Written by Vibeka Mair / Photo Credit: Sacha Lecca
Jay-Z’s three-night run at New York’s Yankee Stadium was a true festival of hip-hop and RnB greats, with fans treated to an all-star lineup of surprise guests including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Teyana Taylor, Nas, Eminem, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Jeezy, Fat Joe, Clipse, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz and more, to celebrate his three-decade career.
Now, with his only UK show at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 4, YEEEAAH! Network is wondering whether Hov could invite some British stars onto the stage.
Here are our top predictions for who could join
Jay-Z in London.
Giggs
Giggs
If there’s one name that feels almost inevitable, it’s Giggs. The South London rap pioneer has one of the strongest connections to Jay-Z with a shoutout to Giggs on DJ Khaled’s 2022 track “God Did”, rapping: “I see a lot of Hov in Giggs.” Giggs could join Jay-Z during tracks such as “Public Service Announcement” or “Encore”, bringing his unmistakable stage presence to one of the biggest rap shows London has seen.
Skepta
Skepta
Few artists have done more to elevate grime on the global stage than Skepta. His collaborations with artists including A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti and Pop Smoke, alongside recognition from figures such as Jay-Z and Pharrell, helped open new doors between the UK and US rap scenes. As one of the architects of grime’s international breakthrough, Skepta would be a fitting guest to celebrate British rap culture in front of a hometown audience, with his appearance carrying both historical significance and undeniable crowd appeal.
Stormzy
Stormzy represents many of the qualities Jay-Z has championed throughout his career: independence, entrepreneurship and using success to create opportunities for others. The Croydon rapper has often cited Jay-Z as an inspiration, while building an empire that stretches beyond music through #Merky Books, television and philanthropy. Although the pair have never officially collaborated, bringing Stormzy on stage would be a symbolic passing of the torch between two artists who have reshaped their respective cultures.
Given Stormzy’s status as one of the UK’s biggest live performers, his appearance would undoubtedly be one of the loudest moments of the night.
Dave
Dave
Dave is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest lyricists, making him a natural fit alongside one of hip-hop’s greatest storytellers. Both artists have built careers on intricate writing, social commentary and timeless albums that reward repeated listens. Jay-Z has consistently celebrated elite lyricism, making Dave an artist who embodies many of the qualities he has respected throughout his own career. While they’ve yet to release music together, a surprise onstage collaboration would unite two generations of master wordsmiths and instantly become one of the concert’s defining moments.
Kano
Kano
As one of the founding fathers of grime, Kano’s influence on British rap is impossible to overlook. The East London MC has spent more than two decades shaping the genre through acclaimed albums such as Home Sweet Home, Made in the Manor and Hoodies All Summer, earning widespread respect for his lyricism and storytelling. Jay-Z has long championed artists who push hip-hop forward through authenticity and elite penmanship, qualities Kano has embodied throughout his career. While the pair have never officially collaborated, bringing Kano out during a London stadium show would be a fitting tribute to the UK’s hip-hop legacy and one of the night’s most celebrated moments for longtime rap fans.
Central Cee
Central Cee
Few UK rappers have expanded their global reach as rapidly as Central Cee. With collaborations alongside Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Ice Spice and Lil Durk, he has become one of Britain’s most internationally recognised rap stars, helping bring UK rap and drill to audiences around the world. Jay-Z has always embraced artists pushing hip-hop into new territory, and bringing out Central Cee would acknowledge the UK’s current global influence while creating a memorable crossover moment for a younger generation of fans.
Little Simz
Little Simz
Little Simz has earned worldwide acclaim through her fearless artistry, lyrical precision and cinematic live performances. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most respected rappers, Simz embodies the creative excellence that Jay-Z has consistently championed throughout his career. Her ability to blend introspective storytelling with commanding stage presence would add a different dynamic to the show. Rather than relying on spectacle alone, her appearance would celebrate lyricism and musicianship, two qualities that have defined Jay-Z’s legacy.
Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith has become one of Britain’s defining R&B voices, earning acclaim for her soulful vocals and effortless ability to move between jazz, soul and hip-hop. While she has never collaborated with Jay-Z, her sound would lend itself naturally to many of his more soulful classics, from “Song Cry” and “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” to tracks originally featuring Beyoncé or Alicia Keys. Her appearance would offer a change of pace within the set, adding a soulful moment while showcasing one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary singers.
A Wildcard: Adele
Adele
It may be the longest shot on this list, but few surprise appearances would rival the excitement of Adele joining Jay-Z on stage in London. As two of the most influential artists of their generation, both have defined modern music while proudly representing their hometowns of London and New York on the global stage. Although they have never officially collaborated, their longstanding mutual respect and close ties through Beyoncé make the idea far from impossible. A surprise appearance from Adele would undoubtedly become one of the defining moments of the tour and instantly dominate headlines around the world.
Will Beyoncé Return?
Jay-Z and Beyonce at Yankee Stadium
After making multiple surprise appearances during the New York shows, Beyoncé remains the biggest wildcard heading into London. The timing is particularly intriguing, with the concert taking place on 4 September, which is not only Beyoncé’s birthday but also marks the 20th anniversary of her landmark second studio album, B’Day, originally released on 4 September 2006.
Whether the occasion is simply a coincidence or the perfect opportunity for another unforgettable on-stage reunion remains to be seen. If Beyoncé were to appear, it would undoubtedly become one of the defining moments of the London shows and a fitting way to mark two significant milestones for the Carter family.
Could Rihanna Make an Appearance?
Jay-z and Rihanna and Yankee Stadium
Another intriguing possibility is Rihanna. Her partner, A$AP Rocky, is scheduled to perform at London’s All Points East festival on the very same day. While there is no indication that Rihanna will appear with either artist, her being in London at the same time has inevitably fuelled fan speculation. Given Rihanna surprised audiences during Jay-Z’s New York concerts, some fans will be wondering whether history could repeat itself if schedules align.
Expect the Unexpected
The New York concerts prove that Jay-Z loves rewarding fans with unforgettable surprises. His London date is his only confirmed UK show of the year, making it the perfect occasion for one special guest—or several.
Whether it’s Giggs representing London, Stormzy igniting the stadium, Dave delivering lyrical fireworks, Litte Simz bringing homegrown star power, or even dream appearances from Rihanna or Beyoncé, fans will be watching every song, waiting for that unforgettable walk-on.
