Jay-Z Raps the “Magna Carter” Tonight (CPs Tues., 1/21/14)

1) Shawn Carter, better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is bringing his Magna Carter World Tour to the Consol Energy Center tonight. Jay-Z seems to have it all; he’s a successful rapper, music producer, and entrepreneur who is married to the lovely and talented Beyoncé (Mrs. Carter). They have a daughter, Blue Ivy. He’s sold over 75 million records, won 17 Grammy Awards, and garnered numerous Grammy nominations. Formerly the president of Def Jam Recordings and co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and Rocawear, Jay-Z owns Roc Nation and Roc Nation Sports. He’s even a certified sports agent and part owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA basketball team. (With all this on his résumé, I’m beginning to feel like a severe underachiever.) Jay-Z grew up in Brooklyn and attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School. Classmates included rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes (must have been some interesting performances in the school’s halls). A self-acclaimed former crack dealer who says he was shot at three times and shot his brother in the shoulder once for selling his jewelry, Jay-Z turned his life around and has become a very productive member of society who’s on several Forbes‘ lists and flies on his own private jet. Tonight is a great opportunity to see a surviving member of the early rap genre up close and in person. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

2) In the mood for a rapper in a more intimate setting, try Nipsey Hussle (his name references the late Nipsey Russell, a popular comedian in the 70’s and 80’s) at Altar Bar. Out of the South Central neighborhood of Los Angeles, Hussle’s worked with Snoop Dogg and was a member of the Rollin 60’s Neighborhood Crips gang. Opening is Erk tha Jerk, JKJ, and Mack Breezy. 7 p.m. 1600 Penn Ave., Strip District.

3) Tonight’s Space Exchange Series—innovative music touching on jazz, rock, funk, soul, and world genres—presents Flexure. Inspired by Miles Davis, circa 1970, Flexure plays deep, melancholy grooves with an improvisational format; his overall camaraderie works well with local musicians Ben Opie, Ian Gordon, Chris Parker, Paul Thompson, George Jones, and David Throckmorton. 9 p.m. No cover. Thunderbird Café, 4023 Butler St., Lawrenceville.

4) At Theater Square, drummer Tom Wendt is the featured performer for this Tuesday’s jazz series at Backstage Bar. No cover. 5 – 11 p.m. 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

Share on Social Media