Features
Jay-Z Releases 11th Studio Album Early
After tracks from Jay-Z‘s latest album, “The Blueprint 3,” were leaked online last week, the album hit stores today, three days ahead of its original release date. Today also marks the pre-sale for Citi cardholders for select dates of the Grammy award winning rapper’s upcoming North American tour.
The release of Jay-Z’s 11th studio album was set to coincide with his Sept. 11 benefit concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, commemorating the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
Although The Blueprint 3’s release date was pushed forward, last week Jay-Z told MTV News he didn’t freak out about the album leaking online.
“I may be the most bootlegged artist in history. It’s a preview. I’m excited for people to hear the album. I’m very proud of the work I’ve done, so enjoy it.”
TB3, which features collaborations from artists including Rihanna, Empire Of The Sun‘s Luke Steele and Pharrell Williams, marks the eighth anniversary of the release of Jay-Z’s original Blueprint album.
Photo: Adam Bielawski
Charter One Pavilion, Chicago, Ill.
Prior to Jay-Z’s fall tour, the rapper plays Chicago’s House of Blues tonight followed by four U.K. dates, three of which are billed alongside Coldplay. You can also catch Jay-Z at the VMAs at Radio City Music Hall Sept. 13 and at the Jay Leno Show premiere Sept. 14.
The fall tour kicks off Oct. 9 at Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa., and wraps up Nov. 22 at Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.
Additional dates include KeyArena At Seattle Center in Seattle (Oct. 17), Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I. (Oct. 24), Bell Centre in Montreal (Oct. 30), Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. (Nov. 7) and Tingley Coliseum @ New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque (Nov. 19).
More dates will be announced soon, according to a press release.
A Citi cardholders pre-sale kicked off today and a fan club pre-sale began Sept. 4. Tickets to the Madison Square Garden benefit concert also went on sale today.
A Live Nation presale will begin tomorrow, Sept. 9.
Tickets will be available to the general public in select markets Sept. 11. The remainder of the tickets will go on sale the following day.