The atmosphere at Hot 97’s SummerJam, the largest live Hip Hop music and culture celebration in America, was overshadowed by a heavy police presence and allegations of racial motivation. The event, held on June 4 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, faced interruptions and frustrations due to last-minute changes and rules imposed by county officials.
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SummerJam, an annual hip-hop festival sponsored by New York-based radio station Hot 97, typically showcases popular New York and national acts in hip-hop and R&B. This year’s headliner was Cardi B, and the concert took place both inside and outside the UBS Arena.
However, media and attendees on the ground reported that the substantial police presence, mandated by the county, disrupted the event, created tension, and caused multiple interruptions. Some individuals, including SOHH correspondent Alexis Thompson, shared their experiences of being barred or kicked out of various areas during the event. Security personnel changed rules throughout the day, causing frustration and confusion among concertgoers.
“I thought the amount of passive-aggressive security measures, abrupt changes, amount of police, sheriffs on horses, and the fire marshals on top was a bit much, said Alexis Thompson, who was on assignment with an official media badge granting access to the press pit and artist lounge.
Thompson said the show organizers informed the media the issue was “not due to capacity.”
“I stood there for maybe 20 minutes trying to persuade officers and understand what was going on, asking why would the media be blocked from entering a show if space is not an issue. A question that fell on deaf ears and crossed arms. I don’t think I’ve ever been barred out of so many places, with or without a pass, so many times in my life.”
Just days before the event, Nassau County officials filed a lawsuit, attempting to cancel a portion of the SummerJam concert, labeling it a “public nuisance” plagued by “riot-like behavior and criminal violations.” The lawsuit drew criticism from residents living in and around Elmont, New York. Some community members argued that the language used in the lawsuit targeted the predominantly Black and brown fans attending the hip-hop event.
“Jermaine Brown, a resident who lives down the street from UBS Arena, says he has seen rowdy crowds from horse races but has never seen a lawsuit to block an event. “When we have the races, I don’t hear of a lawsuit, and I have people passing out on my lawn, drinking, it gets really crazy around here,” Brown told News12.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman defended the lawsuit, stating that [Hot97 SummerJam] had been banned from other jurisdictions in the past due to criminal activity and illegal drug use. A deal was eventually reached, allowing the concert to proceed with the requirement of 80 additional officers being present, which the organizers had to fund.
In contrast, The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia went off without a hitch over the same weekend. The highlight of the event was the highly anticipated reunion of Lauryn Hill and The Fugees, captivating the audience with their iconic performance.
