S. Samuel
Rapper Jay-Z's secret New York City performance is reportedly back on today despite being called off by the mayor last week.
According to reports, Jay will be performing alongside Eminem on a Manhattan rooftop.
The rapper has taken to the rooftop of the Ed Sullivan Theater this afternoon to rehearse a surprise show with Eminem — just days after the mayor canceled his planned performance from the theater’s marquee. The two are currently strolling the rooftop and doing microphone checks for a taping of the “Late Show with David Letterman” later this afternoon, sources said. The NYPD said a permit was not required for the rooftop performance. (NY Post)
Last week, Jay’s show was reportedly called off by Mayor Bloomberg.
“There was discussion of a concert, and ultimately it was decided there would be no permit,” said Julianne Cho, spokeswoman for the Mayor’s film office. Sources told The Post that a permit for Jay-Z’s performance would have been granted only if organizers could keep the show secret, but word of the show leaked out yesterday. “Many permits are granted on the condition that the event is not made public beforehand for capacity and security reasons,” Cho said. “This event was made public.” (New York Post)
Further reports suggested that the secret performance would gain too much attention prior to Monday.
A Jay-Z performance on the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater planned for Monday was axed by the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting on Thursday. The NYPD had already asked organizers to front $100,000 to cover overtime for cops and city workers on the night. The concert was supposed to be a surprise, but word of it leaked out on Thursday, ending any chance at a permit. (DNA Info)
Last year’s 50 Cent Family Day celebration in Queens, New York was also called off by Mayor Bloomberg.
“The G-Unity Foundation and New York Restoration Project are deeply saddened and disappointed to learn that the permit for our upcoming Family Day event was not granted by the City,” a statement read. “As a result, Family Day — scheduled for August 30th — has been postponed until further notice.” (MTV)
