Jay-Z long ago conquered New York City's biggest music venue, Madison Square Garden, and last night (Feb. 6), he left his mark on its most prestigious. Taking the stage at Carnegie Hall for the first of two sold-out shows, which he announced in December when The BoomBox sat down with him, the new father rocked a white tux and commanded a 36-piece orchestra, raising his game to a whole new level.

As Rap-Up reports, the Brooklyn MC made plenty of hometown references, playing Billy Joel's 'New York State of Mind' and Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York.' Later, he teamed with Alicia Keys for his own entry into the Big Apple-anthem canon, 'Empire State of Mind,' and lest anyone feel Gotham was being underrepresented in song, he and Nas paired for 'N.Y. State of Mind.'

Hova also offered up 'Glory,' his tribute to newborn baby girl Blue Ivy, and the experience of sharing such a personal, heartfelt song apparently took its toll.

"I didn't think I was gonna make it through that one," he said. "That was tough."

Down the stretch, Jay traded the suit for jeans and turned in such hits as 'Big Pimpin'' and 'Jigga.' Better still, it was all for charity, and proceeds from the show go to the rapper's own Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and the United Way of New York City.

Watch Jay-Z Perform 'Glory' at Carnegie Hall



Watch 'Jay-Z Makes First Post-Baby Appearance at Club Opening'

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Jay-Z Makes First Post-Baby Appearance at Club Opening

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