Attendees and VIPs inside Yankee Stadium were largely unaware of the security breach and pandemonium that unfolded outside the venue during Jay-Z’s "Extra Innings" concert, according to Adam Blackstone, the rapper's musical co-director.
The chaos began Sunday night as fans streamed into the stadium for the final night of a three-night stand. Hordes of fans breached security, prompting a lockdown and causing thousands of concertgoers to wait for hours for the situation to be resolved.
Blackstone, who has worked with Jay-Z for 20 years, stated that those inside the secure backstage area remained oblivious to the external events. "We didn't know what was going on outside," he said. He noted that he was backstage with guest performers Teyana Taylor, Usher, and Jeezy, who were all focused on their routines. It wasn't until the concert start time was pushed back that he began to inquire about the delay.
Other notable figures, including rapper Fabolous and "Abbot Elementary" star Janelle James, were reportedly stuck outside for extended periods, waiting hours to enter the venue.
The concert, initially scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., was significantly delayed, with the first song starting after midnight. Blackstone characterized the delay as a "small monkey wrench in the plans" but emphasized that Jay-Z prioritized safety. "He did what he thought was best," Blackstone added.
Despite the delays, the final show featured surprise performances from artists such as Usher, Pharrell, Clipse, Swizz Beatz, Teyana Taylor, and Jay-Z's wife, Beyoncé, who performed with their daughter, Blue Ivy. Rihanna also made a surprise appearance, performing "Run This Town" and "Bitch Better Have My Money." Blackstone, who also served as Rihanna's musical director for her 2023 Super Bowl halftime show, remarked on the crowd's enthusiastic reaction to her performance.
Blackstone is set to serve as the musical director for Major League Baseball’s All-Star game in Philadelphia following the conclusion of Jay-Z's concert series.