Odd Future, Pearl Jam, D’Angelo And More to Play Jay-Z’s Made In America Festival

The Jay-Z-curated Budweiser Made in America Festival is slowly but surely taking shape as the first artists have been revealed as part of the sure to be epic lineup. Pearl Jam announced on their website that they will be part of the frenzy, so did Dirty Projectors and Passion Pit. In addition, D'Angelo, Odd Future, Maybach Music (featuring Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill), Janelle Monáe, Santigold, Skrillex, X have so far been added to the lineup. The Budweiser Made in America Festival will take place on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia September 1-2 and will benefit United Way.

Jay-Z’s “Made In America” Festival Lineup


Tickets go on sale at MadeInAmericaFest.com on May 23.

Jay-Z has revealed the line-up to the Budweiser “Made in America” music festival taking place September 1st and 2nd at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia and legendary rock band Pearl Jam will headline the big event with Hov.

Also confirmed: D’Angelo, Skrillex, Rick Ross, Passion Pit, Santigold, Janelle Monáe, Dirty Projectors, Calvin Harris, our best friends, Afrojack, Wale, Meek Mill, X, Prince Royce, Rita Ora, Savoy (DJ set), and The Knocks. SHAKE UPDATE: Ehh… Rock the Bells goes down both those days as well. Seems like a better choice for any hip hop fan IMO.

Rare Footage of Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z Performing Together

Two of the greatest to ever do it, sharing one stage? Yeah, that did happen (on a select, few occasions). Here we have rare footage of the late, great Notorious B.I.G. performing alongside the ageless wonder, Jay-Z. The pair of heavyweights let loose a rendition of Biggie's hit "Get Money," while at a birthday party for Video Music Box creator Ralph McDaniels.The visuals were captured in 1996, not too long before the tragic death of the hip-hop legend.

Jay-Z Speaks on Brooklyn Nets Logo

Jay-Z Speaks on Brooklyn Nets Logo

While in Philadelphia to officially announce the Labor Day weekend Budweiser Made in America music festival to benefit the United Way, Jay-Z sat down with MTV to discuss, among other things, the design of the new Brooklyn Nets logo. The hip-hop legend spoke on the inspiration behind the minimalist black and white artwork, stating that the look took its cues from the bold yet gritty feel of Brooklyn itself while also paying homage to the iconic subway signs of old. The Nets are set to begin play in Brooklyn this fall with the start of the 2012-2013 NBA season.

Source: HYPETRAK

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Jay-Z Supports Same-Sex Marriage

"I've always thought it as something that was still holding the country back, What people do in their own homes is their business. You choose to love whoever you love. It's no different than discriminating against blacks. It's discrimination plain and simple."

That was what Jay-Z had to say about the sensitive topic of same-sex marriage in a conversation with CNN, in light of President Obama’s endorsement of the practice that has the opinion of the United States population divided. The President’s decision to back gay marriages has had commentators speculating on whether it would cost him votes in the upcoming election, particularly among African-American religious leaders. When asked about this Hov pointed out that "It's not really about votes. It's about people. Whether it costs him votes or not, it's the right thing to do, as a human being." Leave your thoughts on what is likely to be a major talking point in the upcoming U.S. elections below.

Jay-Z on Jay Electronica’s Upcoming Album: “It’s Scary Good”

Mr. Carter himself confirms with us that he has in fact listened to the long-awaited Jay Electronica album to confirm it's most than just an urban legend. Jay Electronica, arguably the most wanted man in hip-hop has stated numerous times that the album was a go but has gone through several setbacks time and time again. MTV recently caught up with Jay-Z and he tells fans the album in regards to Jay Electronica's lyricism is "Scary Good." Says a lot coming from arguably one of the "scariest" emcees ever to grace the mic. Guess we'll just continue waiting now.

Jay-Z to invite President Barack Obama to play Made In America Fest

Following the official announcement of his latest endeavor, the two-day Budweiser Made In America music festival set for Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia, Jay-Z has revealed ambitious plans for this momentous event. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the mogul revealed that he is looking for artists "that embody the American Spirit" and that he will try to convince President Barack Obama to perform at the music fest.

"I'm gonna try. I'm gonna tell you guys right now: I'm gonna give him a call and I'm gonna try to get him to perform – do a little rendition of Al Green – but I doubt it. I think that opens up the political season. He'll be so far into helping the world that he probably won't have time, but I'm absolutely going to ask him."

Watch Obama's performance of "Let's Stay Together" earlier this year above and find further excerpts of the conversation below.

You're curating this festival. Pharrell is curating Karmaloop. Swizz Beatz and Kanye West are doing the same with shoes. When did curation become a buzzword for rap moguls?
It's always been there; it's just that now it's official. You know, we've always been curators of style – that's what music is. We've always been curators of culture, always, by default. It's just that now it's in an official way.

In 2005, you performed the second "I Declare War" concert in Philadelphia, ending your feud with Nas. Is there any chance of you doing the same thing in September and reconciling with Beanie? It's the city of brotherly love, after all.
Um, I dunno. You know, I haven't spoken to Beanie, so I don't know how that plays out. It's kinda, you know. And I'm going on tour tomorrow, to Europe, so I don't know how that works.

What new things are you bringing to the European tour, besides converters for the outlets?
I don't know. I just thought about the flag. It's a major part of the show. We just gonna have to drop the flag everywhere. Everyone has to know we're from America – I hope no one boos us.

There are all of these rumors flying around for who you're working with on Watch the Throne 2. The name Kanye West keeps coming up. How is it different working together in 2012 as opposed to the last go-round?
I don't know. We haven't actually started working on Watch the Throne 2 yet; I had to put that to the side. I had a little interruption on January 7th.

That whole thing.
Yeah, that whole thing. And Kanye's touring, working on G.O.O.D. Music – which I haven't heard, but I heard it's great.