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Jay-Z Brings Out Blue Ivy, John Legend, DJ Khaled & Scarface in LA Concert
Confirmed
In Short: Jay-Z's Los Angeles concert featured surprise appearances by his daughter Blue Ivy, John Legend, DJ Khaled, and Scarface.
Jay-Z kicked off the Los Angeles leg of his 'Jay-Z 30' concert series at SoFi Stadium on Friday, October 23, with a star-studded lineup of guests. The Brooklyn rapper, who has been away from the stage for some time, brought out his daughter Blue Ivy, John Legend, DJ Khaled, and Scarface to perform alongside him.
Blue Ivy, the teenage prodigy, showcased her piano skills during her father's performance of 'The Story of O.J.' and 'Dead Presidents.' She received a loud ovation from the crowd after her second song and embraced Jay-Z on stage. This was a notable change from her previous performance at Yankee Stadium, where she played the keys on 'Feelin’ It.'
DJ Khaled and John Legend joined Jay-Z for a rendition of 'God Did,' which is featured on DJ Khaled's album of the same name. The performance marked the end of the 33-song setlist, which included hits like 'Hovi Baby,' 'Izzo,' 'Run This Town,' and 'Dirt Off Your Shoulder.'
Scarface took the stage with Jay-Z for 'This Can’t Be Life' and the Geto Boys' 'Mind Playing Tricks on Me.' The Houston rapper's appearance added a nostalgic touch to the show, paying homage to the early days of hip-hop.
Jay-Z also paid tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle by incorporating elements of his music into 'Hard Knock Life' and 'On to the Next One.' This tribute highlighted the impact of Hussle on the hip-hop community and Jay-Z’s respect for his legacy.
Throughout the concert, Jay-Z wore custom ensembles designed by June Ambrose, adding a fashion element to the performance. The rapper’s attire complemented the grandeur of the show and the significance of the 30th anniversary of his debut album, 'Reasonable Doubt,' and the 25th anniversary of 'The Blueprint.'
The concert was met with cheers from the crowd, who were excited to see Jay-Z back on stage after a yearlong hiatus. The rapper acknowledged the crowd's enthusiasm, telling them, 'I’ve been away too long,' and later, 'Let me take you back to my home for a second,' as he launched into 'Empire State of Mind.'
Rumors have been swirling that Jay-Z might be the headlining performer for the Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show next year, which will also take place at SoFi Stadium. The rapper used the Los Angeles concert as a potential test run, showcasing his ability to captivate a large audience with his music and star power.
Background
Los Angeles is the most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Southern California. With an estimated 3.87 million residents within the city limits as of 2025, it is the second-most populous city in the United States, behind New York City, and the largest city in the Western United States.
What's confirmed
- Jay’s daughter Blue Ivy was in the house, plus Scarface, DJ Khaled and John Legend.
What's still developing
- Though Jay-Z ‘s list of guests joining him on stage at his SoFi Stadium kickoff wasn’t as crazy-huge as the one for his Yankee Stadium run, surprise appearances still helped make the show shine in his much-anticipated tour return to Los Angeles on Friday (Oct. 23).
- As of Saturday afternoon, the speculation remains unconfirmed.
- She previously played piano during his July 2026 concert at Yankee Stadium in New York City, performing alongside him during “Feelin’ It.” She’s also become a familiar face at her mom Beyoncé ‘s concerts, joining her onstage as a dancer during the Renaissance World Tour and Cowboy Carter Tour.
- And the trio’s showing at Jay-Z ‘s latest Los Angeles show lived up to that reputation.
- Perhaps he’s saving some more headline news as he finishes his L.A. stand — and his broader Jay-Z 30 shows — on Saturday night.
- With SoFi as the location for the Super Bowl this upcoming February, Jay didn’t fully lean into “Reasonable Doubt” or “The Blueprint” as tried-and-true tributes.
- Backed by 1500 or Nothin, the Brooklyn rapper turned Roc Nation mogul gave fans plenty of hits and a few surprises, including a performance of “This Can’t Be Life” with Houston rapper Scarface and closed it out with his “God Did” verse flanked by DJ Khaled and John Legend.
- Fans immediately questioned (as has become tradition with the Super Bowl Halftime performer) whether Jay-Z could carry a show of that magnitude, since his shows typically lean on his music and crowd control.