Jay-Z Brings Out Beyoncé, Nas and Blue Ivy for Epic Opening Night of ‘Jay-Z 30’ at Yankee Stadium

Jay-Z kicked off his three-night Jay-Z 30 celebration with a career-spanning performance that offered Nas, Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, and more.

AllHipHop rumors could not have predicted this night.

Jay-Z launched his highly anticipated “Jay-Z 30” concert series Friday night with a sold-out opening night at Yankee Stadium. The evening was in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt while giving fans a full clip of entertainment.

Jay stepped onstage around 9:30 p.m. in a New York Yankees bomber jacket and matching fitted cap, wasting no time making history. He opened with “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” but flipped the 1996 classic by bringing out Beyoncé, who handled Mary J. Blige’s vocals. Of course Bey adding her own twist to the performance.

“New York City, what’s up?” Jay-Z shouted. “That’s how you start it!”

During “Feelin’ It,” Jay-Z introduced daughter Blue Ivy Carter, who confidently took to the piano to the glee of the crowd. The father and daughter embraced before Blue Ivy exited. Reasonable Doubt remained the night’s centerpiece, as promoted. Jay-Z delivered classics including “Can I Live?,” “Dead Presidents,” “Regrets” really speaking to the enduring influence of the opus. One AllHipHop staffer in attendance said, “Man, it was perfect. Jay is back…he’s been in the gym.”

The workout was not limited to 1996.

He also performed “Excuse Me Miss” from The Blueprint, reminding all that the evening was ultimately a celebration of three decades of greatness, not one album.

One of the night’s biggest moments arrived when Nas emerged during “Dead Presidents,” a full-circle moment since Jay sampled Nas’ vocals from “The World Is Yours.” The two New York legends – once bitter rivals – now shared the stage as icons.

Jay-Z also welcomed ride-or-die friend  Memphis Bleek and mentor Jaz-O, an artist who helped shape his journey and world view.

Friday’s performance marked the first installment of the three-night Yankee Stadium run. The second show is dedicated to The Blueprint, while Sunday’s “Extra Innings” finale will blend material from both albums and additional fan favorites following overwhelming demand.

The celebration won’t end in New York. The Jay-Z 30 tour is also scheduled to visit London, Paris and Los Angeles later this year, extending the anniversary celebration across three continents.

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