This morning, Jay-Z was joined by New York Governor David Paterson and a whole slew of corporate and government guests to hype-up Hova's 'Answer The Call' charity concert at Madison Square Garden. The show, taking place on Sept. 11 and coinciding with the release of 'Blueprint 3,' is a surefire sellout event with all proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise going to the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. The coolest part? Whether you score seats in the first row or the rafters, all tickets are a reasonable $50. With the money going to charity, it's a significant cause for New Yorkers and fans can do their part while having a celebratory evening. Tickets go on sale Sept. 8 at 12PM EST (with a 9AM presale for Citi customers). According to Kevin Liles, EVP of WMG, promoters hope to raise up to $1 million.
"September 10, 2001, I was in Los Angeles shooting the video for 'Girls, Girls, Girls' and my album [the original 'Blueprint'] was gonna come out the next day," says Jay-Z. "I got a phone call and a friend of mine said, "Turn the TV on." I saw the World Trade Center on fire and it looked like a movie to me... I saw footage of these heroic actions -- people running into buildings and saving each other. It showed the strength of New York."
He continues, "I'm about to put out this 'Blueprint 3.' It's only right that at the end of the day, this is my chance to help out. I thank everyone for helping me realize that vision."
Governor Paterson provided a lofty lead-in for Hov, delivering a diatribe on the importance of action in the wake of 9/11 and beyond. "He [Jay-Z] finds ways to bring people together again and again. This time it's for one of the greatest causes we might ever have. That spirit of service that he exhibits lives on. That spirit of dedication that those first responders, those employees of Port Authority, the police and firefighters gave that day lives on."
Can't make it to NYC for the show? Don't worry your little head. The concert will be televised live and commercial-free by FUSE. Jay-Z has sold out Madison Square Garden all seven times he's performed there. The 'Answer The Call' benefit looks to be the eighth. Talk about an epic record release party.
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