jay z
He came out to 'Death of Auto-Tune' and ended on 'Encore.' The rapper known as Jay Z let us know he still had it, just in case we thought he lost it somewhere between Brooklyn and Hollywood. Jay took it back to the true essence of hip-hop – a rousing good time with just enough boom bap pow to make you forget your troubles and dance; and dance this multi-ethnic crowd did for 90 minutes straight.
Shawn Carter took us down memory lane backed by a 9-piece band -- complete horn section, two drummers, two on keys, a DJ and a bass player -- on his July 10 spot date at the Arena at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville CT. As part of the deal Jay inked with concert promoter LiveNation in 2008 for a reported 150 million, Jay's five-date unnamed tour was a way for him to continue to bring in revenue, to connect with fans and to break new music.
Stripped down to an all black set topped by a concave mountain of screens (at about movie theatre height) Jay proved himself sherriff of the stage adorned in all black jeans shirt shades and cap – though he did give 'em some pop with white hightops and humongous neon pink sole peeking out from under them.
In the capacity 10,000 person arena, Jay started early with some of his later songs – a rousing rendition of the 'My President Is Black' remix with Obama headlines and photos filling the 6 story monitors, and this time giving a PROPER tribute to Michael Jackson, rhyming over 'ABC' and playing 'Give Me One More Chance,' with the screens filled with photos of a young MJ.
Opener Ciara was a no-show but Fabolous and Lupe Fiasco filled her dusty shoes smashingly. Memphis Bleek – Jay's man to the end – was there to help him work the stage and hit up a nice little old school diddy ('U Don't Know') in addition to 'Memph Bleek Is'.
In the span of minutes, Jay dropped the many, many hits that have defined his career since 1996s 'Reasonable Doubt', including a sneak peak from his upcoming 'Blueprint 3. Hits like '99 Problems' 'Swagga Like Us' 'Give It To Me' and 'Dirt Off Your Shoulders.' In the most convincing reason for having a band, Jay launched into the lovliest rendition of 'Can I Live'? with the percussion and horns killing the song dead. It was transcendent.
As he will, Jay got a little introspective at times and with distinct flashes brilliance, Young Hova can even appear wise. After asking for a moment of silence for Michael Jackson, asked the crowd "Not to mourn death, but to celebrate life." Hovie also played the interlude to 'Flashing Lights,' just because he loves it so.
He queried the crowd, "why go back?" referring to former Roc-A-Fella partner Dame Dash by name. With that razor sharp tongue he also clowned former mentor Jaz O about never signing his contract, in an acapella intro for his upcoming 'Blueprint 3' which leaked onto the net after his July 2 Vegas show.
As the show drew to a close, and in a profound act of humility and graciousness, Jay turned up the house lights and shouted out at least 30-40 people personally, thanking them for being there (including one fine man in a "lime green shirt"). Of course his dry wit makes great tinder for laughter. 'Good looking – is that a Roc shirt you got on?' or 'Hey, you two in the khaki shorts, y'all look sleepy.'
Jay Z, consummate wordsmith, rabid entrepreneur, and hustler extraordinaire continues to evolve and prosper. That's not only the blueprint for a hot album, but for a life well lived. Can we get an encore?
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Comments: (6)
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By: kyleakatiny on 7/13/2009 11:02AM
Excellent read, he always puts on a good show.
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By: JJ Star on 7/13/2009 1:55PM
I was at this concert and all I can say is that he killed every song, Memph Bleek did a good job too as his hype man. The preview of the Blueprint 3 was bananas there was not 1 person sitting during his entire performance!!
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By: warren on 7/14/2009 10:25PM
I DON'T WON'T TO BE THAT 30 OR 40 YEAR OLD RAPPER STILL TRYING TO ROCK A CROWD,OUT THERE TRYING TO COMPETE WITH SOME YOUNG DUDE DOING WHAT I WAS DOING AT THAT AGE. BIGGIE SMALLS AKA THE GREAT 1 LIFE AFTER DEATH
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By: kyleakatiny on 7/15/2009 10:36AM
You should be so lucky to actually 'rock a crowd'
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By: DINAH on 7/16/2009 12:16AM
jayz
is show uglyhe is a true thug
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By: Angel on 10/05/2009 11:44AM
you have such a small mind. Jay Z is goodlooking and is hot.
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