Jay-Z Marks ‘The Blueprint’ 25 Years With Eminem, Pharrell, Slick Rick at Yankee Stadium
7 reported1 unconfirmed
Jay-Z performed a 90-minute set at Yankee Stadium on Saturday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his album “The Blueprint,” bringing out guests Eminem, Pharrell Williams and Slick Rick. The show followed a Friday concert marking the 30-year milestone of his debut “Reasonable Doubt,” which featured appearances by Beyoncé, Nas, Jaz-O and Alicia Keys. Saturday’s performance ran through the entirety of “The Blueprint” with the notable omission of the diss track “Takeover.” The show began with Slick Rick for “The Ruler’s Back” and included Eminem trading verses on “Renegade” and performing “Lose Yourself.” Jay-Z reflected on the album’s release on September 11, 2001, saying he was prepared to walk away from it given the tragic time but was blown away by the support. The set concluded with “Empire State of Mind,” collaborations with Pharrell Williams, and songs including “N—s in Paris,” “Public Service Announcement” and “Encore.” A third and concluding show at Yankee Stadium, billed as “Extra Innings,” is scheduled for Sunday night.
What’s reported
Jay-Z performed a 90-minute set at Yankee Stadium on Saturday for the 25th anniversary of “The Blueprint.”
Guest artists included Eminem, Pharrell Williams and Slick Rick.
The Friday show for “Reasonable Doubt” featured Beyoncé, Nas, Jaz-O and Alicia Keys.
“Takeover” was omitted from the Saturday setlist.
Jay-Z said the album was released on September 11, 2001, and he was prepared to walk away from it.
The Saturday setlist included 24 songs, with Eminem performing “Renegade” and “Lose Yourself.”
The third show on Sunday is billed as “Extra Innings” and is the concluding performance.
Open questions
Whether a new album is on the way, as suggested by a video of Beyoncé shaving Jay-Z’s hair at the first show.
Key figures
Jay-Z (performer)
Eminem (guest artist)
Pharrell Williams (guest artist)
Slick Rick (guest artist)
Beyoncé (guest at Friday show)
Nas (guest at Friday show)
Jaz-O (guest at Friday show)
Alicia Keys (guest at Friday show)
Sources: Variety
