Jay-ZWhile the average person might wrestle with the irrational and nostalgic emotions triggered by birthdays, it's doubtful that Jay-Z experienced too many regrets when he hit the big 4-0 this past Friday (Dec. 4th). We imagine that for Hov, eleven number one albums before celebrating four decades worth of "Happy Birthdays" ain't nothing to shrug at.

Beyonce helped her hubby commemorate the momentous occasion by throwing him a lavish, VIP bash in the Dominican Republic this past weekend. According to People Magazine and Perez Hilton, B flew out 50 of Jay's closest friends, including Kanye West, Diddy, Alex Rodriguez and Kate Hudson on two private jets to congregate at Casa de Campo resort. New York resident, DJ Cassidy spun at the 1940s-themed event, which included a complete fireworks display and reportedly a performance by synchronized swans. For the sake of privacy, guests were forced to use a special entry pass code, "Bye, Bye Blackbird," and were asked to surrender their cell phones at the door.

The entertainment was provided by Kanye and Diddy, who put on a musical number for the crowd, before Jay-Z took the stage with Alicia Keys to perform their smash 'Empire State of Mind.' Kanye West even kept his cool long enough to dedicate a memorable toast to his 'Big Brother.'

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