Two sold-out shows by Rapper Jay-Z marked the inaugural events at a new arena built in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn-born rapper played before about 19,000 fans during the weekend shows. Six more - all sold-out - are scheduled during the week at the new Barclays Centre.
"I've been on many stages all around the world," Jay-Z said during his show. "Nothing feels like this."
The rapper started his programme with the 15-year-old rap "Where I'm From," a sentimental number given that the star grew up in public housing near the spot where the 1-billion-dollar arena now stands.
The arena also will be home to the Brooklyn Nets basketball team in which Jay-Z has a minority stake. The team, which moved from neighouring New Jersey, will open its season at the arena on October 15. During the show Jay-Z wore a Nets jersey with the number 4 and his name on the back.
The Nets' arrival in Brooklyn marks the first time in more than 50 years the New York borough has had a professional sports team. Jay-Z noted that Brooklyn's heart broke in 1957 when its baseball team, the Brookly Dodgers, moved to Los Angeles.
Jay-Z opens new arena in Brooklyn
Two sold-out shows by Rapper Jay-Z marked the inaugural events at a new arena built in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn-born rapper played before about 19,000 fans during the weekend shows. Six more - all sold-out - are scheduled during the week at the new Barclays Centre.
"I've been on many stages all around the world," Jay-Z said during his show. "Nothing feels like this."
The rapper started his programme with the 15-year-old rap "Where I'm From," a sentimental number given that the star grew up in public housing near the spot where the 1-billion-dollar arena now stands.
The arena also will be home to the Brooklyn Nets basketball team in which Jay-Z has a minority stake. The team, which moved from neighouring New Jersey, will open its season at the arena on October 15. During the show Jay-Z wore a Nets jersey with the number 4 and his name on the back.
The Nets' arrival in Brooklyn marks the first time in more than 50 years the New York borough has had a professional sports team. Jay-Z noted that Brooklyn's heart broke in 1957 when its baseball team, the Brookly Dodgers, moved to Los Angeles.