Jay-Z & Beyoncé Steal Spotlight At Prez Obama’s Inauguration

Written By S. Samuel

Rap mogul Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter raised eyebrows and strutted themselves Monday (January 21) in Washington, D.C. for President Barack Obama inauguration.

Jay-Z
999 Views Comments Off on Jay-Z & Beyoncé Steal Spotlight At Prez Obama’s Inauguration

Jay and Bey rocked all-black everything gear upon taking over the District of Columbia.

Prior to her patriotic performance, Bey and husband Jay-Z made an elegantentrance at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Hip-hop’s First Couple beamed with pride as they walked arm in arm in all black (Bey looked gorgeous in a floor-length Emilio Pucci gown, 80-carat emerald earrings, and a 50-caratemerald ring by Lorraine Schwartz). They greeted the First Family and even asked someone to snap a photo of them on an iPhone while overlooking the National Mall. (Rap-Up)

Along with Knowes-Carter, additional star-studded performers came through for the historic event.

The Performances: James Taylor strummed a guitar singing “America the Beautiful” and Kelly Clarkson belted out a powerful rendition of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” accompanied by the United States Marine Band. Beyoncé looked stunning, rounding out the performances, bringing down the house singing the National Anthem. Beyoncé, whose performance was saved for the end of the inaugural event (sparking a “Where’s Beyoncé” Twitter trend), looked amazing in a stunning black dress. (E! Online)

According to reports, there were more than 500,000 people in attendance.

“We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate,” Obama said from atop the Capitol steps overlooking the National Mall. Looking out on a sea of flags, Obama addressed a crowd estimated to be up to 700,000 people – less than half the record 1.8 million who assembled four years ago. Speaking in more specific terms than is customary in an inaugural address, he promised “hard choices” to reduce the federal deficit without shredding the social safety net and called for a revamping of the tax code and a remaking of government. (Chicago Tribune)

Leading up to the inauguration, a slew of hip-hop artists came through for weekend festivities.

Of course, if you’re looking for glamour and big names without paying inaugural ball prices, there’s plenty of opportunity. The Park at 14th is hosting a Saturday afternoon “day party” with actor Boris Kodjoe from 3 to 9 p.m. The main Saturday night soiree features hip-hop star Common and radio/TV host Kenny Burns, and Jamie Foxx hosts Sunday’s party. (Advance tickets for all events are $20; buy ahead to skip serious lines.) Buzzed-about rapper Trinidad James is performing at the upscale lounge Opera on Sunday night; Love’s schedule includes Meek Mill on Friday and Future on Saturday, both of which cost $40. (Washington Post)

Comments Off on Jay-Z & Beyoncé Steal Spotlight At Prez Obama’s Inauguration

Written by S. Samuel

Steven Samuel is the co-founder of SOHH.com.

UPDATE: Lupe Fiasco’s Stage Rant, Security Footage Surfaces [Video]

50 Cent

“50 Understands He Needs Game To Make A G-Unit Push” [Video]