Jay-Z responded to criticism leveled at him by Oasis' Noel Gallagher with a masterstroke at UK's Glastonbury festival over the weekend.
Gallagher was widely quoted prior to the event as saying there was no place for hip-hop at the festival and that the headline spot should be reserved for "guitar bands". His criticism seemed initially to be backed by punters, as the usually sold out festival experienced sluggish sales, with organiser Michael Eavis announcing the day before it began that there were still 3000 tickets available. The first time the event had not sold out in 15 years.
Into a highly charged setting and wearing a white stratocaster guitar, the New York rapper entered the stage Saturday night to the strains of Oasis anthem 'Wonderwall'. A video montage featuring Gallagher claiming Jay Z had "no fucking chance" played on video screens behind him. He then swayed and mimed along to the song in front of "one of the biggest crowds gathered for the main stage" according to the
NME.
In a pointed but humble diss at the Oasis camp, Jay Z laughed, postured and mouthed along to the lines "there are many things I would like to say to you but I don't know how", as the 90,000 strong crowd sang along. He then turned his microphone towards the fans for the line "maybe you're going to be the one that saves me" before stopping the song. The crowd began chanting "Jay Z" as the frontman stood still on stage. He then kicked in to hit '99 Problems', full rock band in tow.
Dragging popular music kicking and whinging into the 21st century.
Check. Mate.
UPDATE: Seems the old YouTube link was removed. Try this one:
Jay Z - 'Wonderwall' Oasis cover & '99 Problems' live @ Glastonbury
(Pics: Wenn)