The third and final night of JAY-Z’s historic run at Yankee Stadium didn’t begin the way anyone expected. As tens of thousands of fans packed the Bronx on Sunday night, a security issue outside the stadium delayed the start of the show, leaving fans waiting well past the scheduled start time. Once the issue was resolved, the delay quickly became an afterthought.

When the lights finally went down, the Yankees’ home field transformed into a celebration of one of hip-hop’s greatest careers.

Opening the night with the intro from his 2000 album The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, JAY-Z wasted no time setting the tone before launching into “Brooklyn’s Finest.” From early classics like “Where I’m From” and “Dead Presidents” to arena anthems including “99 Problems,” “Empire State of Mind,” and “Public Service Announcement,” the nearly three-hour performance covered every era of his career.

The night’s biggest moments came through a parade of surprise guests, each representing a different chapter of JAY-Z’s career.

Teyana Taylor joined him for “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” while Jermaine Dupri brought Atlanta energy with “Money Ain’t a Thang.” Jeezy took the stage for “Seen It All” and “Go Crazy,” followed by Usher for standout performances of “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” and “Part II (On the Run).”

The loudest reaction of the night belonged to Rihanna, who made her long-awaited entrance for “Run This Town.” The stadium erupted as the longtime collaborators reunited before Rihanna launched into “Bitch Better Have My Money,” creating one of the defining moments of the evening.

Swizz Beatz kept the momentum rolling with “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem,” “Jigga My Nigga,” and “On to the Next One,” while Pharrell Williams and Clipse delivered an extended run that included “Excuse Me Miss,” “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me),” “Frontin’,” “Allure,” and “Grindin’.”

Later in the show, Beyoncé made a memorable appearance for “Drunk in Love,” adding another highlight to an already stacked lineup of special guests. Fat Joe and Jadakiss also joined JAY-Z during Ja Rule’s “New York,” turning the finale into a celebration of New York hip-hop.

Between the guest appearances, JAY-Z proved that his own catalog was more than enough to command the stadium. Songs like “Song Cry,” “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Can I Live,” “Girls, Girls, Girls/’03 Bonnie & Clyde,” “Lucifer,” and “Encore” reminded fans why his music has remained relevant for nearly three decades.

The show closed with “Empire State of Mind,” followed by “New York” and “Encore,” providing a fitting ending to a weekend that celebrated both JAY-Z’s legacy and his hometown.

Despite the delayed start, the crowd never lost its enthusiasm. Once the music began, the frustration inside the stadium quickly disappeared, replaced by nearly three hours of hit after hit and a lineup of surprise guests that few artists could assemble. The final night at Yankee Stadium wasn’t just another concert—it was a celebration of JAY-Z’s career, New York City, and the lasting impact of one of hip-hop’s greatest performers.

Setlist: Brooklyn’s Finest, Where I’m From, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, I Know, U Don’t Know, Can’t Knock the Hustle (with Teyana Taylor), Money Ain’t a Thang (with Jermaine Dupri), Seen It All (with Jeezy), Go Crazy (with Jeezy), Hola’ Hovito, Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love) (with Usher), Part II (On the Run) (with Usher), Never Change, Song Cry, Izzo (H.O.V.A.), Beach Is Better, Fuckwithmeyouknowigotit, Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99), No Church in the Wild (with The-Dream), Clique, Run This Town (with Rihanna), Bitch Better Have My Money (Rihanna), Dead Presidents, Can I Live, Girls, Girls, Girls / ’03 Bonnie & Clyde, 99 Problems, Ruff Ryders Anthem / Welcome to the Jungle / So Appalled (with Swizz Beatz), Jigga My Nigga (with Swizz Beatz), On to the Next One (with Swizz Beatz), Ain’t No Woman, Ain’t No Nigga, Excuse Me Miss (with Pharrell Williams), La La La (with Pharrell Williams), I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) (with Pharrell Williams), Frontin’ (with Pharrell Williams), Allure (with Pharrell Williams), Grindin’ (with Clipse & Pharrell Williams), Lift Off, Drunk in Love (with Beyoncé), Niggas in Paris / Big Pimpin’, Public Service Announcement, Theme From New York, New York, Empire State of Mind, New York (with Fat Joe & Jadakiss), Lucifer, Dirt Off Your Shoulder (snippet), Encore