Legendary music mogul Jay-Z is slated to hit Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena with fellow Roc Nation label mate Vic Mensa on Nov. 29. Already set to be his highest grossing tour ever, which is saying something, Jay-Z continues to push the boundaries of live rap music with the “4:44” tour.
Mammoth-sized screens and a wide circular stage will make every seat a fantastic one. As someone who has given, and taken, so much from the music industry, Jay-Z’s tour is clearly meant to provide the best possible experience for all in attendance.
Chicago-based rapper Vic Mensa, who consistently gains attention from major blogs, will kick off each show. Mensa joins an illustrious list of opening acts for Jay-Z, which include mega stars such as Timbaland, J. Cole and N.E.R.D. While Mensa may be unknown to many Jay-Z fans, his outspoken activism, energy and conscious rap lyrics mesh well with what Jay-Z brings to the table.
Jay-Z’s latest album, “4:44,” is his most well-received album since the chart-topping “Black Album,” which came from an artist at the top of the rap world with a “me against the world” braggadocious mindset. While many critics were quick to call “4:44” a response album to Beyonce’s “Lemonade,” it may be the most uniquely Jay-Z album to date.
Rarely in the genre’s history has an album felt so authentic. Songs like “Kill Jay Z,” which kicks off every show on the tour, and “Family Feud” provide narratives that only Jay-Z could tell, in a way that only he could tell them. They are as poetic as they are powerful.
While Jay-Z may be one of rap’s elder statesmen, he is by no means a legacy act...yet. Sure, he performs his hits like any great musician at this point in their career, but he isn’t phoning it in. On “4:44,” Jay raps like he still has something to prove. Those who are lucky enough to snag tickets on this tour will see a Jay-Z at a fascinating moment in time. A father, a husband and a multi-millionaire, yet still an envelope pusher.
Tickets for the Nov. 29 show are available here. Show begins at 8 p.m.
