Common Freestyles At Jordan Brand Classic Basketball Event Madison Square Garden

On Saturday April 17, Common gave a half time freestyle during the 2010 Jordan Brand Classic Basketball event at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

Besides Common other notables in attendance included NBA players Chris Paul & Bryant Johnson, MC Lyte, Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius, DJ Clue and R&B artist Mario.

Photo links here:
Getty images
Wire Image

(video courtesy of trend settin)

Alicia Keys: Beyonce, Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz Add Highlights To Madison Square Garden Concert

via Billboard

Alicia Keys stopped at New York City's Madison Square Garden last night (Wednesday, March 17) during her "Freedom Tour" and gave her hometown fans a special treat with surprise performances from Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz.

Keys first performed new and old tracks like "Love Is Blind," "If I Can't Have You" and a stunning duet with former back-up singer Jermaine Paul -- who also served as an opening act along with Melanie Fiona and Robin Thicke -- for "Diary." But it was when the drums to her single "Put It In A Love Song" blared through the speakers that the crowd got most fired up. After performing her verse Keys introduced Beyoncé, who descended from the top of a staircase located towards the back of the stage and joined Keys for the remainder of the song. Ending in a dance routine, the performance marked the first time the two artists ever shared a stage.



With Beyoncé making a surprise appearance onstage, it was only fitting that her husband would do the same at the self-proclaimed "House that Hovie built." As Keys momentarily stopped playing the piano, her alleged boyfriend, producer/rapper Beatz, took the stage to his own collaboration with Jay-Z "On To The Next One," before Jay-Z himself came out for a performance of "Empire State of Mind." Scenes of Times Square and the city skyline appeared on the jumbo screens behind, setting the perfect backdrop for the Big Apple anthem as the masses sang in unison and waved their hands in the air.

"Thank you so much New York City! Thank you for welcoming me home!" Keys said nostalgically before exiting the stage. "I encourage you to continue to find your freedom, continue to find your way. God Bless you, my hometown. We love you!"

Photos:
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Corbis Images
PR Photos
Rex Features 1
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Star Traks Photo 1
Star Traks Photo 2
Corbis Images
WENN Photo

more fan shot footage below.







Alicia Keys 2010 Element of Freedom Tour Dates:

3/19 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Centre
3/20 - Atlantic City, NJ - Mark Etess Arena
3/22 - Boston, MA - Agganis Arena
3/24 - Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena
3/25 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
3/27 - Miami, FL - American Airlines Arena
3/28 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times-Forum
3/30 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
4/2 - Dallas, TX - Nokia Theater (Grand Prairie)
4/3 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
4/6 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
4/7 - Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl
4/9 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay
4/10 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Coliseum
4/29 - Lisbon, Portugal - Pavilhao Atlantico
5/1 - Ischgl, Austria - Ski Resort
5/2 - Verona, Italy - Arena
5/4 - Marseille, France - Le Dome
5/8 - Arnhem, Netherlands - Gelredome
5/9 - Frankfurt, Germany - Festhalle - Messe Frankfurt
5/12 - Hamburg, Germany - Color Line Arena
5/13 - Oberhausen, Germany - Konig - Pilsener Arena
5/15 - Merksem, Belgium - Sportpaleis Antwerpen
5/17 - Zurich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion Zurich
5/19 - Birmingham, UK - The NIA
5/21 - Dublin, Ireland - The O2 Dublin
5/23 - Glasgow, UK - S.E.C.C.
5/25 - London, UK - The O2 - London
5/26 - London, UK - The O2 - London
5/29 - Manchester, UK - Manchester Evening News Arena
5/31 - Paris, France - Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy
6/2 - Barcelona, Spain - Palau Sant Jordi
6/4 - Lyon, France - Halle Tony Garnier

(video courtesy of joleystar & Billboard)

Jay-Z, Lil Wayne: More From The Madison Square Garden 2010 BP3 Tour NYC

Here's what another major press outlet, New York Post said about Jay-Z triumphant return to NYC on his BP3 2010 concert tour:

Through the entire concert, Jay paced the stage like an unleashed tiger, while images that illustrated his music flashed overhead on the mock skyscrapers.

The video graphic work during this show was so good, had Z not given as dynamic a performance as he did, he might have been upstaged by his own visuals.

He wasn't.

In fact, his presence conjured the same kind of concert excitement and pure devotion that Sinatra managed to extract form his fans years ago and that Springsteen draws from his army today. As sacrilegious as it may seem, with everyone in Madison Square Garden raising their arms and pressing their hands together to make a diamond shape to praise Jay-Z, it's as if the audience was experiencing the second coming.

In New York, the rapper's hometown, Jay couldn't do any wrong. The early peak was when he belted "Empire State of Mind," which made the house churn.

New York Post - King of NY-Z



And lots to be said about Lil Wayne's guest spot at the Garden:

With a courthouse fire giving Lil Wayne at least another day’s reprieve before going to jail on gun charges, Weezy enjoyed his surprise freedom by making what will likely be his last pre-incarceration live appearance at Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 tour stop in New York City last night. After Jay-Z handed the mike over to his tourmate Young Jeezy about 45 minutes into his set, Jeezy informed the crowd of Weezy’s unexpected situation and brought out Wayne’s Young Money teammate Nikki Minaj, dedicating “Bedrock” to Tha Carter III rapper.

Rolling Stone - Lil Wayne Cameos at Jay-Z Show After Evading Jail One More Day

More fan shot footage below.













(video courtesy of LegendsUnlimited,1SHOT2002, joylorraine505, FRANK2HOT4U & Danared234)

Related:
Jay-Z Hometown Show At Madison Square Garden Concert Recap

Jay-Z's BP3 2010 Tour dates:

Mar 03 Washington, DC - Verizon Center
Mar 05 Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun
Mar 06 East Rutherford, NJ - Izod Center
Mar 07 Norfolk, VA - Scope Arena
Mar 11 Boston, MA - TD Garden
Mar 12 Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum
Mar 14 Detroit, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills
Mar 16 Pittsburgh, PA - Mellon Arena
Mar 18 Chicago, IL - United Center
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
Mar 26 Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center

Jay-Z Hometown Show At Madison Square Garden Concert Recap

via MTV

NEW YORK — There is always palpable exhilaration whenever Jay-Z plays Madison Square Garden. Tuesday night (March 2) was another sold-out show at MSG as Hov's Blueprint 3 Tour arrived in town.

After Trey Songz played up to the ladies with his set, there was a short intermission. Like lightning -- boom! The Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" video began playing on two big screens that hung over the stage, and a 10-minute countdown began perfectly in sync with the classic hip-hop track. Hova chants started several minutes prior to that.



Finally, with no time left on the clock, Jay's music began. He was greeted with a deafening roar of approval. "Feel it coming in the air," Rihanna's recorded voice from "Run This Town" blasted through the arena.

Jay rose from underneath the stage, rolling his head around his shoulders like a young Mike Tyson getting ready for a prize fight. Jay, like Tyson in the '80s, knows he's a dominant force in any ring, any arena, but especially at the Garden, he's unstoppable.

Jay then brought out Memphis Bleek and told his former neighbor in the Marcy Projects he wanted him to see something special. Like a wizard, Jigga waved his hand around the arena and made fans scream.

"I wanna be careful how I phrase this, because it's one of my heroes," Jay said. "Madison Square Garden used to be Run's House. But 'Run's House' is now on MTV. Madison Square Garden is now 'The House That Hov Built.' "

His assertion was backed up with triumphant showings of "On to the Next One," "U Don't Know," "99 Problems" and "Show Me What You Got."

"Empire State of Mind" felt special in the Garden. Jay's performance of the record filled the arena with hometown pride. It's the closest feeling the crowd at the Garden will get to the Knicks winning the championship ... at least until LeBron James signs with the team next year (fingers crossed).



James was in attendance, along with his Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Shaquille O'Neal, Rick Ross, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diddy and Cash Money Records CEO the Birdman. Birdman was on hand to cheer on his "son" Lil Wayne. Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj had the show-stealing moment as part of Young Jeezy's set. The Snowman also brought out Akon.

Jeezy came out about 40 minutes into Jay's show, and the two did "Real as It Gets" from Blueprint 3. After handing Jeezy the keys to MSG for a while, Jay came back and traded rhymes with his Southern partner on the remixes of "Put On" and "My President." Trey Songz came out with Jay as well to help out on "Heart of the City" and "Already Home."

The Blueprint 3 Tour stopped with an "overtime" session that saw Jay take his fans back as far as the Reasonable Doubt days with "Ain't No N---a" and "Can I Live."

"Am I going too far back? This moment is only for us," he added of himself and fans of his first LP.

Hov then brought it up a few years for "Big Pimpin'," with Jay urging everyone to wave whatever they had from rags to bandanas to hats in the air, Carnivale-style.

"I don't take it for granted," Jay said of the fan love. "I appreciate everyone in the building tonight. Thank you, and I hope we return the love tenfold.

The legendary MC then asked to do one more record: "Encore."

Hov is going to be in the Tri-State Area with a few shows during these next two weeks. He plays Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel as well as the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island next week.

Photos:
Getty Images
Rex Features
Miss Info
Patrick McMullan
Metro NY

After party photos:
Getty Images
Wire Image
Film Magic

(video courtesy of mistertroyf)

Jay-Z's BP3 2010 Tour dates:

Mar 03 Washington, DC - Verizon Center
Mar 05 Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun
Mar 06 East Rutherford, NJ - Izod Center
Mar 07 Norfolk, VA - Scope Arena
Mar 11 Boston, MA - TD Garden
Mar 12 Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum
Mar 14 Detroit, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills
Mar 16 Pittsburgh, PA - Mellon Arena
Mar 18 Chicago, IL - United Center
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
Mar 26 Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center

Black Eyed Peas At Madison Square Garden Video, Photos & After Party Concert Recap

Black Eyed Peas Madison Square Garden All Major Media Outlets Concert Reviews:

Love or hate this band, you've got to respect any act that can make the concrete bounce to the beat of their fans' devotion. Like Aerosmith, the Stones and The Who, the Peas have joined the roster of those who've literally rocked the Garden.

New York Post - Peas soup up the Garden

Like many groups anxious about their performing skills, the Peas amped up their bass lines and beats to murderous levels. The result flattened the melodies and halted any sense of momentum, which for dance music, spells death.

The staging did little to distract from the dirge. Based around a futurist motif - complete with outfits that made the group appear like rejected Transformers - the look matched the sound in its robotic chill.

New York Daily News - Clunky Madison Square Garden show is a black eye for Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas

It was pop’s latest sci-fi spectacle, in a lineage that dates back at least as far as Janet Jackson’s 1990 Rhythm Nation Tour and has lately yielded high-tech tours by Kanye West and Lady Gaga. While one purpose of a tour is to offer fans the physical, human presence of the stars, Black Eyed Peas are unabashed pop cyborgs — and that’s how the fans like them.

New York Times - Wired for Sound, and Everything Else

From the onset, when the four-person crew entered via platforms underneath the stage, to midway through the set when Will.I.Am freestyled rhymes based on text messages, the Peas put on a concert that was every bit as energetic as their pulsing tracks.

As the booming bass of "Let's Get It Started" drummed up, Apl.de.Ap was the first BEP member to pop up onstage. He was soon followed by Taboo and Fergie. A billowing cloud of smoke enshrouded the stage as Will.I.Am joined his mates, complete with a "Phantom of the Opera"-like mask.

MTV - Black Eyed Peas Turn Up The Energy In NYC With Ludacris, LMFAO

As pure spectacle, the show often delivered. Robots! Lasers! Sequins! Masks! Leather! The futuristic theme was reminiscent of Kanye West’s 2008 Glow in the Dark tour, with the Peas’ party-all-the-time aesthetic in place of Kanye’s grandiose introspection. The sound mix made it difficult to discern the Peas’ lyrics at times, but that hardly mattered. We could certainly hear the all-important boom-boom-pow beats clearly enough. Visually, things stayed busy, even frenetic, with constant costume changes and scenery shifts to keep us entertained.

Entertainment Weekly - Black Eyed Peas bring that boom boom pow to NYC's Madison Square Garden







Photos from the show:
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Getty Images
Star Traks Photo 1
Star Traks Photo 2
WENN Photo

And the BEP After Party covered by the New York Post

The Bacardi party at M2 after the Black Eyed Peas show at the Garden Wednesday night was a bigger event than the concert itself. The bandmates -- minus will.i.am., who was a no-show -- gave a surprise performance at the Chelsea club, singing two of their songs, "Imma Be" and "Boom Boom Pow," for enthusiastic fans. Apl.de.ap also hopped behind the turntables while Fergie sang along to a mix of hip-hop songs. The Peas partied until 3:30 a.m.

Photos from the after party:
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Wire Image

(video courtesy of eladkatz & debsuzco)

Black Eyed Peas At Madison Square Garden With Ludacris MyFox NY TV News Coverage

Last night's Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris & LMFAO Madison Square Garden show & My Fox 5's Anne Craig was on the scene to catch all the fun.

Black Eyed Peas: Highlights From The Rock & Roll Hall A Fame Concert NYC

The Rock n Roll Hall A Fame 25 years concert took place at Madison Square Garden NYC and has been going on the last couple of days. Black Eyed Peas played on night two Friday, October 30.

Excerpts from New York Magazine as reported by Hugo Lindgren and Ben Williams.

Fan shot video below.



U2/Fergie/Jagger — “Gimme Shelter”
This was a crazy mess, but absolutely riveting. Neither Bono nor Mick could contribute much vocally — Bono's voice is gone, hopefully not forever, and Jagger's faux-Texan twang has disconcertingly overwhelmed the rest of his repertoire. But who the hell cares, this was Mick and U2 up there, banging it out like a bunch of teenagers! U2’s arrangement was subtly bewitching, and major props belong to Fergie, who had to execute the greatest back-up vocal performance of all time. Of course, she made no one forget the original. But her fearlessness was something to behold.



U2/Black Eyed Peas — "Where is the Love"
The segue from "Mysterious Ways" to "Where is the Love" may have been most artful moment of the night, and from there on out, it was pure goosebumps, we're not ashamed to admit it.

See the full story here:
NY Mag - Night at the Rock Museum: Second Concert of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame

Photos:
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Wire Image - Backstage
Wire Image - Gift Lounge
Wire Image - Rehearsals

50 Cent At Wisin & Yandel Concert Madison Square Garden NYC with Videos and Photos

50 Cent performs with Reggaetón act Wisin & Yandel at Madison Square Garden NYC Friday October 2.

Photos:
Wire Image

(video courtesy of This Is 50, 50CentMusic and inolvidable285)

Jay-Z: Answer The Call NYC Concert First Glimpses Video And Photos

Photos:
Getty Images

**updated photos**
Getty Images - Backstage
Getty Images - Show
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Wire Image - Backstage
WENN Photo
Star Traks Photo

Jay-Z: Press Conference For "Answer the Call" NYC Benefit Concert

Photos:
Film Magic
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Getty Images
WENN Photos
PR Photo
Rex Features
Star Traks Photo

Press release:
Madison Square Garden's national music network Fuse and MSG Entertainment today announced that JAY-Z will play a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, underwritten by ABSOLUT, JAY-Z and Live Nation, on September 11 at 9pm ET that will air exclusively in HD and commercial-free, live on Fuse. All proceeds from the concert will go towards New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, the organization that has been helping New York City families of fallen first responders for over 25 years. The exclusive relationship between MSGE and Fuse will allow JAY-Z's fans nationwide to experience "Fuse Presents JAY-Z Live from Madison Square Garden: Answer the Call," the highly anticipated live event, the same day his 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 is released.

For this live event, 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise will go directly to New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. Since its inception, the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund has distributed over $114 million to the families of New York City police and fire personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Though the Benefit Fund was initially created to assist families of New York City Fire Fighters and Police Officers, the non-profit now includes the families of Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority Officers as well. For more information on the organization, go to www.answerthecall.org.

The on-sale date and method of purchase will be announced shortly. After the announcement, Citi card members will have access to presale tickets through Citi's Private Pass(R) program. For complete presale details visit: www.citiprivatepass.com and for more information on programming surrounding this event, go to www.fuse.tv/jay-z.

The events of September 11th challenged JAY-Z as an entertainer and a New Yorker. This benefit concert serves as not just a reminder of the lives lost but as a look towards the future and the hope that arose on September 12th. "This charity and concert encompass the true spirit of New York City," commented Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter. "We are asking everyone to 'answer the call' and support and honor the families of those that lost their lives in the line of duty. There was true camaraderie and resiliency that this city showed the world in 2001, and we continue that today by taking care of our own."

"On behalf of New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund's Board of Directors and the families of our fallen heroes, we are truly grateful for JAY-Z's choice to support our charity and 'answering the call'," said Stephen J. Dannhauser, president and CEO of the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund.

Kicking off with the live airing of "Fuse Presents JAY-Z Live from Madison Square Garden: Answer the Call," on September 11 at 9pm ET, Fuse will feature additional JAY-Z programming in support of the Benefit Fund and The Blueprint 3's release throughout the weekend. Content will include "The JAY-Z Chronicles," tracing his career and rise to the top through music videos and facts, "Loaded: JAY-Z," featuring a half-hour of JAY-Z's greatest music videos, and encore performances of the concert.

The unique relationship between MSG Entertainment and Fuse offers music lovers distinct multi-platform access to JAY-Z and the opportunity to support, along with JAY-Z, an important New York City cause. Through television, on-line exposure at MSGE venue websites and msg.com, and cross-venue assets, JAY-Z will benefit from MSG's multi-tiered exposure to his fans, ultimately further promoting this important charity.

"MSGE and Fuse are honored to support JAY-Z's efforts to raise awareness and funds for a great cause through this unique live concert and television event," said Mike Bair, president, MSG Media. "By utilizing Madison Square Garden's historic venue, Fuse's national reach of 65 million homes as well as our on air programming and promotional efforts, we hope to help JAY-Z reach fans by giving back through music."

"Together, MSGE and Fuse are thrilled to support JAY-Z's upcoming charity performance at The Garden and provide significant exposure to his fans in efforts to make a difference in people's lives," said Jay Marciano, president, MSG Entertainment. "There is no better outcome than when an evening of great music can excite fans and help people in need at the same time. Through MSG's unique assets, thousands of fans will be able to experience JAY-Z live exclusively on Fuse, bringing JAY-Z closer to potential donors and ultimately raising awareness for a meaningful cause."

John Legend At Madison Square Garden NYC Show Recap With Photos, Video And Review

Thursday August 13 at Madison Square Garden NYC, John Legend's first headlining show at the venue.

Fan shot video below.







The New York Times review "Spotlight on Soul and Self-Restraint"

Check out the photos from the show and after party:
Getty Images - Show
Getty Images - After party
Wire Images - After party

(review courtesy of The New York Times)
(fan shot video courtesy of cliveandkeebanyc and dm81)

Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild go to church at New York City show

Anthony Hamilton made a stop at the WaMu Theater At Madison Square Garden Thursday June 18 on his current tour. Anthony and his touring partner Musiq Soulchild turn the pentecost into the holy ghost with this 'church time' performance duet.



Check out the photos from the show here

Beyonce: First glimpses of the Madison Square Garden Show

As Beyonce continues her touring juggernaut across the states, we see her make her 2009 splash in New York City Sunday June 21.

You might know a special someone who made a guest appearance during the show.







Check out the photos here
and here