Jay-Z’s concert at New York’s Yankee Stadium on Sunday night (12.07.26) was hit with a major delay after a reported surge of fans forced their way through multiple gates ahead of the show.
According to ABC7, a police source said a large group had rushed at least two entrances, slipping past security without being screened. The incident prompted a full stadium lockdown, with no one allowed in or out for an extended period.
One clip circulating online appeared to show A$AP Rocky, Charlamagne Tha God and Fabolous waiting outside with other attendees. It was captioned: “Wow, even celebrities are stuck outside the last Jay-Z Yankee Stadium show tonight.”
When Jay-Z finally took the stage, he offered an apology and explanation.
He told the crowd: “I appreciate your patience. We gonna have a good time. I got some shit for you, I promise you.”
Explaining the hold-up, he added: “There was like ten thousand people outside. They closed all the doors ‘cause [people] rushed the door, and I didn’t want to start music and have people get trampled. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience.”
The first night at the venue saw his other half Beyonce make a surprise appearance.
The 99 Problems hitmaker kicked off his three-night run at Yankee Stadium with a string of special guests, including his wife, their 14-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, former rival Nas, and Alicia Keys.
Beyonce’s surprise moment came when she stepped onstage to sing Mary J. Blige’s vocal on Can’t Knock the Hustle.
As the song came to a close, Jay quipped: “Oh she can sing.”
He then smiled as Beyonce said: “Give it up for my baby.”
Blue Ivy joined her dad to play the piano solo at the end of his 1996 hit Feelin’ It.
To wild applause from the crowd – which included the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Megan Thee Stallion and LeBron James – Jay said: “Make some noise for the legendary Blue Ivy Carter.”
Father and daughter then enjoyed a lengthy hug.
Former rival Nas joined him for a mash-up for Dead Presidents and New York State of Mind, while Jay also reunited with Memphis Bleek and Jas-O for Coming of Age and Bring It On respectively.
One of the biggest moments of the night was when Alicia Keys came out to join Jay on their chart-topping single Empire State of Mind.
Night two featured cameos from Eminem and Pharrell.
