NationStates Jolt Archive

Jay-Z's headlining set at Glastonbury has just finished, and it was fucking awesome, even from the comfort of an armchair.

Mr. Carter's stuff isn't my favourite kind of rap, and he isn't my favourite hip hop artist, but damn, that was a good set. There was all manner of nay-saying and poo-pooing, culminating in Noel Gallagher's assertion that a rap act shouldn't be headlining a 'guitar festival' (seemingly ignoring the multitude of non-guitar-based bands who already perform at Glastonbury), but Jay-Z knocked those critics out of the water with an obviously adoring crowd.

Moreover, he came out mock-strumming a guitar and covering/taking the piss out of Gallagher's Wonderwall. Excellent stuff.

I realise Jay-Z isn't the first US hip-hop act to set foot on the UK big festival scene (I myself have seen The Roots and Wu-Tang at T in the Park), but an act of this calibre, at a festival of this size, can only be a good thing. UK festivals, and Glasto in particular, just got a shot in the arm of some much needed adrenaline.

So, anyone else see the set? Anyone agree with Gallagher?

I didn't catch it, but I personally don't think Jay-Z is any good. Of all the rappers us 'crackers' could choose to love, Jay-Z is a rubbish choice, I just find him... dull.

I just find him... dull.
On record, yeah, he's not the most innovative rap act out there, but his live set was something to behold.

On record, yeah, he's not the most innovative rap act out there, but his live set was something to behold.

Would you go as far as to say the best act so far?

Would you go as far as to say the best act so far?
That I've seen? Certainly. Though Buddy Guy and the Raconteurs were both very good.

But bear in mind I'm not at the festival; I'm watching it on the Beeb.

That I've seen? Certainly. Though Buddy Guy and the Raconteurs were both very good.

But bear in mind I'm not at the festival; I'm watching it on the Beeb.

In my experience, for some reason the not so good acts always look amazing on tv, but the acts you thought were amazing look crappy on tv.

In my experience, for some reason the not so good acts always look amazing on tv, but the acts you thought were amazing look crappy on tv.
It's not a hard-set rule, but it happens.

However, I don't think Jay-Z's set will fall into this category. It'll be interesting to see the reviews and reactions tomorrow (not least from Gallagher), but I doubt they'll be hostile.

Although rap isn´t my cup of tea (I can´t stand it!), I do have to say Jay-Z has a history of just kicking ass in his shows. So kudos to the rapper on conquering Glastonbury.

I didn't catch it, but I personally don't think Jay-Z is any good. Of all the rappers us 'crackers' could choose to love, Jay-Z is a rubbish choice, I just find him... dull.
I dunno. Dead Presidents is pretty poetic.

He wrote his response years ago - What more can I say (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3VVykEt37c)

I don't personally care for Jay-Z, and he's so ugly and married to such a beautiful woman it kind of makes me want to cry, but I've heard he puts on an amazing show. Some artists are more talented or sound better on record but can't bring it to a live show (Kanye).

Meh, i would be too biased to say either way...

Cause,im just not a fan of rap, i just dont see how it takes alot of talent to walk up on stage, grab your crotch, cuss and say a few random words that vaguely rhyme...The DJ's are the true talent cause they actually have to do shit...but they rarely get a mention, shame...

Youd never see a Pearl Jam show for example where Mike McCready didnt get a mention...

Rap is not really my thing, but the complaints about him appearing always seemed a bit odd to me. It's a music festival, he's a big music artist.

I did see some of Amy Winehouse, though, and... oh dear. She ain't better yet.

There was all manner of nay-saying and poo-pooing, culminating in Noel Gallagher's assertion that a rap act shouldn't be headlining a 'guitar festival' (seemingly ignoring the multitude of non-guitar-based bands who already perform at Glastonbury), but Jay-Z knocked those critics out of the water with an obviously adoring crowd.

Similar things were said about Metallica headlining Bonnaroo (a metal band at a "hippie"/jam-band festival), but Metallica kicked ass (from what I heard). It doesn't surprise me that Jay-Z did a great job. He's a great entertainer, and a great rapper. I think good performers up their game when they're performing to a crowd who may not be familiar with them.

(Kanye West made an appearance at Bonnaroo as the other controversial headliner... but he really fucked it up (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7474827.stm), and if he truly did "give it his all"... he should look in to retiring soon.)

i just dont see how it takes alot of talent to walk up on stage, grab your crotch, cuss and say a few random words that vaguely rhyme...
It doesn't, but then that's not what any high-quality rapper does.

The DJ's are the true talent cause they actually have to do shit...but they rarely get a mention
Bull.

For the last decade or so, hip-hop has been dominated by big name DJ's. Obviously, rappers are still prolific, but it's never een a better time to be a DJ; the DMC and all that.


I did see some of Amy Winehouse, though, and... oh dear. She ain't better yet.
No she isn't, the poor sod.

Given the alternative between Jay-z and a half-arsed loud mouthed Beatles tribute band with delusions of grandeur, I'd take the J. And I don't like rap.

Hip Hops been around for like 20 years and its just NOW making its way to Glastonbury? Damn.

Hip Hops been around for like 20 years and its just NOW making its way to Glastonbury? Damn.

Hip hop's been at Glastonbury before, this is the first time a hip hop act has headlined.