The 2010 Brit Award for Best International Male Solo Artist was given to legendary Hip-Hop artist, JAY-Z. The Brooklyn born superstar gave a stunning performance of his global hit ‘Empire State Of Mind’, with fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys. His critically acclaimed album – THE BLUEPRINT 3 recently certified platinum making it his biggest UK album to date. In addition to ‘Empire State Of Mind, the record includes the chart-topping, ‘Run This Town’, ‘D.O.A(Death Of Auto-Tune) and Young Forever which combined have sold well over 1 million singles. The Brit nod comes fresh from scooping 3 Grammys last month and an MTV European Music Award for Best Urban Act. JAY-Z is also shortlisted in the Best Live Event category at this year’s NME Awards for his Alexandra Palace show.
The rapper who took Hip-Hop to centre stage at Glastonbury in 2008 will play 3 live dates in June. Starting in Manchester at MEN Arena on Monday 7, going on to play LG Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday 9, JAY-Z will also headline the Wireless Festival sponsored by Barclaycard in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday July 4. Tickets for all shows are on sale now available at www.wirelessfestival.co.uk and www.livenation.co.uk. In America, THE BLUEPRINT 3 debuted at the top of the Billboard chart selling over 475,000 copies in the first week. With that grand entry, his 11th chart-topper, JAY-Z surpassed Elvis Presley as the solo act with the most # 1 albums in the history of Billboard.
Since 1995, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter has dominated the rap industry and set trends for a generation. Now in 2010, he personifies the “American Dream. Founder and chairman of, Rocawear, he is also co-owner of the NJ Nets, 40/40 sports clubs, co-owner of Carol’s Daughter skin line and Translation Advertising. After three successful years as President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he fostered the careers of international stars Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Kanye West, JAY-Z entered into a partnership with Live Nation to form Roc Nation. JAY-Z became the first non-athlete to enter into a major footwear co-venture with his S. Carter line for Reebok and in addition, continues his philanthropic work through his Water For Life initiative and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. Over his career, the multiple Grammy and award winner has sold more than 40 million albums and sold out arenas across the world.
MONDAY JUNE 7 MANCHESTER MEN ARENA
WEDNESDAY JUNE 9 BIRMINGHAM LG AREN
SUNDAY JULY 4 WIRELESS SPONSERED BY BARCLAYCARD LONDON HYDE PARK
