#TBT came early this week. Yesterday, Tiger Woods topped the golf world once again by winning the Masters, and today Jay-Z announced that he’s headlining a show at Webster Hall. We don’t know about you, but we welcome this type of throwback with open arms.
For those who don’t know, Webster Hall is a popular night spot that rose to hip hop prominence in the early 90s as a core NYC venue to see your favorite MCs. Nas, Black Moon, Rakim, Busta Rhymes and Meek Mill don’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the talent that has graced this stage over the past two decades plus. Despite such a storied history, the Hall was closed down in 2017 for renovations.
This morning, Roc Nation took to social media with a simple video zooming in on the iconic Webster Hall marquee, with the following message: “Jay-Z, Friday April 26, Opening Night.” The video ends with a cover graphic announcing “Jay-Z B-Sides 2.”
The accompanying captions reads: “#JAYZ is opening Webster Hall with ‘B-Sides 2’ on Friday, April 26 for Day 1 fans. AMEX Card Members can get tickets on 4/18 at 10am ET before the public on sale on 4/19 at 11am ET.”
BSE Global, the Bowery Presents and AEG Presents have taken over the reins of Webster Hall and are clearly thrilled to have Hov christening the revamped spot with this initial performance.
“The Bowery Presents formed in 2004 when we booked Sonic Youth at Webster Hall,” John Moore, founder and partner at The Bowery Presents, said in a statement today. “We are thrilled to return to our roots, New York City’s oldest music venue, to begin this storied new chapter for artists and fans alike."
“When we were thinking about who would be the right choice to open this legendary venue, we knew it had to be a world-famous New York City icon,” CEO of BSE Global Brett Yormark, also said in a statement. “No one fits that description better than Jay-Z, who will join an unparalleled list of celebrated performers who have played Webster Hall.”
Yormark has a long relationship with Jay-Z and Roc Nation. His company also operates NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center.
After a historic run with his wife Beyoncé last summer, Jigga is back on his solo grind. Aside from this Webster Hall concert, he’s also been tapped to be a headliner at the upcoming “Woodstock 50.” Jay’s last solo run was in 2017 with his “4:44” tour. Among the other acts set to play Webster Hall after Jay reopens it back up include MGMT, Vampire Weekend, Patti Smith, Dillon Francis, Rosalia and Sharon Van Etten, Chromeo and Pink Sweat$.