Jay-Z will soon have something in common with Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and the Beatles: a performance at Carnegie Hall.
Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter will play the classic New York City venue Feb. 6th and 7th. The concerts will mark the first time a rapper has performed at Carnegie Hall. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit at-risk and low-income students in New York City’s public school system.
Carter was tight-lipped about details of the concerts at a press conference. However, he did say there will be no special guests and that they would be his most intimate performances in years, according to Rolling Stone.
The shows aim to expand the efforts of his Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, founded by Carter and his mother, Gloria, in 2003. Carter said during the foundation’s early years, his mother would tour colleges with students. Now, the foundation will partner with United Way of New York City to provide students with tutoring, counseling and ultimately, full college scholarships.
Briefly a student at George Westinghouse High School in Brooklyn, Carter discussed his ability to give back to New York City students. Carter said he’s lucky to have a talent that took him to places he never thought he’d be, and it’s important to him to provide an opportunity for others.
Carter is currently touring the United States with fellow artist Kanye West on their “Watch the Throne” tour.
