The 2025 Rock the Bells concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey was more than a show—it was a celebration of the art and legacy of Hip-Hop music across generations. LL Cool J’s company delivered an unforgettable experience, staying true to the culture it was built to honor.
The Concert
The evening was hosted by the battle-tested Roxanne Shanté, whose presence reminded the crowd of Hip-Hop’s roots in resilience and realness. One of the early standout acts was Coast Contra—a lyrical powerhouse whose synergy and message-heavy bars evoked comparisons to legends like Wu-Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest. Their set was both sharp and soulful, setting a high bar for the night.
Other artists like Lil Mo, Fabolous, M.O.P., Remy Ma, and State Property lit up the stage with career-defining anthems. Each performance was a nod to their impact on the culture and a testament to their staying power.
Then came the heavyweights—Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, LL Cool J, and Rakim—who transformed the arena into sacred ground. These God MCs turned their performances into a masterclass, elevating the night to near-celestial heights. Scarface and Too Short represented for Houston and Oakland respectively as icons from other regions other than New York.
A Tribute to Uptown Records
A major highlight of the night was the heartfelt tribute to Uptown Records, the legendary Hip-Hop and R&B label founded by the late Andre Harrell. The tribute featured soul-stirring performances from Al B. Sure!, Christopher Williams, and Father MC, among others, paying homage to a label that helped bridge Hip-Hop and R&B into mainstream greatness.
The Grand Finale
Capping off the night were Capone-N-Noreaga, followed by Newark’s own Redman, who surprised the crowd by bringing out Treach of Naughty By Nature. Finally, Busta Rhymes closed the show with his signature explosive energy—cementing the night as one for the ages.
One thing’s for sure, and two things are certain: Hip-Hop and R&B’s legacy continues to thrive and evolve—documented and preserved through LL Cool J’s vision and the Rock the Bells platform.
