Last night, February 6th, Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z performed for a sold-out show at the famed Carnegie Hall. The performance has elicited praise all around. The concert was put on to raise money for the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, so tickets were pricey, some being re-sold for $1000.
Jay-Z started the night looking the part in a white tux, but by the end of the night he changed back in to his usual attire-- black t-shirt and gold chain.
This was the first night of a two-night set, and he performed many classics from his mid- to late-career, including, Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" and "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)," as well as, "U Don’t Know" and "Run This Town." He brought two New York artists along for the ride, his once-enemy, Nas, and Alicia Keys. Alicia Keys performed "N.Y. State of Mind" with Hova, as well as Gil Scott-Heron’s part in "New York Is Killing Me." Alicia also joined Nas and Jay-Z on "If I Ruled The World."
Jay-Z also performed for the first time ever "Glory," which he released as a tribute to his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. After the emotional song he said, "I didn’t think I was gonna make it through that one. That one was tough."