9:30 p.m.
Festivalgoers were on edge in anticipation of Jay-Z’s performance. After his band set up, Jay-Z made his way down the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Jumping up with his hands raised, he did his own version of the classic scene from the hit movie Rocky. He eventually hit the stage and opened with ”Public Service Announcement.” Moments after entering the stage. Jay-Z fell silent and all of the lights were turned off. On a video that was prerecorded and played on the stage’s JumboTron, President Barack Obama congratulated Jay-Z on the Made in America festival. He also encouraged concertgoers to vote in November.
Jay-Z’s next surprise was him paying homage to the Philly-based rappers he worked with in the past. After Roc-A-Fella records disbanded in 2005, there were issues between Jay-Z and members of State Property.
For the first time in nearly eight years, Jay-Z was joined on stage by State Property members Freeway, Young Chris and Neff.
Jay-Z performed for 90 minutes before leaving the stage after rapping “Encore.” After several minutes of silence with the lights completely off, Jay-Z told the crowd, “Since you were good to me Philadelphia, I’ll be good to you.” Pusha T rapped his verse from ”I Don’t Like” and was later joined by Kanye West and his G.O.O.D. Music compadres Big Sean, Common and 2 Chainz. The crew performed a slew of their hits that included “Mercy,” “New God Flow” and “Cold.”
Once Kanye West’s set was complete, Jay-Z returned to join Kanye West on stage.
The Watch the Throne emcees sent the crowd into a frenzy after performing their hit “N—– in Paris.”
Jay-Z thanked the crowd and fireworks were set off after Jay-Z exited the stage.
