It was a Roc-A-Fella reunion last in New York as Jay-Z officially reopened the historic Big Apple landmark Webster Hall. Hov’s show was no ordinary concert, it was titled “B-Sides 2” where he would perform fan favorite gems that did not officially get released as singles.
A highlight that fans never thought that they’d see was the Jiggaman on stage with former Roc family members Cam’ron and Jim Jones of The Diplomats. Cam’s platinum classic LP Come Home With Me came out on Roc-A-Fella in 2002 and its lauded follow-up Purple Haze dropped on the Roc in 2004. In between, The Diplomats debut Diplomatic Immunity was released on 2002.
When the Dip Set left Roc-A-Fella it was far from an amicable split. The feud is well documented. Cam and Jim both had diss records against Hov and Hov levied barns at them too. The beef however has been dead for years. Jones is even artist on Jay’s Roc Nation now. Water under the bridge and it even looks like a camaraderie was formed as Jay and Cam performed “Welcome To New York City,” a gem that has seemingly been in the tuck for years.
Jay came to Webster Hall wearing a black bandanna tied around his 'fro, a tuxedo and his wife Beyoncé was on his arm. When he brought out Cam and Jim, the Harlem ambassador kept with the dress code of ultra, Black Excellence fly. Nas was another ironic guest. Of course, him and Jay have the biggest feud and reconciliation in hip hop history and have been friends for over ten years now. Still, it was ill to see Nas perform at the same show as Jay and the Diplomats seeing that God’s son had his differences with Jim and Cam as well. It showed that with artists can do to us to grow in hip-hop and unity is always better than division. A sterling show of leadership by action.
As for Jay, him and his band were in tune, running on all cylinders dropping revered that are adored.