Jay-Z and Eminem opened their two night visit to Yankee Stadium on Monday (September 13) with an unforgettable show that included Beyonce, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Dr. Dre, G Unit, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Drake.
The show was the first concert at Yankee Stadium, and took on special significance for taking place in the Bronx, the birthplace of Hip-Hop culture. An estimated 100,000 fans were in attendance to see the two of the biggest stars today and in the history of the genre.
After an opening set from J. Cole, Eminem focused much of his set around his blockbuster latest LP Recovery. However, the Detroit star did not forget his previous signature hits like “Lose Yourself.” As a student of history who has cited Treach, Big L and other 90s emcees amongst his influences, Em was humbled by the moment.
“Do not think that I don’t know where I’m at right now,” he told the crowd. “I’m also honored to be on this fucking stage in the Bronx, the fucking birthplace of Hip-Hop.”
In addition to Dr. Dre and G Unit, Eminem also brought out D-12 and B.o.B. as surprise guests.
Jay-Z closed the night by upping the surprise guests and going through a litany of lists that spanned well over a decade. Memphis Bleek was there for hypeman duties, assisting his mentor through “Big Pimpin’,” “U Don’t Know,” and “Hard Knock Life.” Kanye West came through and delivered his own “Good Life” hiy before going into the frenetic “Power (Remix).” Nicki Minaj received a huge ovation as she graced the stage for a rendition of the trio’s “Monster” collaboration.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin joined Jay for a few extended songs as well, doing his group’s single “Viva La Vida” and handling vocals for “Heart of the City” and “Most Kingz.” Drake made a quick appearance for “Miss Me” and “Light Up,” followed by Beyonce with vocals on “Forever Young.” Eminem also joined his fellow headliner for their memorable Blueprint collaboration “Renegades.”
With the show taking place on the 14th anniversary of Tupac’s murder, a tribute went up for the slain rapper and others like Notorious B.I.G., Proof and Pimp C.
The show marks a 2010 that’s seen Yankee Stadium expand beyond its baseball base. In June the venue hosted its first championship boxing match in over 30 years with Miguel Cotto vs. Yuri Foreman. Yankee’s chief operating officer Lonn Trost expects the stadium to soon be viewed as a multi-purpose outlet for future huge events in the city.
“It was a fantastic night for music fans with two of the world’s most popular artists playing to a sold-out crowd at Yankee Stadium,” Trost told MLB.com. “Tonight’s concert reinforces the fact that Yankee Stadium is a venue for premier events of all types…Thanks to the vision of the Steinbrenner family, we are proud to enter this current era in Yankee Stadium history, in which this magnificent building is about more than just baseball.”
Eminem and Jay-Z will perform a final show tonight (September 14) at Yankee Stadium.
Kanye West feat. Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj “Monster”
Eminem “White Trash Party/Kill You/No Love/The Way I Am”
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 