Jay-Z headlined Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, his first headlining performance in over five years, delivering a 90-minute, 32-song set. Early in the show, he performed a four-minute a cappella freestyle that appeared to target several fellow artists, including Drake, Ye (Kanye West), and Nicki Minaj.
In the freestyle, Jay-Z seemingly responded to Drake’s recent lyrics and criticized his business arrangements, while also addressing Ye’s past comments about his and Beyoncé’s children. He also appeared to take a shot at Nicki Minaj. Despite the apparent criticism of Ye, Jay-Z still performed several songs from their joint album Watch the Throne.
The performance came shortly after Jay-Z told GQ that rap feuds may no longer be beneficial to hip-hop culture, though his freestyle suggested he was still willing to engage lyrically. The set also featured guest appearances from Meek Mill, Jazmine Sullivan, Bilal, and a reunited State Property, and served as a lead-up to his upcoming Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint anniversary concerts at Yankee Stadium in July.