Jay-Z wrapped up a two-night run at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday, September 5, closing out what Billboard described as a triumphant return to the United Kingdom for the first time since his 2013 Magna Carta World Tour.
The shows marked his only UK performances of 2026 and came on the heels of three nights at Yankee Stadium in New York in July, where he celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut LP "Reasonable Doubt" and the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint." The New York run featured guest appearances by Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Usher, Eminem, Nas, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, and Slick Rick. Billboard's Angel Diaz, who covered those shows, called it "a masterclass show."
London had its own highlights. Night one opened with a spoken-word introduction from actor Idris Elba, then brought a significant moment for hip-hop fans: Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean took the stage together for a run of Fugees songs. Giggs also performed his track "Talkin' Da Hardest." The crowd then joined in a stadium-wide "Happy Birthday" for Beyoncé, who watched from a private suite.
Night two was more stripped down. Only Sampha and Dave joined Jay onstage. Still, the second night held its own. Introducing "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," Jay told the crowd that "The Blueprint" changed his life upon its release in 2001, and the crowd took the opening verse entirely for themselves, chanting the song's famous hook without prompting. Deep cuts including "Dead Presidents" and "Jigga What, Jigga Who" received rare airings, with the latter reportedly played live for the first time in two decades.
The crowd arrived dressed for the occasion, many in throwback Yankees jerseys and Timberlands. The screens behind the stage ran old footage of New York City, and Jay performed in a custom Yankees cap embroidered with the phrase "'96 and forever" on the brim.
Jay-Z's relationship with London stretches back decades. He first visited the city in 1989 with his mentor Jaz-O, performed at Notting Hill Carnival in 1997, and made history headlining Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage in 2008, where he opened with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" in direct response to critics, including Noel Gallagher, who argued hip-hop did not belong at the festival.
His last UK performances before this week came during the 2018 On the Run II tour with Beyoncé.
