JAY-Z Delivers Electrifying Set at Budweiser Made In America, Brings Out Meek Mill [VIDEO]
JAY-Z returned to the concert stage in grand style at the 2017 Budweiser Made In America Festival in Philadelphia on Sunday night (Sept. 3). This was a big moment for the Roc Nation mogul on so many levels. For starters, this was the first time Hov have performed songs from his stellar 4:44 LP in the U.S. and this also gave fans a preview of what to expect once he kicks off his North America tour at the end of October. In the end, JAY-Z delivered.
According to Philly.com, the 47-year-old veteran rapper performed an electrifying set in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. "Oh, it’s gonna be a special night, Philly," said JAY before starting his performance.
Dressed in a white hoody, white Puma sneakers and black athletic pants, Hov performed songs from 4:44 and then segued into his fan-favorite rap classics. For example, the polarizing song “The Story of O.J.” was merged with “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “On to The Next One." Later, JAY performed his Brooklyn street anthem "Where I'm From," which he followed with "Marcy Me," his reflective 4:44 song about Brooklyn, and then the piano-driven "Empire State of Mind," his tribute to New York City.
Another highlight came later in the show when JAY encouraged the crowd to sing “Happy Birthday” to his wife Beyoncé, who turned 36 today (Sept. 4). The audience obliged him and they sang both the traditional and Stevie Wonder versions. JAY then closed the first part of his set by dedicating "Encore/Numb" to late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, which is from their collaborative 2004 rap-rock album, Collision Course.
However, JAY-Z switched gears and jumped on the secondary Liberty stage where he brought out Meek Mill to perform his classic track, “Dream and Nightmares.” Then JAY performed an encore set for his "Day Ones" that included "Show You How," "Can I Get A..." and "Money Ain’t A Thang."
Check out clips from JAY-Z's performance at Made In America below.