Jay-Z already went through a parade of hits and exited the stage at the cavernous Hollywood Paladium Wednesday night when fans roared for him to return. He obliged, but instead of his multi-piece band providing the sound, he walked over to DJ AM and hovered over his MacBook. Jay played 10 beats from some of his biggest hits before finally settling into “Big Pimpin.” The crowd, already throwing up the Roc sign grew hysterical.
That was two hours into the show. Hova's set by that point was every bit as momentous as his farewell concert at the Madison Square Garden back in 2004. In fact, the rendition of “Encore” from The Black Album and in particular, the lyrics “grand opening, grand closing” echoed the moment perfectly. The Paladium, concert promoter Live Nation's newest venue, had been closed for a year for renovation. The last time it held a grand opening – in 1940, during the swing era – Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra were the musicians on stage. Frank Sinatra played days later.
On this Wednesday evening, even Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti – who walked the red carpet – acknowledged Hova as the Frank Sinatra of this generation. Decked in all-black leather jacket, jeans and a black baseball hat pulled over his shade, Jay-Z walked out on stage commanding the scene from the jump. There was no need for an intro, but he hit the crowd “Say Hello” anyway. His backing band's three trumpet players came in handy for the ensuing “Roc Boys,” the first major smash to throw the crowd into a frenzy.
Last person to open this thing was Frank Sinatra,” Jay told the crowd of 4,000, his trademark smirk barely concealed on his face. “I consider myself 'brown eyes,' baby.”
Longtime sidekick Memphis Bleek was beside Jay when he first walked on stage, but it was T.I. who stole the show – at least for a moment – when he emerged for “Swagga Like Us.” Although it was speculated Kanye West would drop in, it wasn't meant to be, as Mr. West wasn't in the building. A parade of Hollywood actors and Lakers team members, Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom were also on hand.
Towards the end of the set, after Hova went through spirited renditions of “99 Problems,” “Can I Get a ...” and “Blue Magic,” it looked as if the crowd was getting tired -- not Jay. As if teasing the fans, he asked if they wanted his “long set” or his “short set.”
While its common for artists to forget lyrics or garble their delivery, Jay seemed to never slip. Even during the lyrical acrobatics that were his verse on, "A Billi", the remix to “A Milli”, Jay enunciated every syllable.
Knowing the weight of the moment at the Palladium, Jay-Z found a way to not just give the legendary venue a grand opening. He also shut the place down.
Video footage from last night's performance
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