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In a heavy rock-rap collaboration, the mighty Jay-Z teams up with rock legends Pearl Jam for an exclusive rendition of 99 Problems at the Made in America Festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jay-Z, like Rocky Balboa, has a rags-to-riches American dream story, and the 42-year-old entertainer who grew up in the Brooklyn projects and released his debut album in 1996, shared some of his tales throughout his 90-minute set Saturday night at the Budweiser Made In America festival.
Hova entered from the back of the stage after running down the steps to perform Public Service Announcement, followed with the night’s first cameo: a pre-recorded video with President Barack Obama.
Obama urged the crowd to vote this Fall. He also said Jay-Z’s story is what Made In America means and added that he enjoys listening to the rapper’s music on his iPod.
Jay-Z headlined the first night of the two-day festival he curated, performing monster hits 99 Problems, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, Big Pimpin’ and Empire State of Mind.
The event is the first of its kind for the entrepreneur Jay-Z, who is married to superstar Beyonce and owns a music management company, fashion line, nightclub and restaurant, he’s also a co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets basketball team.
“Since you were so good to me, Philly, I’m going to be good to you tonight” Jay-Z yelled.
Rappers Pusha T and Big Sean hit the stage and Kanye West followed and received an electrifying roar from the crowd. They performed a medley of hits, such as Mercy, Dance and Can’t Tell Me Nothing.
Jay-Z also brought out his former proteges and Philadelphians Freeway, Chris and Neff, as well as Memphis Bleek. Common, 2 Chainz and Swizz Beatz also made appearances.
The scene was colorful and energetic, as thousands of music fans shifted from the three stages on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to watch Skrillex, D’Angelo, Passion Pit, Janelle Monae, Calvin Harris and 10 other acts.
Sunday’s line-up featured heavy hitters Pearl Jam, Run DMC and new kids on the block Odd Future and Drake who got into the festival spirit and was seen partying in the crowd on Saturday night.
The festival is being filmed as a documentary and will be directed by Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Cocoon, Apollo 13). Proceeds from the ticketed event will benefit United Way chapters.
Jay-Z closed the night with Kanye, performing the monster hit N***** In Paris and a spectacular display of fireworks signalled the end of the festival.