Art & Style
Jay-Z Offers Sneak Peek of Upcoming Tour with 4:44 Made in America Performance
Not even the rain could stop the fun at the 2017 Made in America Festival in Philadelphia, which ceremoniously closed out the summer with performances from some of the biggest acts in music, including Jay-Z, who for the first time on stage performed songs from his 4:44 album.
Jay-Z, who will be embarking on a national tour this October, performed “Family Feud,” “Moonlight” and “The Story of OJ” from his 4:44 album during his set, which also included performances of some of his biggest hits from throughout the years, including “Dirt Off Your Shoulders,” “Empire State of Mind,” “Heart of the City” and “99 Problems.”
Started in Philadelphia in 2012, Jay-Z is one of the organizers of the Made in America Festival, which is sponsored by Budweiser. During his set, Hova thanked the city for its hospitality throughout the years. He also took a moment to send out his sympathy and prayers for victims of Hurricane Harvey, and to wish his wife, Beyoncé, a happy birthday.
Jay-Z also brought out Philly’s own Meek Mill, who brought down the house with a performance of his “Dreams & Nightmares” intro. Jay-Z closed out the show by reciting his “Dream On” Poem,” which discusses his growth since his days growing up in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects.
The flow and energy in Jay-Z’s Made in America set should shatter any doubt of whether Hova would be motivated for another tour, which begins Oct. 27 in Anaheim.
Jay-Z’s performance capped two days of electric sets from hip-hop’s new generation of stars, including Jay-Z protégé J. Cole, fashionable “trap” music trio Migos, “Love & Hip-Hop New York” breakout star Cardi B, Solange, Beyonce’s little sister and music star in her own right; socially conscience Chicago rapper Vic Mensa and Atlanta-rapper 21 Savage.
There were also many celebrities and public figures on hand at the Made in America Festival, including Beyonce, Sasha Obama, Angela Yee, Christina Milian, Angie Martinez and Freeway.
Photos and video from the 2017 Made in America Festival are below.
