Jay-Z Brings 'The BP3' Campaign To Champaign, IL Concert Recap

(photo courtesy of Dean Santarinala at The Daily Illini)

As reported by April Dahlquist at The Daily Illini



Rising from below the stage Jay-Z performed “Run this Town” to open the show. In black pants, an Abraham Lincoln graphic-tee, ice, a Yankees hat and “sunnies,” 39-year-old Jay-Z was dressed to impress.

And the Jay-Z song was on. Whether the fans knew every word to the rap song, or just nodded their heads to the beat, from the constant screams and camera flashes, it was apparent the audience was enjoying themselves.

Performing for about an hour and a half, Jay-Z kept the show moving by playing many snippets of his songs. No song every played for too long and with smooth transitions between songs the audience didn’t even have time to dust the dirt off their shoulders.

“I love his originality,” Williford said. “Whatever rappers are doing now, he’s done it in the past. Everyone is doing what he’s already done.”

At 11 American number one albums, Jay-Z surpassed Elvis’ record this September.

“Elvis has officially left the building,” Jay-Z said.

More fan shot footage below.





Read the full review here:
The Daily Illini - Jay-Z lights up the stage at Assembly Hall
The Daily Illini - Jay-Z not above shouting out to the nosebleed section

Photos:
The Daily Illini

Jay-Z 'The Blueprint 3' World Tour dates:
Nov. 13 - Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN
Nov. 17 - United Spirit Arena - Lubbock, TX
Nov. 19 – Tingley Coliseum – Albuquerque, N.M.
Nov. 20 – Don Haskins Center – El Paso, TX
Nov. 22 – Frank Erwin Center Arena – Austin, TX (?)

And the second leg of the tour starts in 2010 with Young Jeezy opening the show.
Feb. 22 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
Feb. 23 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
Feb. 25 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
Feb. 27 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
Feb. 28 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Mar. 03 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
Mar. 07 - Norfolk, VA - Norfolk Scope Arena
Mar. 11 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
Mar. 16 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mellon Arena
Mar. 19 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
Mar. 20 - Indianapolis, IN - Conseco Fieldhouse
Mar. 22 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
Mar. 24 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion At San Jose
Mar. 26 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center

(video courtesy of balki228 & TheTEAMFIRST)