple bottles of champagne.

Summer Jam 2009 might have signified the death of autotune but it most definitely solidified HOT 97’s place in Hip Hop history.