Jay-Z Brings Out Eminem, Rihanna, and Pharrell for Epic Nights Two & Three at Yankee Stadium

Jay-Z’s unforgettable Yankee Stadium shows lit up with iconic guests Eminem, Rihanna, and Pharrell across nights two and three of his legendary run.

If you thought Jay-Z’s first night at Yankee Stadium was pure fire, wait until you hear about nights two and three—packed with classic anthems, surprise guests, and electric performances that only Hov could deliver. Spanning three nights celebrating his monumental career, Jay-Z didn't hold back, bringing some of hip-hop’s biggest legends on stage, including Eminem, Rihanna, and Pharrell. As a die-hard fan witnessing these moments, it felt like every song was stitched together with nostalgia, swagger, and the kind of magic that only a true icon can summon.

Night Two: Blueprint’s 25th Anniversary and Legendary Collaborations

The second night was a special homage to The Blueprint’s 25th anniversary, a seminal album that helped shape modern hip-hop. Jay-Z kicked things off with “The Ruler’s Back,” a track he hadn’t performed live in two decades. Imagine the roar of the crowd when that opening beat dropped—pure electricity.

Adding to the throwback vibe, rap pioneer Slick Rick joined him to perform the timeless 1985 classic “La Di Da Di.” It was a surreal moment—seeing two generations of hip-hop royalty share the stage.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. Eminem made a jaw-dropping appearance, teaming up with Jay-Z for “Renegade” and then dominating the stage with “Lose Yourself.” These moments felt like witnessing history live, as two of rap’s greatest ever delivered raw, unfiltered energy.

Pharrell also graced the encore, effortlessly sliding into hits like “Excuse Me Miss,” “Frontin’,” and “Allure,” creating a seamless fusion of Jay-Z’s old-school classics and Pharrell’s smooth vibes.

Night Two Setlist Highlights:

• “The Ruler’s Back” (first time live since 2006)
• “La Di Da Di” (with Slick Rick)
• “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”
• “Renegade” (with Eminem)
• “Lose Yourself” (with Eminem)
• “Excuse Me Miss” (with Pharrell Williams)
• “N***** in Paris / Big Pimpin’”

The night was a masterclass in blending nostalgia with star-studded collaborations, reminding everyone why The Blueprint remains a timeless masterpiece.

Night Three: A Delayed Start but an All-Star Lineup

Night three faced a dramatic twist—a nearly four-hour delay after some fans rushed the gates, prompting a full lockdown. But when Jay-Z finally hit the stage, the wait was more than worth it. He kicked off with a heartfelt “I appreciate your patience” and promised a night full of surprises—and boy, did he deliver.

The evening opened with Teyana Taylor joining him for “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” rekindling that intimate, soulful vibe. Then Jermaine Dupri came out to share the stage for “Money Ain’t a Thang,” bringing back a classic hip-hop energy that had the crowd buzzing.

Jeezy made his mark with two standouts, “Seen It All” and “Go Crazy.” The night flowed seamlessly as The-Dream appeared for the anthemic “No Church in the Wild,” followed later by Usher lending his velvet vocals to “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” and a powerful rendition of “Throwback / Part II (On the Run).”

As if the night couldn’t get any better, Rihanna stormed the stage for an unforgettable duet on “Run This Town,” their 2009 collaboration that’s become a modern classic. She then electrified the audience with her fierce “Bitch Better Have My Money.”

Joining the festivities were Fat Joe, Swizz Beatz, Clipse, Beyoncé—who returned for a highlight moment with “Drunk In Love”—and Pharrell, who reprised his magic on several hits including “Excuse Me Miss” and “Grindin’.”

Night Three Setlist Highlights:

• “Can’t Knock the Hustle” (with Teyana Taylor)
• “Money Ain’t a Thang” (with Jermaine Dupri)
• “Seen It All” and “Go Crazy” (with Jeezy)
• “No Church in the Wild” (with The-Dream)
• “Heart of the City” and “Throwback” (with Usher)
• “Run This Town” and “Bitch Better Have My Money” (with Rihanna)
• “Drunk in Love” (with Beyoncé)
• “Grindin’” (with Clipse & Pharrell Williams)

This night was a rollercoaster of emotions and energy, blending iconic throwbacks with fresh surprises that had fans on their feet until the final encore.

Looking Ahead: Jay-Z’s Global Legacy Tour Continues

These three monumental shows at Yankee Stadium were more than celebrations—they were a testament to Jay-Z’s unmatched influence over three decades in hip-hop. And the journey doesn’t stop there.

Later this year, he’s set to hit the global stage with concerts in Paris, Los Angeles, and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking his first UK show in over ten years. Fans worldwide are buzzing with anticipation as he gears up to bring those legendary vibes overseas.

Last month, Jay-Z also headlined a rare solo festival appearance at Roots Picnic, where he didn’t shy away from throwing lyrical jabs at some of today’s biggest names, proving he still reigns supreme.

Despite swirling rumors of a new album following 2017’s 4:44, collaborations remain the focus for now. Jay-Z will reunite with Eminem and Rakim for a new track on Rakim’s upcoming album—a first partnership between the three in a quarter-century.

“I appreciated your patience. I got some shit for you.” — Jay-Z, on the delayed night three at Yankee Stadium

FAQ

• What special guests appeared during Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium shows?
  Eminem, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Slick Rick, Teyana Taylor, Jermaine Dupri, Jeezy, The-Dream, Usher, Beyoncé, Fat Joe, Swizz Beatz, Clipse, and more.
• Which albums did Jay-Z celebrate during these concerts?
  He celebrated the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint.
• Were there any notable delays during the shows?
  Yes, the third night experienced a nearly four-hour delay due to fans rushing gates, leading to a lockdown.
• Is Jay-Z releasing a new album soon?
  According to close collaborators, no new album is expected in the near future, but new collaborations are underway.
• What upcoming shows are planned for Jay-Z?
  Concerts are scheduled in Paris (September 10), London (September 4), and Los Angeles (October 23) as part of his ongoing celebration of a 30-year career.

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