Jay-Z Tried to Make Me Cry

Normally, rappers are regarded in a negative light by the general public and feel-good stories involving them rarely make the news. However, there was one particular episode over the weekend that seems to have gotten its just due; and I, for one, can vouch for the emotion and energy that made it special.

Friday night, Jay-Z put on a concert at Madison Square Garden entitled "Answer The Call". To celebrate the 8-year anniversary of the horrible events of 9/11 (which coincided with is release of "The Blueprint"), Jay-Z donated ALL proceeds from the show to a fund set up for the widows and children of people lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center. The concert was aired live by Fuse and I was lucky enough to see it from start to finish. Hov was at his best, taking songs from all phases of his career and calling upon a host of celebrities from Kanye West, Beyonce, and Diddy to Santigold and John Mayer, to give an absolutely incredible performance.

There were many highlights from the show, but one particularly poignant moment stuck out to me. After a moment of silence for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, and while "Young Forever", a song off of his new album "The Blueprint 3", played in the background, a towers-shaped visual covered the screen that hung down at the back of the stage and scrolled pictures of everyone who died on that sad day.

No, I didn't cry; but I can't say that few hairs on the back of my neck weren't raised. A very touching moment from a native New Yorker who took it upon himself to show his support for his brothers and sisters who were taken from us far too soon eight years ago. Nicely done, Jay; nicely done.

~~ Lank