Last night I saw my guy Joe Chea IG post about Summer Jam 2015, right as Funk Flex announced his last 7pm set (at the time, we thought he was retiring) and DJ Enuff spun his final mix. With all that happening, I found myself revisiting my old blog ChucksandCameras and two posts that captured some of my favorite Summer Jam experiences.

A person performs on stage with large video screens displaying concert graphics behind them during a show.
People performing on stage during a dance routine or presentation in a dark auditorium setting.

Since picking up a camera for music, I’ve been tied to Hot97 in some way. From shooting DJ Cipha Sounds’ Hip Hop Improv shows, watching Drewski take over, to covering different Peterpaloozas and Who’s Next; Hot97 has always been a staple throughout my photography journey.

2013: The Vevo Room



My first Summer Jam came in 2013 thanks to my guy Johnny Nunez. I ended up photographing the Vevo lounge, where most artists stopped for interviews. I didn’t make it to the stage until late in evening, but being in that room felt surreal. Almost every artist passed through: Miguel, J. Cole, the A$AP crew (RIP Yamz), Joe Budden, Wale, TDE, Wu-Tang, Lil Kim, Chris Brown, Ross, Wayne. Any fan would’ve traded places with me.

A person wearing sunglasses and a black tank top sits on a dark couch, photographed in a series of moody poses.
Hip-hop performers on stage during a vibrant live concert with colorful red and orange lighting effects in the background.
Athletes in workout gear stretch and prepare on gym floor during training session.
Red and orange warning signs and stickers overlapped on a distressed metal surface create an industrial urban aesthetic.
Athletic figure in black attire strikes dynamic poses against dark background while wearing stylish sneakers.
Group of friends sitting casually along a wall wearing trendy sneakers and casual urban attire.
A series of people wearing casual attire sitting together in a dark room against a black background.
Group of party-goers enjoying a nightclub event with colorful lighting and festive atmosphere.
A group of fans enjoy dancing at a crowded nighttime event or party.
Group of people walking in a dimly lit indoor corridor or hallway space.
Dimly lit interior scene with people in red and black clothing gathered in what appears to be a hallway space.

2015: My First All Access



2015 was a completely different experience. This time, I had all access, being staff for Hot. I got on the staff bus early and walked into an empty MetLife Stadium. I ended up watching different soundcheck as we prepped; Big Sean’s being my favorite. Later I roamed the parking lot tailgates, then hit the Festival Stage where we all know that legendary Travis Scott moment and how that went. Shoutout my guy, I was very close to that being me since I was also on stage but left a few minutes into Travis' set because I needed a break before the main stage started.

Large group gathers in parking lot on sunny day kneeling near parked vehicles and socializing together.
Large group of people sitting and posing along a wall near AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Musicians playing on an outdoor concert stage with banners and equipment visible in the background.
Person wearing a black t-shirt with blonde dreadlocks in a sequence of repeating headshot photos.
Excited sports fans cheer enthusiastically behind a barrier at an outdoor sporting event.
Baseball players and spectators stand during what appears to be a National Anthem ceremony at a baseball stadium.
Dynamic stage performance with dark silhouettes of performers against bright lighting and concert equipment.
Performers on stage giving an energetic musical performance with microphones and instruments.
Massive festival crowd stretches into the distance under bright blue sky at outdoor music event.

The main stage, catching Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Fab & Friends (Remy, The Lox, and more), and Kendrick with TDE. Meek Mill closed with Future and Nicki, high energy all the way. Chris even jumped in the press pit right next to me: one of those moments you don’t forget.

Concert performer in white shirt gestures to a large stadium crowd during an outdoor performance.
Hip hop performer energetically commands the stage with bright spotlights and concert atmosphere in the background.
Hip hop performer energetically moves across concert stage with bright yellow lighting effects in background.
Performers on stage at a concert with bright lights and smoke effects creating a dynamic atmosphere.
Entertainment performers in white jackets showcase their talents under dynamic blue and red stage lighting.
Stage performers in sparkly gold jackets entertain the crowd under dramatic blue and purple concert lighting.
Concert performers in black outfits dance and sing on stage with vibrant pink and purple lighting effects.
Performers in white outfits and sunglasses entertain on stage with colorful blue lighting effects during a concert.
Performer in gray puffy jacket singing into microphone on stage with atmospheric lighting effects.
Two performers energetically singing into microphones on stage with blue lighting effects in the background.
Shirtless performer holds microphone while performing on stage with dramatic lighting and fog effects.
Performer in yellow shirt raises arm while singing on stage with purple lighting effects.
Two performers energetically share the stage during a concert with blue lighting and special effects in the background.
Performer in black tank top and jewelry singing passionately on stage with blue concert lighting.
A performer in a red outfit delivers a passionate performance on stage under vibrant purple lighting.
Skateboarding sequence showing progression of tricks performed on a dark stage with dramatic lighting.

Looking back



It’s wild to see how much has shifted. Relationships with artists have grown, Remy feels like family now. I’ve seen the culture evolve, from the early days of Travis Scott wilding out to now watching him headline arenas. And through it all, Hot97 has kept adapting, finding its footing in this ever-changing music industry.


I’ve been lucky enough to shoot every Summer Jam since Covid, documenting the shifts in real time. In a future post, I’ll share more recent Summer Jam experiences from the Darkroom. For now, tap into this collab reel I did with Hot97, where I really had the best seat in the house.