The most distinctly Los Angeles moment of Jay-Z's Friday night concert came courtesy of Nipsey Hussle. During his first of two performances at SoFi Stadium on October 23, the Brooklyn rapper incorporated two of Nipsey's records into his set, paying tribute to the late Crenshaw native in front of an Inglewood crowd.
While performing "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)," Jay-Z blended in elements of Nipsey's "Hussle & Motivate" as the late rapper's image appeared on the stadium screens. Later, he brought back another familiar record, incorporating the instrumental from "Last Time That I Checc'd" into his performance of "On to the Next One," according to USA Today.
Both Nipsey tracks appeared on his critically acclaimed 2018 album Victory Lap, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. The tribute was especially fitting for the Los Angeles stop of Jay-Z's anniversary tour, which celebrates 30 years since the release of Reasonable Doubt.
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The tribute also reflected a longstanding connection between the two rappers. When Nipsey was killed in March 2019, Jay-Z wrote a letter honoring him that was included in his memorial program. He subsequently appeared alongside Nipsey on "What It Feels Like," a posthumous collaboration released in 2021 for the Judas and the Black Messiah soundtrack.
Friday's concert featured several other memorable moments. Blue Ivy Carter joined her father onstage, playing piano during "The Story of O.J." and "Dead Presidents." Scarface made a surprise appearance for "This Can't Be Life" and "Mind Playing Tricks on Me," while DJ Khaled and John Legend helped close the evening with "God Did." Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams were also reportedly among the celebrities watching from the crowd, according to Complex.
The sold-out performance kicked off the final weekend of Jay-Z's anniversary concert series, which has already visited New York, London, and Paris. He returns to SoFi Stadium on Saturday (October 24) for the second and final show, closing out a run that has included appearances from longtime collaborators, family members, and fellow Hip Hop legends. With Friday's salute to Nipsey, Jay-Z also made room to celebrate an artist whose influence remains deeply connected to the city hosting his final performances.
