On Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT, the 3rd Annual Summer Blockfest: Hip-Hop Festival & Community Celebration will take place at 770 Jackson Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. The event is free and open to the public. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025.
This event is organized by Victor M. Lopez Jr., also known as Young Emeljay, in collaboration with his team and nonprofit organization What Hoboken Sounds Like, as well as the expanded platform What Jersey City Sounds Like.
According to the event description, Summer Blockfest is a seven-hour, grassroots festival that focuses on Hip-Hop culture, community pride, and creative expression. The festival has grown from a local initiative into a regional celebration across Hudson County, linking Hoboken and Jersey City through shared cultural experiences.
- The 3rd Annual Summer Blockfest happens on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 12–7 PM at 770 Jackson Street in Hoboken, NJ.
- The festival, led by Victor M. Lopez Jr., celebrates hip-hop culture, local artists, youth empowerment, and community pride across Hoboken and Jersey City.
- Expect 30+ performers, DJ sets, vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and the debut of the Pamela Bates Foundation Awards.
Recognized Cultural Festival with City Support
The first two editions of Summer Blockfest took place in Hoboken’s Southwest neighborhood and included live music, R&B, and Hip-Hop performances, art, street fashion, and youth empowerment programming.
In October 2024, the City of Hoboken issued an official proclamation to Victor M. Lopez Jr., recognizing the creation of What Hoboken Sounds Like and the founding of Summer Blockfest, identified as Hoboken’s first Hip-Hop festival.
The festival has received media attention from The Jersey Journal, TapInto Hoboken, Hoboken Girl (nominated for Best Community Event in 2023), Hip Hop Since 1978, and The Pulse With Peter B.
Over 30 Artists and DJs Scheduled to Perform
The 2025 Blockfest features live music and DJ sets throughout the day. The confirmed performers are:
- CHASELAND
- CATALINA
- KI BOHITI
- ROSE IMAGE
- PETEYXKRAZE
- JONBOIIERA
- MR. DERANGED
- IMKAZUAL
- MAX YB
- RAYSPITTA
- GUNNER MONTANA
- POOTIE
- LEEL
- B. MORE
- HARLEM CAM
- RARA
- NIZZ SENTINE
- LEEROY GREEN
- GENERAL ACE
- MP14
- AUTOMATIC MULA
- TEEWHY G
- KOO HEFNER
- BIGSPANISH
- ONESHOTONCE
The event will also feature performances by the following DJs:
- DJ BRIPEE
- MISTER ANGEL
- DJ DUGSPIN
Announced special guests include:
- DJ TAKE 5 & DJ SHUFFLE, performing a father-son DJ set debut
- BROTHA P, identified as a former WBO middleweight champion who now performs as a Christian rap artist
- DJ MACHOTIME
First Pamela Bates Foundation Awards and Youth Giveaway
The 2025 event will introduce the first-ever Pamela Bates Foundation Awards segment. This portion of the event will honor individuals making a real difference in their communities, according to the official event listing.
In partnership with the Pamela Bates Foundation and KreateaKustom, the event will include a Book Bag Giveaway. A limited number of book bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and each child must be present to receive one. Only one book bag per child will be given.
Marketplace of Local Vendors and Resources
A community marketplace will be featured during the festival. Attendees will have access to a range of offerings, including:
- Food trucks
- Streetwear and urban fashion brands
- Sneakers and custom gear
- Vinyl records and rare music finds
- Beauty, skincare, and grooming products
- Art and creative merchandise
- Youth and family resources
The festival’s vendor area is open to local entrepreneurs and businesses. Vendors offering food, fashion, music, or artisan goods are encouraged to apply. The deadline for vendor applications is July 16, 2025, and space is limited.
Those interested in sponsorship or vendor participation can email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
