Jay-Z

RECENT POSTS

Jay-Z takes the gloves off on a new song, “Open Letter” (playing w/ Justin Timberlake at Citizens Bank Park in August)

jayz Hot on the heels of the lineup announcement of the Jay-Z curated Made In America concert, Jay-Z has released a new song, “Open Letter.” Co-produced by Swizz Beats and Timbaland, Jay takes on the critics of his trip to Cuba, expresses his opinion about his Brooklyn Nets ownership, his new deal with Universal, brags about his “White House clearance” and declares himself the “Bob Dylan of rap music.” Let’s just say, he’s got a lot on his mind and takes the gloves off on this new song, that you can listen to below.

Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake perform at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, August 13th. Go here for tickets.

Made in America Festival returning to the Parkway; announcing lineup via Spotify on Wednesday

Today Jay-Z officially announced that the wildly successful Made In America Festival will return to the Ben Franklin Parkway this Labor Day Weekend. The official line up will be announced via  Spotify at noon this Wednesday, April 10th. Last year’s show featured musical heavyweights Pearl Jam, Run DMC, Skrillex, Calvin Harris and many others. This year’s two-day festival happens on August 31st and September 1st. Check out the Jay-Z’s promo video for the festival below.

Watch Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z perform on Saturday Night Live (playing Citizens Bank Park in August)

©2013/Dana Edelson/NBC

©2013/Dana Edelson/NBC

Last night on Saturday Night Live the show featured a star-studded lineup of former SNL cast members Dan Aykroyd, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short and Andy Samberg, along with former guests Paul Simon, Candice Bergen, and Alec Baldwin. Timberlake was the guest host and the musical guest on the show. Below, watch JT perform “Mirrors,” and “Suit And Tie.” Timberlake’s new album, The 20/20 Experience is out on March 19th. Jay-Z and JT play Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, August 13th. Go here for tickets and more information.

This summer Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z want to rock with you (coming to Hershey 8/4, Philly 8/13)

130114-jt-jay-z_0With all the summer tour announcements this week catering to the indie rock crowd – which, those are exciting, no doubt – here’s a reason for fans of aughties pop music to start freaking out. Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z announced a co-headlining summer tour that brings them to the Hershey Stadium on August 4th and Citizens Bank Park on August 13th. Tickets go on sale next Thursday, February 28th, at 10 a.m.

The two artists recent collaborated on “Suit & Tie,” a Prince-vibing disco banger from JT’s forthcoming release The 20/20 Experience, out in March. Jay-Z’s been pretty busy himself, given the successful Made In America Festival from last summer, and the Watch The Throne album from the summer previous. He reportedly has an album in the works for this year as well. In addition to that, both artists have the distinction of having performed with Philadelphia’s Legendary Roots Crew. (I think that’s their official name, right?) After the jump, watch Jay-Z’s entire MTV Unplugged concert from 2001, when The Roots were his backing band, and JT’s “History of Rap” appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, where The Roots work as the house band. Continue reading

Meek Mill releases original “Lay Up” with Jay-Z verse

Only a month after the release of Philly rapper Meek Mill‘s debut full-length album, Dreams and Nightmares, a new version of one of its cuts is available for streaming. Originally “Lay Up” was supposed to appear on Meek’s record with verses from Rick Ross, Trey Songz, and Jay-Z, but the final album version included Wale instead of Jay-Z. You can hear the original version – with Jay’s verse intact – in the player below. Continue reading

Day Two at Made In America: Pearl Jam, Drake, Odd Future, Jill Scott and the return of Run DMC


It was just another typical star studded day fun day of music at day two of Made In America yesterday on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Jay-Z performed “99 Problems” with Pearl Jam. Pearl Jam covered The Who, The Clash and ended their set with Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In The Free World.” Drake brought out 2 Chainz to perform “No Lie,” then introduced French Montana to rap with him. Philly soulsinger Jill Scott brought Eve out on stage for a couple of songs. Jay-Z and Beyonce walked throughout the crowd and stood on the side of the stage for a dazzling set by Gary Clark, Jr. (Clark was the only artist to play both days). Tyler, the lead rapper from Odd Future, was dancing on the street to Drake. Even the fans got in on the action; Santigold invited several dozen audience members to dance on stage during “Creator.” While Pearl Jam were the headliner favorites of the day, it was the return of Run DMC that got the most exuberant reception from the crowd. Under a banner that said Jam Master Jay Forever (jay was murdered in 2002), Run and DMC rocked the classics including “Walk This Way,” “My Adidas,” “Mary, Mary,” and “Rock Box.” They paused a moment to remember their DJ and brought out Jay’s two sons, who are adept DJ’s themselves, for a short set. It was a poignant moment during MIA’s second incredible day of music. Below, watch a fan videos of Jay-Z and Pearl Jam performing “99 Problems.” Via Youtuber That Guy In Philly watch Run DMC’s “It’s Like That,” “It’s Tricky,” and “Walk This Way.” Go here to see Pearl Jam’s complete set list.