Pop open the champagne, draw the bath, and scatter those rose petals. Because it’s time for what fine news sources everywhere are billing as “intimate performances” with Jay-Z. He’s a hardworkin’ man, Jay-Z, and he’s just broken up with someone/thing very special in his life. No, not Beyoncé. It’s Def Jam. Def Jam who will have to go home alone tonight. Def Jam who will have to look through those dusty old photographs, sigh, and run to the corner store later this evening and pick up an economy-sized tub of the grossest Ben & Jerry’s flavor imaginable. Fortunately, Hov had only nice words for Def Jam’s Doug Morris and L.A. Reid, explaining how the negotiations to end his contract included a coin toss. “Doug won the toss, but we both won in the end," he said. "I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music." Ahhh!
Jay-Z owed the label one final album, but instead bought out his contract for $5 million. He has been working on The Blueprint 3 with Kanye West since last year, and -- you know -- right now Hov just needs to take a moment to slip into something more comfortable and connect with the fans before finishing up this latest album. But wait! What’s this? It’s not just Hov who will be performing — it’s also his full backing band and saucy R&B opener Ciara on the following dates! Better make more of those chocolate-covered strawberries that are so creepy/delicious.
The “exclusive,” “intimate” performances kick off with a couple nights at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas, with more dates in the works. So why not kick back, relax, and let Live Nation give you a massage and some Jay-Z tickets?
07.03.09 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort
07.04.09 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort
07.07.09 - Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
07.10.09 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
07.12.09 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheatre