Rock The Bells Festival 2025 just raised the bar, adding two of the most revered DJs in Hip Hop history to an already powerful lineup that spans decades of the genre’s evolution.
Grandmaster Flash, a true pioneer and founding father of Hip Hop, will join forces on stage with the legendary Rakim, an MC widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever hold a mic. Their set promises to bridge generations, merging Flash’s trailblazing turntablism with Rakim’s poetic brilliance to create a rare and historic moment that embodies the essence of the culture.
Also taking the stage is DJ Premier, one of Hip Hop’s most respected producers and the mastermind behind classics from Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and his late partner Guru as part of the iconic Gang Starr. At Rock The Bells, Premier will DJ for multiple sets and deliver a special tribute mix to Guru, bringing the Gang Starr legacy to life for a new generation of fans.
These legendary pairings, Flash with Rakim, Premier with Gang Starr’s spirit, can only happen at Rock The Bells, where authenticity, respect for the culture, and the celebration of artistry take center stage.
The rest of the 2025 lineup is just as impactful. Rock The Bells is once again uniting a multigenerational cast of artists who helped shape Hip Hop and those still carrying the torch today. This year’s performers include powerhouses like Busta Rhymes, Redman, Eric B. & Rakim, Remy Ma, Too $hort, Scarface, Plies, Boosie, Fabolous, and Lil’ Mo. Each artist brings their own era, voice, and energy to a single, unified stage.
Hosting duties will be handled by the legendary first lady of rap, Roxanne Shante, while the one and only Kid Capri holds down the turntables, ensuring the energy stays high from start to finish.
A major highlight of the night will be the Uptown Records Celebration, curated by DJ Eddie F, which honors one of the most influential labels in Black music history. Fans can expect a soulful blast from the past with performances by Al B. Sure!, Donell Jones, Christopher Williams, Soul For Real, and more—delivering timeless R&B and Hip-Hop fusion that defined an era.
Rock The Bells Festival 2025 takes place on Saturday, June 28th at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. With this kind of lineup and cultural weight, it’s more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of Hip Hop’s roots, legends, and unstoppable future.