"ROCKING THE HOUSE!" THE STARS COME OUT TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S 2ND INAUGRATION - JAN 21, 2013

" HE'S THE MAN, AGAIN!"

PRESIDENT BRACK OBAMA IS SWORN IN FOR HIS 2ND TERM IN FRONT OF THOUSAND IN OUR NATIONS CAPITAL - WASHINGTON D.C. "

WASHINGTON — Beyonce drew a loud cheer at the inauguration Monday even before her impressive rendition of the national anthem. But in the role she played four years ago singing for the president and first lady at the inaugural ball was her "Dreamgirls" co-star Jennifer Hudson.

If President Barack Obama's first inaugural theme seemed to be summed up by Beyonce's "At Last," this time it was Hudson's version of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together."Hudson was among the entertainment at Monday night's inaugural balls, joined by Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, who modified her hit "Girl on Fire" to sing "He's the president and he's on fire ... Obama's on fire. Obama's on fire."

The crowd at the official Inaugural Ball joined in with the Grammy-nominated fun. anthem "We Are Young."
Earlier in the day, the applause for Beyonce started when she took her place with Jay-Z at the Capitol to watch President Barack Obama take the oath for his second term in office. The two stopped to chat with the Rev. Al Sharpton. James Taylor kicked off the musical performances, strumming his guitar and singing "America the Beautiful." Kelly Clarkson followed with a different arrangement of "My Country `Tis of Thee." Then Beyonce was introduced and the crowd again roared its approval.

Beyonce had a definite fan in Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who applauded eagerly after she finished singing the national anthem. She offered R&B-esque vocal riffs as she sang on and the crowd seemed to love it, cheering loudly as she finished. Clarkson, too, hit high notes. Beyonce may have been the star musical attraction, but she had plenty of company from Hollywood at the Capitol on Monday. Katy Perry and John Mayer sat side-by-side, with Perry in an orange-striped coat and wide hat, and Mayer in dark sunglasses. Singer-songwriter Ke$ha was there, too.

People flocked to the colorful pop star, snapping photos. And Perry did the same, taking shots of "Girls" actress and daughter of news anchor Brian Williams, Allison Williams.
Actress Eva Longoria was seated on the platform outside the Capitol after making an appearance at a Kennedy Center performance Sunday night. Perry sang at the children's concert the night before.
Former Boston Celtics great Bill Russell was in the crowd, too, along with actor Marlon Wayans.

source: HuffingtonPost, NYPost, UrbanMessMagazine

" I RIDE WITH MY PEOPLES " JAY-Z TAKES THE SUBWAY IN NYC TO HIS LAST CONCERT PERFORMANCE @ THE BARCLAYS CENTER LAST SATURDAY EVENING

When you're waiting on the train platform in New York City to get where you need to go you don't expect to see one of the biggest superstars in the world just stroll in through the turnstyles but last night Jay-Z shocked many MTA commuters. Jigga man decided to skip car service or a ride in his luxurious Maybach and hopped on the train like an average New Yorker to get to his last show at the Barclay's Center last Saturday night.

The rapper caused a frenzy when he entered the train station at Canal St around 6 P.M. and rode it all the way to Atlantic Avenue. Escorted by plainclothes police officers and his own security, Hova didn't seem to pay for the ride and attracted a loud band of followers that made him look like the Pied Piper, a source who followed Jay-Z told the Daily News.

On the platform, the rapper waited for one train to pass before getting onto the Brooklyn-bound R. On the way he even sat next to and older woman who was all smiles to have the Brooklyn native by her side. Jigga Man shows us he is definitely one with people. Moments later he hit the stadium stage where he surprised the crowd with a special performance from his wifey, Beyonce.

In other Jay-Z news, he also announced he will be dropping a souvenir for fans to remember the historic moment at Barclays, an 8-track optic EP of live recordings from the concerts. It will include eight live performances and will be available exclusively on iTunes on Tuesday, October 9th!Sounds like this guy is on his A game and we wouldn't be surprised if he took the Barclay's after party to a local bar!

HE IS A NATIVE NEW YORKER SO WHY NOT?!

source:globalgrind/nydn/urbanmessmag

"BROOKLYN'S FINEST" JAY-Z KICKS OFF BARCLAYS CENTER PERFORMANCE 9/28/12

"HELLO BROOKLYN"

Jay-Z says performing in his New York City hometown at the opening of Brooklyn's Barclays Center is better than performing at the Grammys, Glastonbury or Coachella. He yelled to the crowd of 18,000: "Nothing feels like tonight!" The arena was full of exciting concertgoers, as the chaotic crowd made way to their seats after waiting outside to enter the building. Jay-Z emerged onstage Friday night as a video about Brooklyn's history played in the background.He opened with his songs about Brooklyn with "Where I'm From" and "Brooklyn Go Hard." He also performed two songs from fellow Brooklynite Notorious B.I.G. He also held a moment of silence for the late rap veteran. He told the crowd when B.I.G.'s "Juicy" played: "Sing loud so he can hear you in heaven."

Call it his official homecoming: Jay-Z will perform the first of eight shows at the newly built Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday night. The rapper is the co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets, who will play the new arena this year. Brooklyn-born Jay-Z will christen the venue, which holds 18,000 seats. Jay-Z's performance Friday is expected to feature other top musicians. His past shows included wife Beyonce, Kanye West, Alicia Keys and dozens of others. The Barclays Center will rival Manhattan's Madison Square Garden for musical events. A number of acts have booked shows at the venue, including Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, Rihanna, Rush, The Who, Justin Bieber and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Jay-Z will perform at Barclays through Oct. 6 with the exception

source:huffingtonpost/jay-z/urbanmessmag

"OPENING CEREMONY" JAY-Z WILL DEBUT HISTORIC CONCERT TONIGHT SEPT 28, 2012 @ THE BRAND NEW BARCLAYS CENTER ARENA IN BROOKLYN, NY!

After years of planning, controversy and construction, the new Barclays Center makes its debut tonight. Thousands of fans will stream into the arena as Brooklyn native and Nets' part owner Jay-Z opens the arena with a sold-out concert.Tickets for the show are a hot commodity with floor seats commanding more than $600 on the secondary market. Jay-Z celebrated ahead of the concert with the grand opening of his 40/40 club inside Barclays. The rapper says he's excited about what the arena means for Brooklyn. "You know I've just seen everyone busy and trying to clean up and I just got this great feeling. The guy stopped me in the hallway and he was like, 'Man this is a great thing for New York City.' And that's what the whole thing was about," Jay-Z said. "It's been a transition. You know I've been here, I think seven or eight times and I haven't been here since it's been completely finished. So, it's my first time seeing the finished deal but you know I'm definitely excited," said Brooklyn Nets Guard Deron Williams. Tonight's concert is the first of eight shows Jay-Z will perform at Barclays. Concert-goers are being urged to take mass transit to the show, using either the subway or the Long Island Rail Road. The Nets will play their first game at the arena on October 15.

If concert goers expecting surprise performances, take another guess! In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine's Jeff Rosenthal, (reigning member of our Digital Power 30) Jay-Z vetoed any rumors of special guests for his 8 date concert series at the Barclays Center.

No one's appearing, no one's performing. It's Brooklyn! This is my one chance to be selfish. Can't I? Can't I be selfish? Thank you. Just for these eight shows – then I'll get back to my "Jay-Z and Friends" shows. I get all of these guys to come out for me, so . . .

Tonight is the grand opening for the new arena for the Brooklyn Nets. If you have you're tickets don't expect surprises, expect a damn good show though

source: jay-z/thesource/ny1/urbanmessmag

"JAY-Z & BEYONCE AND FRIENDS HANGOUT IN UPTOWN HOTSPOT - LA MARINA, NYC"

"HOOD LOVE"

Jay-z and Beyonce caused a frenzy when they made a surprise appearance at Hudson River Waterfront Lounge La Marina. Hip Hop’s royalty was seen drinking Jay-z’s new D’usse cognac cocktails while enjoying the last little bit of summer left.  The couple was spotted with Swizz Beatz, Memphis Bleek, Steve Stoute, Baron Davis and Hot 97′s Program Director Ebro. Beyonce wore a leopard printed Roberto Cavalli wrap dress and platform pumps while Jay kept it casual in a denim jacket and khakis. In less than days away from Jay-Z's opening concert in the brand new Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, Ny. Jay-Z and Wife Beyonce' decided to make it an evening and chill at the uptown Manhattan hotspot "La Marina"  located on Dykman waterfront, last Sunday night with friends including Swizz Beatz and Memphis Bleek. What better way to end or start the week right in the heart of the city with fans that love your music! Shouts to Jay & Bey for supporting local spots in the hood.

source:industryallaccess/urbanmessmag

" JAY-Z AND BEYONCE THROW $ 40,000 A PLATE FUND RAISER FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA IN NYC "

Jay-Z & Beyonce spent Tuesday night partying and raising campaign money with President Obama.  Check out the words they all had for each other while chillin' at the 40/40 club inside.Over at Jay's 40/40 Club in Manhatan, President Obama kicked it with The Carters--after his taping of "Letterman" and another fundraising dinner at the Waldorf Astoria. The hip hop power couple helped raise $4 million for POTUS' Presidential campaign at the $40,000/ticket fundraising dinner, and it was pretty obvious the mutual admiration Mr. President and The Carters have for each other. Bey introduced POTUS saying,
”I can’t tell you how proud we are to host tonight’s event with President Obama.  We believe in his vision.” And a snippet of the President's remarks where he joked about being a lot like Jay--they both have daughters and both of their wives are more popular than them:

Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. Well, it is wonderful to see all of you. I’m so grateful for all your support. Let me just begin by saying to Jay and Bey, thank you so much for your friendship. We are so grateful. Michelle and Malia and Sasha are mad at me because they are not here. (Laughter.) That doesn’t usually happen. Usually they’re like, we’re glad you’re going — we don’t need to go. But every time they get a chance to see these two they are thrilled, partly because they are just both so generous, particularly to my kids. And Malia and Sasha just love both of them. Beyoncé couldn’t be a better role model for our daughters because she carries herself with such class and poise — (applause) — and has so much talent. And Jay-Z now knows what my life is like. (Laughter.) We both have daughters, and our wives are more popular than we are. (Laughter and applause.) So we’ve got a little bond there. (Laughter.) It’s hard, but it’s okay. It’s okay. (Laughter.) Sweet!

BONUS: President Obama's campaign is launcing their Runway To Win fundraiser again where fashion designers have made Pro-Obama gear to be sold for fundraising money.  Beyonce & her mom, Tina, designed Obama baby onesies from House of Dereon (of course) that retail for $65 each. SWEET!!!

Nix the flags and the podium. Cue the opulent 18-foot tower of gold-bottled French champagne.When President Obama addresses an elite roster of hipsters and multimillionaires, including hosts Beyoncé and Jay-Z, in New York tonight, he will do so next to a custom-designed tower of $800-per-bottle champagne that dominates the main room at Jay-Z’s 40/40 nightclub. The 350-bottle champagne tower — designed by Jeffrey Beers — is a monument to Jay-Z’s favorite bubbly, Armand de Brignac, which is known colloquially by rappers, clubgoers and connoisseurs as Ace of Spades because of its gold-spade label. “It’s floor-to-ceiling gold bottles in the entire space. It’s beautiful — breathtaking,” a rep for the Flatiron District hot spot told The Post. “It’s the first thing you see when you walk in.”

source:yfb/urbanmessmag

"MADE IN AMERICA FESTIVAL" JAY-Z SHOWS HIS LOVE FOR PHILLY ALONG WITH OTHER BIG NAMES IN THE BUSINESS

" PHILDELPHIA STATE OF MIND "

PHILADELPHIA -- Jay-Z's entrance said it all: He bounced up and down on top of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, mimicking Rocky before he took the stage in front of nearly 50,000. His song "Made In America" played in the background. 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 that through songs in his 90-minute set Saturday night at the Budweiser Made In America festival. He entered from the back of the stage after running down the steps to perform "Public Service Announcement." That was followed with the night's first cameo: a prerecorded 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 hits like "99 Problems," "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," "Big Pimpin"' and "Empire State of Mind."

The event is the first of its kind for the entrepreneurial 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. "Since you were so good to me, Philly, I'm going to be good to you tonight, Philly," Jay-Z yelled. Rappers Pusta T and Big Sean hit the stage, and Kanye West followed, receiving 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 protΘgΘs 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 includes Pearl Jam, Run DMC, Odd Future and Drake, who was in the crowd Saturday night. The festival is being filmed as a documentary and will be directed by Ron Howard. Proceeds from the ticketed event will benefit United Way chapters. Jay-Z closed the night with West, performing the smash hit "...In Paris." Then fireworks blasted.

souruce:AP/billboard/Jay-Z/urbnmessmagazine