Photo by Courtney Perry, special to the Star Tribune (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Jay Z's Xcel Center setlist heavy on "Magna"
The rapper delivered seven songs off his new album but threw plenty else into the mix, including some highlights from "Watch the Throne."
December 1, 2013 at 8:03PM
For his U.S. tour kickoff Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Jay Z pretty well stuck to the same set list he used throughout the European leg of the tour. Yes, that meant he still delivered seven tracks off "Magna Carta Holy Grail," despite the tepid reception to the new record growing weaker by the week. But that certainly didn't spoil the sow. In addition to the songs cited in the full concert review, "F--withmeyouknowigotit" was another new one that offered a heavier oomph in concert than on record.
Even better, though, were the madcap "No Church in the Wild" and fan-favorite "N-s in Paris," new-ish tracks off "Watch the Throne." Jay stopped the latter song after a few bars and claimed he promised Kanye he would never perform it without him. The crowd cheered wildly as if his "Throne" partner was about to make a surprise appearance. Yeah, right, we can't even get him to show up for his own concerts. Just like Ye has done a time or two (or three), Jay went ahead and broke his promise. Lucky us, in this case.
Here's the full set list.
U Don't Know / Crown / On to the Next One / Holy Grail / F--withmeyouknowigotit / Beach Is Better / 99 Problems / Picasso Baby / Dead Presidents II / Pound Cake / No Church in the Wild / Tom Ford / Timbaland DJ & beats set / Somewhere in America / Big Pimpin' / Dirt Off Your Shoulder / Nigga What, Nigga Who / I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) / N-s in Paris / Public Service Announcement / Clique / Run This Town ENCORE / Empire State of Mind / Izzo (H.O.V.A.) / Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) / Young Forever
