Jay-Z, Ye to headline separate shows in NYC and London on same weekend

Jay-Z and Ye are gearing up for their respective headlining shows in different major cities this summer.

The rappers will hit stages in New York City and London, respectively, during the same weekend: July 10, 11 and 12. The shows have been a talker online among fans and hip hop pundits, who are debating who will put on a better set.

For Jay-Z, the "Excuse Me Miss" emcee will perform in his hometown at Yankee Stadium after more than a decade to celebrate milestone anniversaries from his career.

The first show will honor the 30th anniversary of his debut album, "Reasonable Doubt," and the second one will recognize the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint."

The news had fans in a frenzy to try to secure tickets, and due to the demand, a third performance, dubbed "Extra Innings," was added to the lineup. The show isn’t connected to a specific album, but will “build on the momentum” of the other two shows, said a release announcing the new concert.

Ye's upcoming performance sparks backlash

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is slated as the headliner for the Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park in London.

"11 years later, Ye returns to London for a three night journey through his most iconic records," the festival wrote on its website. The Chicago native last performed in the U.K. in 2015.

Ye has attracted controversy in recent years over his comments deriding both Jewish and Black people, but is seemingly attempting a comeback. He dropped his new album "Bully" earlier this month, after taking out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal to apologize for his past remarks. Ye has also been accused in two lawsuits of sexual misconduct by former employees.

His upcoming performance has sparked backlash from local officials. According to Variety, London Mayor Sadiq Khan spoke out about the festival's controversial move.

“We are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London’s values,” a spokesperson for Khan toldthe outlet. “This was a decision taken by the festival organizers and not one that City Hall is involved in."

Jay-Z, Ye have a complicated friendship

Former collaborators and close friends, Jay-Z and Kanye West have had a hot-and-cold relationship over the years.

Recently, in 2025, Ye went on a since-deleted rant on X about the Brooklyn rapper and his wife, Beyoncé. It included offensive jabs at the couple’s children, Rumi and Sir.

Ye issued an apology for his remarks, later stating in a post, "all my dreams have been about apologizing to Jay Z," Billboard reported.

During a surprise appearance on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour stop in Paris last June, Jay- Z changed the lyrics to “(Expletive) in Paris.” He swapped the line, "Just might let you meet Ye” to “Just might let you meet Bey.”

The song is a staple on Jay-Z and Ye’s 2011 album “Watch The Throne.” The collaborative effort earned them best rap song and best rap performance awards at the 55th Grammy Awards.

Contributing: Anna Kaufman, Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].