Jay-Z appeased a crowd of fans with several guest cameos and a freestyle dedicated to Nipsey Hussle during an intimate performance in New York City last night.
Jay-Z took to the stage for the reopening of iconic venue Webster Hall which has been closed for two years for refurbishment. The rap legend was then announced as the first act to grace the stage of the venue in its new glory.
Taking to the stage for a special B-Sides 2 performance, Hov performed a medley of tracks with a live band and called on several of his famous friends for some assistance.
Jay-Z brought out Nas, Cam’Ron and Jim Jones and the moment will be a delight to the hip-hop community who will remember Jay’s spats in the past with the rappers.
A highlight of the night for many was Nas who performed “The World is Yours” and “N.Y State of Mind” and joined Jay-Z for his performance of “Dead Presidents”.
Jay-Z also offered a freestyle which directly addressed Nipsey Hussle and the legacy the late rapper has left behind.
Jay-Z rapped, “Gentrify your own hood before these people do it. Claim eminent domain and have your people move in. That’s a small glimpse into what Nipsey was doing. For anybody still confused as to what he was doing.”
Watch footage of Jay-Z’s freestyle performance below.
Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot in April outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles and the artist continues to be mourned by the hip-hop community and fans who continue to take inspiration from Nipsey’s philanthropy, wisdom and financial investments.