Jay-Z delivered a massive encore performance during the second night of his 30th anniversary concert series with more guests and surprises in store.
The rap giant took the stage at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Saturday, July 11, in celebration of his 2001 album “The Blueprint.” Jay-Z kicked off the night around 9:10 p.m., opening the show with “The Ruler’s Back.”
“New York, what’s up? I want to thank y’all for being here tonight,” he called out as he launched his set.
The show marked the second of three highly anticipated concerts celebrating his three decades of music. The Jay-Z 30 concert series commemorates the 30th anniversary of his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” released June 25, 1996. It also celebrates the 25th anniversary of his sixth studio album, “The Blueprint,” released Sept. 11, 2001.
The performance featured songs from “The Blueprint,” as well as fan favorites such as “Encore,” “Excuse Me Miss,” “Empire State of Mind,” “Big Pimpin’ ” and more.
“Ready to party?” he asked the lively crowd midway through his set. And, it was clear the answer was yes as fans stood on their feet and belted the words to each track.
Here are highlights from night two.
Slick Rick performs with Jay-Z
While kicking off the show with “The Ruler’s Back,” rapper Slick Rick joined Jay-Z onstage, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The song pays homage to Rick’s 1998 song of the same name.
Eminem joins Jay-Z onstage
The cheers continued in the packed venue when rapper Eminem appeared. The two teamed up for their 2001 song “Renegade.”
Before he left the stage, Eminem also performed his smash hit “Lose Yourself,” and the crowd went wild.
Pharrell Williams makes surprise appearance
The unexpected guests continued throughout the evening with Pharrell Williams making a surprise appearance.
The two Grammy-winning rappers ignited the crowd as they performed several anthems including “Frontin’,” “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)” and “I Know.” They even showed off their moves, hitting a two-step during the set.
Jay-Z brings out Pharrell for a medley of their collaborations including “Frontin’” pic.twitter.com/TmPAZGc2Rs
— Variety (@Variety) July 12, 2026
A day prior, Jay-Z delivered an unforgettable show to commemorate his debut album. The guest-filled lineup included appearances by wife Beyoncé, daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Alicia Keys, rapper Nas, Jaz-O and more.
Jay-Z’s third and final EXTRA INNINGS show, which combines highlights from both concerts, will take place on Sunday, July 12.
This fall, the rapper will bring his Jay-Z 30 concert series in Los Angeles (Oct. 23) and Paris (Sept. 10).
Recently, Jay-Z added a London show date to the lineup on Sept. 4, which is Beyoncé’s birthday. This concert will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and already has fans speculating whether Beyoncé might make an appearance, given the significance of the date.
