Jay-Z Declares London His 'Second Home'

Posted on Jul 5th 2010 1:15PM by Andrew Kerr
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Jay-Z brought the final day of the 2010 Barclaycard Wireless festival to a spectacular close on Sunday night, July 4, and in the process cemented his popularity on these shores even further by telling the Hyde Park crowd, "I feel like London is my second home," the NME reports.

Two years since his last headlining appearance at the festival, the rapper's declaration was met with huge cheers from the crowd. However American fans needn't question his allegiance as the stage was soon dominated by a projection of the Stars and Stripes.

Watched from the wings by a host of stars including wife Beyonce, Amy Winehouse and Madonna, the rapper celebrated Independence Day with a powerhouse display that included hits '99 Reasons,' 'Empire State of Mind' and 'Hard Knock Life.'

Eager to share the limelight, Jay-Z was joined by protege J Cole for 'A Star is Born,' while Mr Hudson made an appearance on 'Forever Young.'

At one point during his set the rapper was left somewhat frustrated by security. Playing a medley of 'Girls Girls Girls' and '03 Bonnie and Clyde' he told fans to "grab a jacket and throw it in the air" before proceeding to throw his own to one enthusiastic female fan. However security's inability to hand over the coat left Jay-Z none-too-pleased, "Just give her the jacket, Jesus!" he urged them.

Before returning to the States, Jay-Z will is heading to County Kildare, Ireland for the Oxygen festival on July 9.