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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > November > 11 > Entry
Live review: Jay-Z at Erwin Center
Ricardo B. Brazziell AMERICAN-STATESMAN
- Photos: Jay-Z at the Frank Erwin Center
It’s safe to say Jay-Z doesn’t want for self confidence.
Over the course of a world-conquering 90 minutes Tuesday at the Erwin Center the world’s most charismatic CEO compared himself favorably to Julius Caesar, Michael Jordan, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley and probably could’ve lyrically worked over Jesus Christ and Czar Nicholas II if he’d decided to dip into his mix tape reservoir.
As the old saying goes, though, it ain’t bragging if it’s true and in the space of two dozen songs the man born Shawn Carter made a pretty airtight argument for why his name should one day belong amongst history’s greats.
He had help; a 10-piece band gave different touches throughout like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” and its hot jazz vibe or the hard rock feel of “Empire State of Mind,” and Memphis Bleek served as both hype man and utility verse trader when needed while openers Pharrell Williams (of N.E.R.D.), Bridget Kelly and J. Cole made deserving cameos.
But the show in total was a confirmation of Jay-Z as singular force of nature, the guy who can make an arena pretty much combust at the first notes of “U Don’t Know,” pull 87 lyrical swerves over the course of “Jigga What, Jigga Who” or get away with cramming some of his best or best-known songs (“On to the Next One,” “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde,” “Can I Get A?”) into a medley during the encore.
The scale of achievement going on Tuesday was even more stark compared to a weekend of good-to-great performances at Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest by the likes of The Cool Kids, GZA and The Pharcyde, all of them enjoyable and praiseworthy but together not containing one-tenth the ability to keep an audience locked in and riveted on their every word and motion.
For Jay-Z, though, owning the spotlight and the microphone is a way of life akin to breathing or eating. So it’s no surprise he could get audience members in every section of the arena whipping around jackets, towels or whatever they had handy as visual decoration for “Big Pimpin’,” or that he stopped the song when crowd participation wasn’t quite to his liking.
To help the cause, he decided to count down from 10 before starting again. When he reached zero the place was covered-ears loud, imposing another smile on the face of the man who near show’s end claimed he invented the move of wearing a New York Yankees hat turned to the side.
Whether he did or not was irrelevant. On this night every word the man delivered was gospel to the thirsty faithful.
Set List: Run This Town, D.O.A., U Don’t Know, 99 Problems, Show Me What You Got, Give It To Me, Diamond Is Forever, Jigga My N——, Izzo (H.O.V.A.), Jigga What Jigga Who, P.S.A., Heart of the City, Already Home, Empire State of Mind, A Star Is Born, So Ambitious, Dirt Off Ya Shoulder
(encore break)
Thank U, medley (On to the Next One, Excuse Me Miss, Venus Vs. Mars, ‘03 Bonnie & Clyde, Lucifer, Swagga Like Us, Can I Get A?), Big Pimpin’, Hard Knock Life, Numb/Encore, Young Forever
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment Categories: Reviews
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By Kevin Shelby
November 11, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this
My wife is from Brooklyn (I was born in the Bronx) so this was a highly anticipated show for her and Jay did not disappoint. He mentioned that he was at home in Austin. From Brooklyn to Bastrop, I saw nothing but love in the crowd.
By AmandaG
November 11, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
This was hands down one of the best concerts I have ever been too.
By Veronica
November 11, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this
THE SHOW WAS AWESOME. TRULY LOVED IT. I WAS AMAZED BY THE CROWD AND THE LOVE THEY SHOWED FOR JAY AND HIS MUSIC. ALTHOUGH, I WOULD HAVE LOVED FOR JAY TO SOME OF HIS “REASONABLE DOUBT” CD, NOTHING WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE SHOW. I TOOK MY 14 YR. OLD BECAUSE HE LOVES HIP-HOP, I WANTED HIM TO WITNESS ONE OF HIP-HOP’S GREATEST ON STAGE. LAST NIGHT’S AUDIENCE REPRESENTED AUSTIN’S LOVE FOR HIP-HOP MUSIC WELL.
By John
November 12, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
Jay Z put on one of the best shows ive ever been too. Ive been courtside at spurs games, Longhorn games and even other big shows at the Erwin center. But nothing like this. The crowd was amazing, We sure showed him that Austin does it BIG. His Entrance was great, He did alot of songs which was GREAT. Only thing i would have like to seen is him to have brought like a Kanye or Someone big. But hey I went to a JAY Z concert, Not a Kanye sooooooooo its ok. Loved to BACKGROUND of new york Great camera work… ONE of the BEST Things ill always remember. Great Job JAY, Beyond Expections
By Blaise
November 12, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this
man easily one the best shows i hv seen. NAS and Jay have both come to Austin and each commented on our energy, way to rep our city folks. i must say tho as an avid Yankees fan, before J, i was a lil upset at the people rockin Yanks fitteds. I mean did yall even watch the game? lol still the review hits it on the head
By Rashaad
November 12, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this
Coming a from a bonafide fan of this artist, business man, enteprenuer/executive/CEO, he thorougly surpassed any thoughts of what this concert could be. From start to finish, I was riveted beyond belief. I’m still in awe and shock that I was blessed with the opportunity to see a true legend perform in my hometown.
THANKS HOV!!!