Jay-Z Beams with Brooklyn Pride at Barclays Center Kickoff Concert

By Devin

/ 09.29.2012

It was a grand homecoming for Jay-Z who christened Brooklyn’s brand new Barclays Center with one of eight concerts on Friday night. The Brookyn-born rapper, who grew up in Marcy Projects, beamed with pride as he took the stage before 18,000 people, sporting a jersey with his last name and the number four.

Mr. Carter kicked off the show with his hometown anthems “Where I’m From” and “Brooklyn Go Hard.” He paid homage to another one of Brooklyn’s sons, Biggie, by rapping some of the lyrics from “Juicy,” and was joined onstage by BK legend Big Daddy Kane, who performed “Ain’t No Half Steppin'” and “Warm It Up, Kane.”

“I want to thank you, Brooklyn, New York City, for making me the man I am today,” said Jay. “Like I said, everybody’s from Brooklyn tonight.”

The star-studded audience included Beyoncé, Pharrell, J. Cole, Magic Johnson, Dave Chappelle, The-Dream, Ester Dean, and Angie Martinez.

Jay-Z will play seven more shows through October 6.