Jay-Z Brings 30 Years of Hits to London: 9 Best Moments From His Triumphant Return

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Jay-Z Brings 30 Years of Hits to London: 9 Best Moments From His Triumphant Return

Billboard · 1 hour ago

Jay-Z closed out his summer of anniversary celebrations with two shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 4 and 5 September, marking his first UK performances since 2018 and his first solo London dates since 2013. The run followed a three-night residency at New York's Yankee Stadium in July, where he marked 30 years since his debut album Reasonable Doubt and 25 years since The Blueprint, and continued his long history with London audiences dating back to 1989, including a memorable Glastonbury headline set in 2008.

The first night featured a star-studded line-up including Idris Elba, a Fugees reunion from Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, Giggs, and a stadium singalong of "Happy Birthday" for Beyoncé, who watched from a private suite. The second, more understated show relied on the strength of Jay-Z's back catalogue, with surprise guest turns from Sampha on "No Church in the Wild" and Dave performing "Raindance" solo, the latter earning praise as a "young legend" from Jay-Z himself. Highlights included rare performances of deep cuts such as "Dead Presidents" and "Jigga What, Jigga Who" (unplayed for two decades), and a New York-themed stage design that contrasted with the London setting, particularly during a rousing rendition of "Empire State of Mind".

  • Jay-Z played two London shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 4-5 September
  • First UK dates since 2018, marking 30 years since Reasonable Doubt
  • Guests included Idris Elba, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Sampha and Dave

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