Hot 97’s Summer Jam is where hip-hop artists are heavily critiqued and icons are made. With this years show being Nicki Minaj’s first headlining performance, we wanted to make sure she was prepared by dropping some knowledge in her ear from past Summer Jam mistakes.
While this isn’t her first time hitting the big stage, it is her first where all eyes will be on her and she’ll have to carry the weight of the night. We used five different past Summer Jam performers and broke down where they went wrong, in hopes that Nicki’s performance will be just another notch on her career highlights.
Check out our 5 Tips For Nicki Minaj’s Big Summer Jam Performance and hope that our girl doesn’t make any of these same mistakes!
1. Don’t Forget The Lyrics—Literally!
Example: Rick Ross; Summer Jam 2011
Allegedly, during Rozay’s performance with Cory Gunz, he got a little choked up and forgot his part of the verse. While, it’s been argued that he actually just had a bad microphone, the point still remains that you gotta make sure your shit is on point when you hit the big stage.
2. More Hip-Hop, Less Pop
Example: Destiny’s Child; Summer Jam 2001
The crowd booed Destiny’s Child the moment their name was announced. Why? They were an R&B/Pop group performing at a Hip-Hop concert! Granted, we’re currently in a much more pop-influenced generation of hip-hop than years before, but it would still be a better look to see more “Monster” and “Did It On ‘Em” Nicki than “Starships” and “Check It Out” Nicki.
3. Guests, Guests, And More Guest
Example: Alicia Keys; Summer Jam 2008
You have associations with one of the biggest groups in the game right now—use them to you advantage! That stage is pretty big from the inside looking out, so bring a guest or two to get the crowd live and in full effect. Alicia Keys knew this well when she brought out Wu-Tang Clan during her set.
4. Don’t Fight The Crowd
Example: 50 Cent; Summer Jam 2004
Yes, the crowd can sometimes get disrespectful. This actually could happen anywhere, but Summer Jam is a much different field—hip-hop fans will fight back! During 2004’s Summer Jam, 50 Cent & G-Unit got into a literal chair-throwing battle with the crowd due to their controversial set—dissing everyone from Lil Kim, Ja Rule, to the headliner that year R. Kelly! We expect your biggest Barbz & Kens will be front row, so this shouldn’t be an issue. However, if a Kim fan happens to get a little too close & crazy, let security handle that.
5. Make It A Legendary Hip-Hop Performance
Example: Jay-Z; Summer Jam 2001
This is your first headliner Nick; make it one to remember. Jay-Z took it the next level and did the unimaginable by bringing Michael Jackson out during his set. While there’s nothing topping MJ, you do have another pop legend on speed dial: Madonna. Doesn’t she owe you a favor or something from this year’s Super Bowl performance? If you can be the one to not only bring the Material Girl to a hip-hop concert, but also actually be accepted, that will say a lot for your mass appeal.
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