Jay Z joins the likes of Pusha T and DJ Khaled in showing his support for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as we get closer to Election Day.
On Friday night, Hov hosted a free get-out-the-vote concert at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH. Jay quoted the Auschwitz survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellie Wiesel in an announcement tweet of his show earlier this week. “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.”
The show began around 8 p.m. ET. Several reporters and fans shared footage on the ground, showing big crowds anticipating the arrival of Hov and special guests.
Hov then took the stage. After performing a few classic songs from his discography, he brought out Big Sean to perform "Clique." He stayed to perform a set that included "One Man Can Change the World," "Blessings," and "IDFWU."
Chance the Rapper was next and he started off with "Angels. He followed with "Blessings," "Problems," and "Blessings (Reprise)." He also mentioned that Ohio was a battleground state, and they are "ready to fight."
J. Cole was another guest for the already amped crowd, and he performed selections from 2014 Forest Hills Drive ("A Tale of Two Citiez," "Wet Dreamz"), as well as oldies "Planes" and "Power Trip."
Hov returned to the stage with a performance of "Public Service Announcement." And the rumors turned out to be true as Beyoncé came out for an energetic rendition of "Formation." “This is history, thank you so much for being here tonight,” she said, before leading "I Slay!" chants.
After the song, Bey talked about how excited she was to "make history" by electing a woman as president. "We have to think about the future of our daughters, our sons, and vote for someone who cares for them as much as we do," she said.
After the speech, she performed "Freedom." Appropriately enough, she later sang "Run the World (Girls)."
Jay then came back for "Holy Grail," as Bey took Justin Timberlake's part. Then Jay introduced Hillary Clinton, drawing a contrast with her opponent's rhetoric: "Once you divide us, you weaken us. We are stronger together."
Hillary quoted some lines from Jay's "My President Is Black" remix verse and thanked the artists, before imploring the audience to vote. "Help us win Ohio," she exclaimed. "Let us send a loud, unmistakable message that love trumps hate!"
From there, Hov closed the show with "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)," dedicating it to "everyone who's ever overcome something in their life."
You can see the whole concert below:
