Jay Z Spits Woke, Nipsey Hussle-Inspired Freestyle At Webster Hall Re-Opening

BYErika Marie11.5K Views
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Jay Z

"Gentrify your own hood before these people do it," Jay rapped.

In 2017, New York suffered a loss when the iconic venue Webster Hall shut its door in what many believed was for good. However, it was announced earlier this month that Jay Z was lending a helping hand to restore the venue and on Friday night he kicked off the grand opening with a concert. The Tidal X: Jay Z B-Sides or "B-Sides 2" performance featured the hip hop mogul taking to the stage as he performed unique or rare material for fans.

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There was a huge Rocafella chain floating from the ceiling and Nas stopped by to join Hov on stage. Complex reports that people were re-selling tickets for up to $1,000, making this show the place to be in NYC Friday night. The Roc Nation founder also took to the stage to spit a few new bars in a freestyle where he dropped knowledge to fans about reclaiming their neighborhoods.

Gentrify your own hood before these people do it
Claim eminent domain and have your people move in
That’s a small glimpse into what Nipsey was doing
For anybody still confused as to what he was doing

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Back in 2013, the late Nipsey Hussle dropped his album Crenshaw, a record that he sold for $100 a piece at a pop-up shop in Los Angeles. Nipsey later explained to MTV that Jay Z purchased 100 copies because he "respects the movement."

"I got a DM on Twitter from a respected hip-hop journalist and he was just like, 'Hov respects the move, salute,' " Nipsey said back then. "A little while later, I got an email that came through my team that was like, 'Roc Nation, on behalf of Jay Z wants to buy 100 units. Who do we pay? When can we get the shipment out?' "

"They sent us $10,000, we sent them 100 CDs," Nip added. "I didn't get a chance to holla at Jay, but through his people, he made it clear that he respects the movement and everything. I was humbled by it. I felt like it was a good risk, and it ended up working out."

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.