Rock the Bells Expands 2026 Lineup With Raekwon and Ghostface Killah

Rock The Bells Festival has expanded its 2026 lineup with a new group of hip-hop artists set to perform during its Thanksgiving weekend celebration in Newark, New Jersey.

Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Shyne, Papoose, Kool G Rap, Onyx, Treach and Roxanne Shante are among the latest performers announced for the festival, which will take place November 29 at Prudential Center. Kwamé, Sugarhill Gang and The Furious Five have also been added to the holiday weekend event.

The expanded lineup will bring together artists representing multiple eras of hip-hop as Rock The Bells continues its focus on celebrating the genre’s history and cultural influence.

Roxanne Shante is included among the newly announced performers, while Rapsody has been added to D-Nice’s specially curated set. Rapsody will perform alongside David Banner, LeToya Luckett and The LOX as part of the set.

The new additions join a previously announced roster led by Rock The Bells founder LL COOL J. The existing lineup also includes DJ Z-Trip, Lil’ Kim, Method Man & Redman, SWV and D-Nice.

LL COOL J said the festival is intended to bring together artists and audiences from different generations while recognizing hip-hop’s more than five decades of history.

“Hip-Hop has shaped the world for more than five decades, and Rock The Bells exists to honor the people who made that history and keep the culture moving upward,” LL COOL J said.

He added that returning to Newark over Thanksgiving weekend will provide an opportunity to celebrate music and the local community while marking Hip-Hop History Month.

The festival is being produced in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective. Shelby Joyner, president of the organization, said Rock The Bells aligns with the group’s mission of creating live experiences centered on Black culture.

“Rock The Bells Festival embodies that mission,” Joyner said. “Together with LL COOL J, we’re producing an experience that honors Hip-Hop’s pioneers, celebrates its influence and brings generations together through the music that continues to shape culture around the world.”

Rock The Bells has positioned the Newark event as a gathering spanning different generations of hip-hop performers, from foundational artists to more contemporary voices.

For more information and additional details, fans can visit the official Rock The Bells Festival website. 

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