From Yung Miami to French Montana & Max B: The Top 5 Moments from Summer Jam 2026
The Hot 97 concert series took over the Prudential Center with performances from DaBaby, Fetty Wap and more.
Screenshot from "French Montana BROUGHT OUT EVERYBODY at HOT 97 Summer Jam 2026!," Motivational Life 001, YouTube.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 took over the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The arena show featured major performances including French Montana, Mariah the Scientist, DaBaby, Yung Miami, G Herbo, Conway The Machine and a special welcome-home set for Fetty Wap.
Prudential Center was sold out, but the performances were stripped-down and immediate; there wasn’t an abundance of pyrotechnics and stagecraft. It kept the performers — and the performances — front and center.
Bronx native Ice Spice failed to take the stage despite being promoted as one of the event's headlining performers. She posted an explanation later on social media, blaming her absence on contractual issues.
"I see yal & im sorry things didn't work out last night," she wrote. "I was booked for 1 song but contract wasn't done despite promoting me as a main performer for weeks... I'll try my best to make it up to u all ❤️ thx for understanding."
Nonetheless, it was one for the books. We picked the Top 5 Moments from Summer Jam 2026.
5. Kaepernick Support
HOT 97 personalities Nessa and Funk Flex both wore Colin Kaepernick jerseys at the show. Nessa also wore a top that covered the NFL logo, making a visible statement of support.
4. Montana & Max: Wave Gods Take Over
Along with Masicka taking the stage alongside French Montana, Montana and Max B closed the show together. The performance marked Max B's first Summer Jam performance in 18 years.
3. 38 Spesh Unloads
The rapper out of Rochester performed "Fool's Mate" and went straight at Jim Jones, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss. The AraabMUZIK-produced track had been teased for weeks.
2. Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat”
Caresha brought out Fat Joe as a surprise guest. During the performance, women tossed cash from Goyard bags into the crowd. She had the loudest crowd reaction of the day—proving, once again, that she has the song of the summer.
1. An NYC Summer
It’s been an amazing summer for New York City. So what better way to open Summer Jam 2026 than with a tribute to New York? An ode to NYC hip-hop was curated by Funk Flex, featuring a compilation celebrating New York artists.
During the show, Funk Flex declared, "A non-New York artist will never headline Summer Jam."
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