Hip-Hop Icon's Milestone Celebration
Jay-Z Kicks Off 30th-Anniversary Yankee Stadium Run with Star-Studded Celebration Featuring Beyoncé
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Key Points
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There are conflicting reports about Mary J. Blige’s involvement in the opening Can't Knock the Hustle: some outlets say Blige performed Blige’s portion with Beyoncé, while others report she could not attend due to a residency and Beyoncé sang Blige’s verses instead.
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The three-night Yankee Stadium run is presented as a sequence: Night 1 celebrates Reasonable Doubt, Night 2 focuses on The Blueprint, and Night 3 culminates with an Extra Innings finale.
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Jay-Z is described as holding the record for the most sold-out performances at Yankee Stadium.
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Blue Ivy Carter played the piano during Feelin’ It at age 14, drawing a massive crowd reaction.
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An additional London date was added for the Jay-Z 30 run: September 4 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Beyoncé’s birthday noted as part of the event.
Jay-Z launched his three-night '30th Anniversary' concert run at Yankee Stadium on July 10, bringing out Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter, and Nas for a star-packed opening night, according to People. The show celebrated two milestones at once: 30 years of Jay-Z's debut album *Reasonable Doubt* and 25 years of *The Blueprint*.
The crowd reaction was enormous from the start. Primetimer described fans calling Jay-Z and Beyoncé 'the king and queen of New York' after the pair shared the stage. Jay-Z already holds the record for the most sold-out shows at Yankee Stadium — and this run looks set to add to that tally.
Beyoncé and Blue Ivy Steal the Opening Night
Beyoncé appeared early in the show to perform 'Can't Knock the Hustle,' the opening track from *Reasonable Doubt*. There are conflicting reports about exactly what happened. Some outlets say Beyoncé sang Mary J. Blige's original verses because Blige could not attend due to a residency commitment. Others report Blige was present and performed her own part alongside Beyoncé, according to Yahoo News.
The biggest crowd moment came during 'Feelin' It.' Blue Ivy Carter, just 14 years old, walked on stage and played piano live. People reported the stadium erupted. It was a brief but memorable moment that turned a nostalgia-heavy anniversary show into a family celebration.
Nas Joins Jay-Z for Iconic Harlem Classics
Nas made a guest appearance to perform two hip-hop landmarks: 'Dead Presidents' and 'The World Is Yours.' Both tracks carry deep ties to New York's 1990s rap scene. The pairing underlined the show's 'friends and family' tone, Primetimer reported.
The guest list reinforced Jay-Z's standing in the genre. Rather than simply performing his back catalog, he used the stage to connect generations and collaborators. Fans and critics noted that the night felt less like a concert and more like a reunion.
Three Nights, Three Albums, One Stadium Record
The Yankee Stadium run is structured around Jay-Z's catalog. Night 1 focuses on *Reasonable Doubt*. Night 2 shifts to *The Blueprint*. Night 3 closes with an 'Extra Innings' finale, according to AOL. Each night is designed as a distinct chapter rather than a repeat performance.
Jay-Z holds the record for the most sold-out performances at Yankee Stadium. This run extends that legacy. The concerts draw heavily on nostalgia, but fans are still waiting for new music. No new material was previewed on opening night, People noted.
London, Paris and LA Dates Extend the Celebration
The Yankee Stadium shows are just one part of a broader tour. Jay-Z is set to perform in Los Angeles, Paris, and London later in the year. A London date has been confirmed for September 4 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — a date that also falls near Beyoncé's birthday, according to Yahoo News.
More surprise guests are widely expected at future shows. The collaboration-heavy format has set a high bar. Fans watching from outside the stadium have already started speculating about who could appear on Night 2 and Night 3. Primetimer reported that excitement online remains high heading into the rest of the run.
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