Jay-Z's first SoFi Stadium show brings out Blue Ivy and Scarface

Jay-Z opened a two-night stand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday night, bringing out family members and longtime collaborators. Variety reported that the show was the first of two headlining dates at the stadium, part of the rapper's yearlong "Jay-Z 30" celebration.

USA Today reported that the concert started around 9:25 p.m. local time on Oct. 23. It was the next-to-last stop in the anniversary series, with one more show left at the same venue.

Key facts

• Jay-Z played the first of two SoFi Stadium shows, Variety reported.
• Blue Ivy Carter, 14, played piano on two songs, according to USA Today.
• Scarface joined Jay-Z for two songs, USA Today reported.
• John Legend and DJ Khaled came out for a "God Did" encore, according to USA Today.
• The last show of the series is scheduled for Saturday at SoFi Stadium, USA Today said.

The show

Jay-Z started the night with "Hovi Baby," a song he released in 2002, USA Today reported. Variety described the performance as a two-hour set with only a few guest stars, and said it was more stripped down than his shows at Yankee Stadium.

His daughter was one of the first surprises. USA Today said Blue Ivy Carter, who is 14, accompanied her father on piano during "The Story of O.J." and "Dead Presidents."

Rapper Scarface came out next. According to USA Today, the two performed "This Can't Be Life," their song from 2002, and the Geto Boys' 1991 track "Mind Playing Tricks on Me."

Jay-Z gave Scarface a warm introduction and asked the crowd to cheer for him, USA Today reported.

The night closed with a group performance. John Legend and DJ Khaled joined Jay-Z for an encore of "God Did," their 2022 collaboration, according to USA Today.

A tribute to Nipsey Hussle

Jay-Z also honored the late Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle during the set. USA Today said he blended "Hussle & Motivate" into "Hard Knock Life". He also worked "Last Time That I Checc'd" into "On to the Next One", according to the same report.

Background

The "Jay-Z 30" shows celebrate two milestone albums. USA Today said the series marks 30 years since his debut album, "Reasonable Doubt," came out on June 25, 1996. It also marks 25 years since "The Blueprint," which was released on Sept. 11, 2001, the newspaper said.

The celebration has moved across several cities this year. Variety reported that it kicked off with a headlining slot at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia in late May. After that came three sold-out nights at Yankee Stadium, then shows in London and Paris, Variety said.

The Yankee Stadium shows drew a long list of guests. The SoFi show had a smaller lineup of guests by comparison, according to Variety's description of a more pared-down set.

The anniversary year has also reached television. USA Today said Jay-Z debuted "Jay-Z in 8," an eight-episode HBO docuseries, in September.

Variety notes that Jay-Z is 56 years old.

What it means for fans

For fans near Inglewood, the SoFi run is the last chance to see the anniversary concerts in person. Friday's show was the second-to-last date of the series, according to USA Today.

The Friday show leaned on Jay-Z's own catalog more than on guest stars. Variety described a two-hour set with few guests. Fans who saw the Yankee Stadium shows got a much bigger lineup of surprise performers, according to USA Today's list of guests.

Who will appear at the second SoFi show is not known.

What happens next

The series wraps up with one more concert. On Saturday, Oct. 24, the final anniversary show is set for SoFi Stadium, USA Today said. That date closes a run that has stretched from late spring into the fall.

The guest list for that last night has not been announced. Fans hoping for repeat appearances by Blue Ivy Carter, Scarface, John Legend or DJ Khaled will have to wait and see.

There is also talk about what Jay-Z might do next at the same stadium. Variety noted chatter that he could be the halftime performer at Super Bowl 2027, which is set for the venue in February. No booking has been confirmed.

FAQ

Who joined Jay-Z on stage at SoFi Stadium? USA Today said Blue Ivy Carter, Scarface, John Legend and DJ Khaled all made appearances.

What songs did Blue Ivy play? She played piano on "The Story of O.J." and "Dead Presidents", according to USA Today.

What song did Jay-Z open with? He began with "Hovi Baby," a 2002 song, USA Today reported.

What is Jay-Z celebrating? USA Today said the shows mark the 30th anniversary of "Reasonable Doubt" and the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint."

When is the last "Jay-Z 30" show? USA Today said the final show is at SoFi Stadium on Saturday.

How long was the show? Variety described it as a two-hour set.

Is Jay-Z playing the Super Bowl 2027 halftime show? That is not confirmed. Variety described it only as chatter about the February game at the same venue.

Who appeared at the Yankee Stadium shows? USA Today listed Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Eminem, Slick Rick, Pharrell Williams and Rihanna among the guests in New York.

Where else has the series played? Variety said it has included the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Yankee Stadium, London and Paris.