NewsJay-Z, Keys set to perform before Game 2
Weather pushes duo back a day; Legend to sing anthem
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
10/27/09 9:41 PM EST
NEW YORK -- The thumping rhythms of "Empire State of Mind," performed by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, have accompanied Derek Jeter's latest at-bats and served as a soundtrack for the Yankees' postseason clubhouse celebrations.
The New York natives will perform the hit single, from Jay-Z's album, "The Blueprint 3," on the field at Yankee Stadium prior to Game 2 of the World Series on Thursday. FOX will begin live coverage at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The pair was originally to perform before Wednesday's Game 1, but with inclement weather predicted, Jay-Z and Keys pushed back a day because staging for the event could adversely affect the field in wet conditions.
Following the performance, five-time Grammy Award winner John Legend will sing the national anthem. The singer and humanitarian has sold more than five million albums, and has been at the forefront of helping fight poverty through fostering sustainable development.
An avid fan, Jay-Z has worn a Yankees cap in music videos, magazine photo shoots and on album covers. The rap star was shown on the large center-field screen at Yankee Stadium during numerous home games in the regular season and the playoffs.
"As a die-hard Yankee fan, I'm honored to perform a song that celebrates the greatness of New York in one of our city's most important landmarks, Yankee Stadium," Jay-Z said in a press release.
Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
