Bono, Rick Ross, Beyoncé, Barack Obama: Will Hov break his no-guest vow during eight-show stand in Brooklyn? By Rob Markman
Jay-Z attends the grand opening of the 40/40 Club at Barclays Center on Thursday Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage
There's nothing like opening night!
With just hours to go before Jay-Z takes the stage on Friday (September 28) to officially open up Brooklyn's Barclays Center, fans from all over are wondering what tricks Jigga Man has up his sleeve. After all, this is the same man who had the President of the United States deliver a pre-taped message for his Made in America Music Festival in Philadelphia earlier this month.
But in an interview with Rolling Stone on Wednesday, Jay shot down speculation that he'd be bringing out any special guests. "No one's appearing, no one's performing. It's Brooklyn! This is my one chance to be selfish. Can't I? Can't I be selfish? Thank you," he said. Just for these eight shows — then I'll get back to my 'Jay-Z and Friends' shows."
Well, Jigga, we don't believe you, you need more people! Not really, but it is what the larger-than-life rap star has gotten us used to. So MTV News caught up with some experts in the field — days before Jay seemed to rule out an all-star cast — and asked them to weigh in on what might unfold over the course of eight shows.
"The first thing people think about when it comes to Jay-Z shows is if he's gonna have guests," RapRadar.com founder and Respect Magazine editor in chief Elliott Wilson told us.
Hov really earned his rep as a live performer during the Hard Knock Life tour, which supported his 1998 album of the same name. Since then, the God MC has hit fans with some pretty unforgettable moments. In 2001, he brought Michael Jackson to the stage during Hot 97's annual Summer Jam concert. Three years later, Jay turned he and R. Kelly's failed Best of Both Worlds Tour into an all-star affair with Mary J. Blige, Usher and Ja Rule, after the Pied Piper bailed.
"The only thing out of all eight nights that I hope happens — this is just me — I hope he brings Junior M.A.F.I.A. back together," Vibe Magazine executive editor Datwon Thomas speculated.
Repairing the rift between the Notorious B.I.G.'s defunct group would be quite the feat, considering Brooklynites Lil' Cease and Lil' Kim haven't spoken in more than seven years. Then again, if anyone is capable, it's Hov. "I can totally see him bringing out Rick Ross and Kanye West and of course his wife, Beyoncé," AllHipHop.com Director of New Media Gina Torres said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he has Bono."
When it comes to Jay, anything is possible. "I want to see Barack Obama come out," RapRadar.com content director Brian "B.Dot" Miller said. "I wonder if he has that up his sleeve. I wouldn't be surprised."
What surprises are you looking forward to during Friday's Jay-Z concert at the Barclays in Brooklyn? Let us know in the comments!
Related Artists 
No comments:
Post a Comment