(AllHipHop News) Tonight (September 28), Marcy Projects-bred rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Jay-Z will host his first concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
In honor of the inaugural concert, Jay-Z had a grand opening event at his 40/40 Club inside the arena with Rihanna, Questlove of The Roots, J. Cole, Lyor Cohen, Angie Martinez, Anthony Mandler, and NBA All-Stars Deron Williams and Joe Johnson all in attendance.
As Director of the Barclays Arena firm, Jay-Z wasted no time opening his signature 40/40 Club and Restaurant inside the arena. The club has full visibility of the court so that patrons can see the game while attending the club.
In addition to Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club, the Barclays Center also features 101 luxury suites, four bars, lounges, and three clubs for venue patrons that plan to host concerts for Lady Gaga, Justin Beiber, Rihanna, Green Day, and Barbaa Streisand.
In his role as arena director, Jay-Z also attends board meetings and helps direct arena senior staff on daily operations of the Barclays Center.
“I walked around here earlier, and I just seen everybody busy and at work trying to finish up, and it was a great feeling. A guy stopped me in the hallway and said, ‘Man this is a great thing for New York City.’ And that’s what the whole thing was about,” Jay-Z told MTV News.
For fans unable to obtain tickets to the inaugural concert, Jay-Z will host seven more concerts throughout the year to christen the arena.
For this performance, however, it appears Jay-Z is keeping it to himself with no additional performers.
“No one’s appearing, no one’s performing. It’s Brooklyn! This is my one chance to be selfish. Can’t I? Can’t I be selfish? Thank you,” Jay-Z said.
“Just for these eight shows – then I’ll get back to my ‘Jay-Z & Friends’ shows. I get all of these guys to come out for me, so…” he added.