Jay-Z launched his «Jay-Z 30» concert series with a surprise appearance from his wife Beyoncé during the opening night of a three-show run at Yankee Stadium on July 11.
The rapper began the Bronx performance with «Can’t Knock the Hustle,» the opening track from his 1996 debut album «Reasonable Doubt.» Beyonce joined him onstage shortly after the music began, delivering a remixed rendition of the vocal hook originally performed by Mary J. Blige.
Wearing a New York bomber jacket and matching fitted cap, Jay-Z addressed the roaring crowd:
«New York City, what’s up? That’s how you start it!»
The stadium tour commemorates three decades of the artist’s career, marking the 30th anniversary of «Reasonable Doubt» and the 25th anniversary of his sixth studio album «The Blueprint.»
Released by Roc-A-Fella Records, his debut project featured collaborations with The Notorious B.I.G. and Jaz-O alongside Blige. His 2001 follow-up «The Blueprint» spent three weeks atop the Billboard 200 and secured a place in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2018.
The Roc Nation founder will take the anniversary series to Europe before returning to the US later this year. Following the New York shows, he will perform at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on September 4. The UK date coincides with Beyonce’s birthday, prompting fan speculation about another guest appearance.
The tour will then move to Paris on September 10 before concluding on the West Coast with a Los Angeles performance on October 23.
