Jay-Z kicked off the weekend with a surprise intimate pre-show ahead of his Roots Picnic headlining set.
A select group of fans and friends were invited to the event, which was held at Philadelphia venue The Foundry on Friday (May 29). Despite not being a full concert, the performance was a preview of what Roots Picnic attendees can expect the following night. The Roots backed the 25-time Grammy winner during the event, just as they will at the music festival.
While Hov performed his classics like “U Don’t Know” and “Big Pimpin” to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his landmark album The Blueprint, his wife and Everything Is Love collaborator Beyoncé danced in support.
Also championing the set was rapper Talib Kweli, who teased in a Facebook post that Roots Picnic guests were “in for a treat” when the show goes on at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park.
Roots Picnic won’t be Jay-Z’s only live engagement this summer. The 4:44 rapper artist will celebrate 25 years of The Blueprint and the 30-year anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, during a 3-night residency at Yankee Stadium next month. Due to high demand, the 3rd and final date was added in late March, titled JAŸ-Z EXTRA INNINGS.
Also on Friday, The Roots drummer Questlove told FOX 29 that he was anticipating a “1-of-1” show with Jay-Z at the Roots Picnic. “He’s family and he did us a solid by making his special for us,” the musician said.
