By April MacIntyre Sep 12, 2009, 15:58 GMT
Musician and entrepreneur Jay-Z performed to a SRO crowd in Madison Square Garden on Friday night (September 11) to raise funds and honor the victims of the September 11th terrorist attack in the Twin Towers.
08/31/2009 - Jay-Z - Jay-Z Press Conference to Announce "Answer the Call" Concert to Benefit NY Police and Firefighter Widows and Children at Madison Square Garden on August 31, 2009 - Madison Square Garden - New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos
Joining him were Sean Diddy Combs, Pharrell, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige, Kid Cudi, Santigold and Beyoncé who also appeared onstage for the "Answer the Call" benefit concert.
The proceeds from the show reportedly are to directly benefit families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attack.
According to the Associated Press, Jay addressed the crowd on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "They believed that it would weaken us; they were sadly mistaken," he said. "I saw the strength and resiliency that made New Yorkers New Yorkers. Now we stand here eight years later even stronger. This is our town. We run this town, New York City. New York City, we run this town."
DJ Biz Markie was on hand to warm the audience up.
When it was time for Jay-Z, a huge video screen appeared shaped like the New York City skyline: "Is New York City in the house tonight?" he asked. The Brooklyn native then devoted his attention to his home burrough.
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