CENTER> Props are in order for Jay-Z and his crew which included Beanie Sigel, DJ Clue and Amil for rolling through the Bay Area and putting it down last night [Wed]. Collectively known as the Dynasty, they kicked off their stay by first hanging out at our radio station [KMEL] for two hours. Here Jay-Z explained that he was donating all proceeds from last night's show to his organization Team Roc and the East Oakland Youth Development Center. "I don't really make too much money by doing club gigs", Jigga said. "It's important to give back to the community and give our fans an opportunity to see us up close and personal". Hence in each city they visit during their promotional tour for 'The Life and Times of Shawn Carter' album, Jay-Z picks an organization to help benefit. His own foundation-Team Roc is designed to help kids at risk go to school and participate in extra curriculum activities they otherwise might not be able to afford. During the interview, Jay-Z told everyone about his upcoming film projects. He is currently putting on the final touches to the Hard Knock Life Tour documentary. "We shot footage everyday and everything while on tour", he laughed. "Now we have to track down people and make sure they won't get kicked out of their house if we show some of this stuff. It was crazy". I asked him about his relationship with basketball legend Magic Johnson and whether or not he would help distribute the project. Jay-Z told me that it was unfortunate that he and Magic could not come to an agreement on the distribution of the Hard Knock Life, however, the pair are in the process of working on putting together some fighting packages. In other words, one of Jay-Z's next big ventures is to promote Boxing matches. No, he's not getting in the ring himself, nor will he be managing any boxers.. but he may be set to become the next Don King. It will be interesting to see whether or not Jay-Z reaches out to fellow rap star turned boxer Willie D of the Geto Boys and helps promote some of his matches. We also asked Jay-Z about the stabbing incident involving him and Lance Un Rivera. He said because it was pending legislation, he couldn't speak on it. When asked about his thoughts on the recent Puffy situation, Jay Z remained cool and calmly stated he didn't know anything about it. He even flipped it by asking for us to fill him in 'cause he was in the dark and knew nothing. "This is my first time hearing about this what happened with Puffy"?, he asked. The topics were quickly changed to other subjects. Beanie Sigel talked about his upcoming album entitled 'The Truth' which will drop on February 29... It's a leap year special he pointed out. He also explained that there won't be too many guest appearances outside of the Roc-A-Fella camp. Amil talked about her album which will drop in March or April entitled AMIL [All Money is legal] She hooked with people like Da Brat, Eve and Ja Rule to help make this happen.
Jay-Z's gave an off the hook performance at a packed Maritime Hall. The Bay Area is known for having several different Hip Hop scenes. There's an underground scene, a street scene, a commercial scene and an alternative scene.. Very few artists can attract all segments of the Bay's vast Hip Hop community. Jay-Z is one of the few artist that can and he proved that last night when he held court. Unfortunately for Jigga his set was messed up by some local cats who refused to clear the stage. At one point there were blows thrown when Jay-Z's people and club security had to physically remove folks who were disrespecting the performance by actually walking to the front of the stage while Jay-Z and Beanie were rapping. While the scuffles ensued Jay-Z kept a real positive attitude and actually joked with the audience. 'You would think you people out there would be wylding", he said while pointing to the packed yet peaceful crowd. "Who would've thought they be up on stage going off? But you know what? I love this! I really love this!". Jigga went back to performing and getting the crowd hyped and totally engaged. He never complained, acted ill or came down to the level of the playa haters who were causing all the drama on stage. People came away with a new found respect and admiration for Jigga because of the way he handled the situation. In fact Jay-Z performed a good 20 minutes after the initial confrontations. The unfortunate thing about the Bay Area is you have pockets of people who will come to sets with the sole intention of trying to be seen and heard for themselves. They'll do what it takes to kick up dust. Last night's incident wasn't so much a dis toward Jay-Z as much as it was kids trying to get themselves noticed before a large audience. But again Jigga came through and represented to the fullest..
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