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Roc Nation comes to Pepsi Center with Young Jeezy, Trey Songz in tow
Jay-Z brought some Brooklyn flavor to Pepsi Center Monday night, backed by a full live band and enough hip-hop stars to start a record label — something Hova has actually done in his spare time.
From the glowing New York backdrop to the slate of swaggering, often electrified hits (ranging from "99 Problems" to "Empire State of Mind;" not to mention an Obamatastic rendition of "Dirt Off Your Shoulder"), Jay-Z managed to crank up the pitch of his live show without rushing his trademark flow. Even surrounded by traditional musicians and constantly cycling other performers on and off stage (Memphis Bleek, Jeezy and singer Bridget Kelly all got a turn), there was no doubt who the star was — and who it deserved to be.
Earlier, charismatic R&B artist Trey Songz carried an impressive performance of his own, crooning for an hour with just a lightboard and a small band for company. The crowd loved him. Openers STS9 were less well-received, as their dancey, "musical collective" approach paled in comparison to the huge names fans were waiting for. — Matt Farley, Metromix
