Fans travel from across the country for Jay-Z's second night at Yankee Stadium
Saturday night's show spotlighted the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint," one of the Brooklyn rapper's most celebrated albums.
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Fans from across the country packed the area outside Yankee Stadium on Saturday as Jay-Z returned for the second night of his three-show homecoming concert series.
Friday's concert celebrated the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z's debut album, "Reasonable Doubt." Saturday night's show spotlighted the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint," one of the Brooklyn rapper's most celebrated albums.
Hours before the concert, fans from as far away as Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey gathered outside the stadium, wearing custom merchandise, created artwork and shared what Jay-Z's music has meant to them over the years.
Bree Robinson traveled from Washington, D.C., and unveiled a painting inspired by "The Blueprint."
"This is a painting of Jay-Z representing 'The Blueprint.' We have him, his face and then the skull. What's under the skin is the blueprint," Robinson said.
She also created custom hats to remember the weekend.
"I wanted to commemorate both nights of the show," she said.
For many fans, Jay-Z's music has become a family tradition.
"My dad listens to him. My mom has a big crush on him," one fan said.
"I listen to him Monday through Friday in my headphones while I workout," her mother added.
Not everyone had an easy trip to the Bronx.
Malick Shaw traveled from Atlanta after flight disruptions forced him to reroute his trip through Philadelphia.
"LaGuardia [Airport] was shut down Thursday, so I had to book another flight and go to Philly and take an Uber from Philly," Shaw said.
Despite the travel headaches, Shaw said making it to Yankee Stadium was worth every mile.
"Jay-Z is the definition of resilience and definition of focusing on the plan, goal and keeping your circle small," he said.
After surprise appearances by Nas and Alicia Keys during Friday night's concert, many fans spent Saturday wondering who might join Jay-Z on stage next.
Luis G., who traveled from New Jersey, said he was hoping for one particular guest.
"Hoping Eminem is going to come out. That's what I think the biggest surprise is going to be tonight," he said.
Another fan agreed.
"'Renegade,' 'Blueprint,' Eminem's has got to [sic] come out tonight," the fan said.
Others took the chance to thank the Brooklyn icon directly.
"Leave Beyoncé and come with me," one fan joked.
"You the man. Love you. Thank you for coming out," another fan shouted.
Jay-Z is scheduled to return to Yankee Stadium on Sunday for the final show of his three-night run.
