S. Samuel
Jay-Z's rider, or lists of items requested, for his "Last Smash Bash" concert has hit the net and includes a $400K Maybach for transportation and detailed gourmet and alcohol products.
Each item has been described in released contractual documents.
The chart-topping performer did not get every perk requested in his concert rider, since the school does not provide artists with alcohol, tobacco, or $400,000 luxury vehicles. Jay-Z demands that promoters provide him with ground transportation while he is in town performing. Specifically, the rap star requires a late-model black Maybach (either the 57 or 62 model) with tinted windows. Carter’s dressing room must be stocked with Sapporo beer, vodka, tequila, and two bottles of $300 Champagne and two bottles (at $200 apiece) of 2004 Sassicaia, which his rider helpfully describes as a “Red, Italian Wine from Bolgheri Region.” Additionally, Carter requires “Good Quality” peanut butter and jelly, one martini shaker, 12 shot glasses, and a pack of Marlboro Lights. A marked-up copy of the Jay-Z rider, provided by the University of Arizona, includes the school’s deletion of items it declined to provide the rapper. (The Smoking Gun)
The show reportedly failed to generate enough profits which caused Arizona concert promoters a loss of nearly $1 million.
“The Last Smash Platinum Bash”, which featured Jay-Z and Kelly Clarkson, ended up $917,000 in the red. The concert cost $1.42 million, and ticket and merchandise sales brought in only $503,502, according to student organizers. Tommy Bruce, outgoing president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, blamed the event’s struggles on the economy. “Nobody predicted the economy would be the way it is now last May,” he said. The contract for Jay-Z, who was paid $750,00, was signed March 24. (Arizona Daily Star)
Jigga recently spoke on his overall positive experience at the venue and broke down racial barriers found throughout hip-hop.
“On the show as well were Third Eye Blind and Kelly Clarkson,” Jay explained. “I thought that to be the oddest pairing ever but, soon realized, it’s what I’ve always professed. There is no such thing as black music or white music only good or bad music. It’s stupid cool to like things that are not like you, and that goes for outside of music. If you’re an African American you can have a Jewish friend…I think concerts like this should happen more often…I’m putting that into the universe..next up Taylor Swift and Uncle Murda!!” (Rap Radar)
Aside from the Arizona concert, Jay is reportedly hitting the road with Ciara this summer.
Jay-Z will headline a series of intimate performances beginning July 3rd at the Pearl in the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, the former’s representative has confirmed. The Brooklyn rapper will be backed by a full band, and will be accompanied by singer Ciara, who will open all stops. Confirmed dates currently take place in July 2009 at Las Vegas, Chicago, Uncasville (Connecticut) and Atlanta. (Billboard)
[For more on your favorite rappers from the Big Apple peep SOHH NYC]
