Hip-Hop is a genre best experienced live and Jay-Z is one of the most talented emcees in Hip-Hop. Basic deduction would lead one to believe that if both of those statements are true, then combining them would make for one incredible performance. On Nov. 11 at his sold out concert at The Frank Erwin Center Jay-Z did exactly that, wowing the crowds with his performance.

Pharrell Williams and his rock-funk band N.E.R.D. opened the show playing a few of their own songs and a few of the famous rap songs Williams produced like “Drop It Like Its Hot” and “Beautiful.”

After N.E.R.D., the stage went black and a 10-minute countdown began. When the countdown ended Jay-Z rose up from beneath the stage and for the next 90 minutes had the audience in the palm of his hand. When he said bounce, they did. When he told them to sing louder, they did.

The night began with Jay-Z and his 10 piece backing band playing new material like “Run This Town” and “D.O.A.” but the music quickly started to all blend into a powerful mix of music from the last 13 years of his career. Just as things would start to slow down, the rapper would bring on special guests to perform with him. Bridget Kelly, J. Cole, and Jay-Z’s usual hype man and friend Memphis Bleek all got on the mic and helped out through out the evening. Williams even came back to the stage to sing with Jay.

While all the songs were great, a few truly shined during the concert. The live backing band made the already classic “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” and “99 Problems” sound even better. Eventually Jay-Z left the stage and then quickly came back for the encore in a true rock start style. The encore, which alone would have satisfied the audience, featured hits like “Hard Knock Life” “Young Forever” and a performance of “Big Pimpin'” that turned into an emotional memorial to the fallen Texas rapper Pimp C.

It was evident that Jay-Z has mastered both rapping and performing. Jay didn’t just hold the audiences attention for an hour and half, he entertained and left them wanting more while at the same time leaving at the perfect time. No one was left unsatisfied.