The 2nd annual Summer Blockfest, WHSL's hip-hop and R&B festival, took place on August 10, 2024, from 12 to 7 PM at 770 Jackson Street in Hoboken, with live performances, music and 50 vendors.
The lineup
Returning and new artists on the bill: @njpaperchaser, @rara2wavy, @alburst, @mp14._, @bigbossgunner_, @5thstreetq, @oneshotonce, @general__ace, @indigosmorale333, @phatrob310, @kyyinthecut, @chaseland201, @kootherbandross, @vicshadez, @od_reek, @thereal_taz, @harlemcam and @sorhoboken. The festival also featured live music from WHSL's DJ Bripee and a live beat set from N3rdy McFly, with Hoboken's own legendary MC @meny_myndz hosting. The lineup video is set to "Sunday Drive" by Phat Rob featuring @w.o.p.almighty.
New faces on the 2024 bill included Q. Taylor (@5thstreetq) and producer N3rdy McFly, bringing a live beat set. Returning from the inaugural festival were Sosa Da Don (@njpaperchaser), Oneshotonce, Od Reek (@od_reek), Rara (@rara2wavy) and School of Rock Hoboken, who also provided the sound for the 2023 festival and brought a funky R&B set this time.
Announcing the artists
On June 27, 2024, WHSL named DJ BriPee the official DJ for the festival. She made history the year before as one of the two DJs at the inaugural Summer Blockfest, and had recently played electrifying sets at the 2nd annual Southwest Fest. WHSL said her talent and dedication had been instrumental in shaping the festival's vibe. The same day, WHSL thanked its staff for their dedication and passion: "Together, we represent a diverse range of talents and businesses within our collective vision."
The first lineup reel followed on June 28, welcoming back familiar faces alongside fresh voices: Young Taz, Gunner Montana, Koo Hefner, Indigo's Morale, MP14 and Alburst.
Through July 6, WHSL introduced the performers one by one. Returning from the inaugural festival: MP14, Gunner Montana, Indigo's Morale, General Ace, Chaseland, Phat Rob and KYY. New to the stage: Young Taz, Alburst, Koo Hefner and Vic Shadez. One announcement reel featured KYY, Chaseland, Phat Rob, Vic Shadez, General Ace and Harlem Cam: five returning performers and one new addition.
One of those introductions, on June 28, presented Koo Hefner as one of the newest artists to join the lineup. WHSL said the festival was shaping up to be its best yet. (More on Koo: his 2023–2024 run and six new singles.)
On July 1, WHSL confirmed that Hoboken's legendary MC Meny Myndz would be back to host after his "incredible hosting" the year before.
Save the date and vendor call
The save-the-date reel, set to "What Hoboken Sounds Like" by MP14 featuring Lucasso (produced by N3rdy McFly), promised the festival would light up the city once more on August 10. Starting June 25, local vendors were invited to comment "Vendor" for the application link or apply by DM or by email at whathobokensoundslike@gmail.com, with a vendor deadline of July 27, and followers were asked to tag the local vendors they wanted to see.
Visuals by @roberto_rosa3rd, @zayfilms4 and @whyarefilms.
How it started
Two years earlier, there wasn't even a thought of a hip-hop festival. The inaugural 2023 festival was meant to showcase all genres, but the 50th anniversary of hip-hop fell just days before the event, and Hoboken's first hip-hop festival was born. The lesson WHSL took from it: no matter how big the goal, go for it.
Established in 2023, Summer Blockfest became the first citywide event to showcase Hoboken's local hip-hop and R&B artists, who had long been overlooked at other citywide festivals. It took what the community had done growing up, once confined to public housing, and made it a citywide affair. WHSL called it the beginning of a cultural revolution in Hoboken, and thanked @jimjbeat for first covering the story.
Returning artists
Ahead of the festival, WHSL looked back at standout 2023 sets from returning artists, all shot by Tato With The Camera: Chaseland, Phat Rob, Big Boss Gunner, Indigo Smorale, Sosa Da Don (the youngest artist on the 2023 lineup), @kyyinthecut, Od Reek, MP14 and RaRa2Wavy.
Vendors
Vendors included Merry Dessert Bar, That's My Nook, Leila's Plants, Galleria Untitled, East Iceland Coffee, Ochado, Life Stage Massage, Boomerang Bites, Hoboken Smile Specialists, Workin Together Collections, The Visitor, Kreate A Kustom, Tommy the Detailer, Everything Mel, Spin With The Queen, Chaseland Clothing, Ken Pilates, Charmed Forever NJ, On The Rise Collection, Community Lifestyle, Mitali Henna, Luminous Scents, Amazing Truth Society, Do Good Donuts, Not Ur Regular Coffee, Slaps2Go, The 6 Borough, Chiki's Curlss, My Expression Box, Kaysucraft, Motivate You, Little Linguists Hoboken, 4L, Prez Nice, Street Friendss, Sunny Vegan Cafe, Outlaw Apparel, Vail Stones, GTK and Taste Buds Hoboken.
Opening in prayer
The day opened with a prayer led by WHSL senior advisor Coach G. Filmed by @garciasquared.
Read the full recap: Summer Blockfest 2024: A Cultural Revolution in Hoboken.
Follow @whathobokensoundslike on Instagram for more.