Jay-Z reminded the world why he is one of the few “event artists” left in hip-hop this past weekend. The 56-year-old rapper delivered his first public performance in several years on Saturday evening (May 30) with his headlining set at Roots Picnic 2026 in Philadelphia. Outside of the sheer excitement thousands of Belmont Plateau attendees felt in being able to see him live again, the billionaire provided plenty of moments.
There was his reunion with the majority of State Property and Memphis Bleek, surprise appearances by Meek Mill and Jazmine Sullivan, cool mashups, and a freestyle targeted at Drake, Nicki Minaj, Dame Dash, and more that already has the internet in a frenzy. Amid the chaos and headlines, the show was a celebration of Hov’s decorated discography.
With 13 studio albums, five collaborative LPs, a compilation, a live album, a soundtrack, and more in his repertoire, it would be impossible to satisfy everyone’s palate. And hey, for those who weren’t satiated, maybe they will get their fill at his Yankee Stadium shows in July. July 10 will be dedicated to the 30th anniversary of his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, followed by a Saturday’s set (July 11) focused on the 25th anniversary of his 2001 LP, The Blueprint. The weekend will close on Sunday with what has been dubbed “Extra Innings” after the initial two-night offering drew overwhelming demand.
For now, take a look at what he performed for the Philadelphia faithful and what surprise guests he treated the crowd to. And if you are interested in more details on the best moments of the night, read them here.
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“Hovi Baby”
Album: The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002)
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Untitled Acapella Freestyle
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“U Don’t Know”
Album: The Blueprint (2001)
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“Beach Is Better”
Album: Magna Carta… Holy Grail (2013)
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“F—kwithmeyouknowigotit”
Album: Magna Carta… Holy Grail (2013)
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“N—a What, N—a Who (Originator 99)”
Album: Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life (1998)
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“Run This Town”
Album: The Blueprint 3 (2009)
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“Jigga My N—a”
Album: Ryde Or Die, Vol. 1 (1999)
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“No Church in the Wild” (Bilal) + 2006 Hot 97 Grammy Family Freestyle
Album: Watch the Throne (2011) + N/A
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“Where I’m From” + “Marcy Me”
Album: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997) + 4:44 (2017)
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“Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
Album: The Black Album (2003)
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“I Know”
Album: American Gangster (2007)
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“Never Change”
Album: The Blueprint (2001)
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“Empire State of Mind” + “Down For My N—as”
Album: The Blueprint 3 (2009) + Trapped In Crime (2000)
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“Picasso Baby”
Album: Magna Carta… Holy Grail (2013)
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“Feelin’ It” (Jazmine Sullivan)
Album: Reasonable Doubt (1996)
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“Need U Bad” (Jazmine Sullivan)
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“Can I Live”
Album: Reasonable Doubt (1996)
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“The Story of OJ”
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“Dead Presidents I” + “Dead Presidents II” + “Dead Presidents III”
Album: N/A + Reasonable Doubt (1996) + N/A
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“Excuse Me Miss” + “La-La-La (Excuse Me Miss Again)”
Album: The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002) + Blueprint 2.1 (2003)
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“You, Me, Him and Her” (Memphis Bleek & Beanie Sigel)
Album: The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
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“Gotta Have It” (Beanie Sigel & Peedi Crakk)
Album: Public Enemy #1 (2004)
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“Roc the Mic” (Beanie Sigel & Freeway)
Album: State Property (2002)
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“Flipside” (Freeway)
Album: Philadelphia Freeway (2003)
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“Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” (Young Gunz)
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“What We Do” (Beanie Sigel & Freeway)
Album: Philadelphia Freeway (2003)
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“Roc Boys (and the Winner Is)…”
Album: American Gangster (2007)
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“I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)”
Album: The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
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“Dreams and Nightmares” (Meek Mill)
Album: Dreams and Nightmares (2012)
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“N—as In Paris” + “Big Pimpin’”
Album: Watch the Throne (2011) + Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
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“Public Service Announcement (Interlude)”
Album: The Black Album (2003)
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