Fade to Black (2004)
An intimate look at hip-hop artist Shawn Carter, Jay-Z, revealing the multiple Grammy Award winning artist as never before, from his background and rise to fame to the recording of his last album. The film chronicles the legendary concert of Jay-Z's performance at Madison Square Garden in November 2003. In an unprecedented event, a hip-hop artist sold out an arena in only two hours. Nearly one year later, fans and artists alike still reflect on this monumental musical night. The event was a spectacular culmination of Jay-Z's recording career prior to his self-proclaimed retirement from solo performing. Yet this one night also defined a musical generation, showcasing the evolution and reach of the world's most popular music genre. Guest performers included Jay-Z's closest friends and music industry colleagues: Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Foxy Brown, Pharrell, and Questlove and The Illadelphonics along with appearances by hip hop icons Damon Dash, Rick Rubin, Slick Rick, P. Diddy and many others. Viewers get the rare glimpse of Jay-Z's creative process as he searches for inspiration, poetry, and perfection in his songs. Narrated by Jay-Z, his account of the night takes on reflections of his entire musical career and his journey that led to this one astounding, fabled evening--rightfully called 'Fade To Black.'
3 May 1971, New York City, New York, USA
1 July 1971, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
10 April 1970, Brooklyn, New York, USA
10 March 1971, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
November 27, 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, USA
8 July 1979, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
4 November 1969, New York City, New York, USA
5 April 1973, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
14 October 1978, Dallas, Texas, USA
January 22, 1947 in Lumberton, North Carolina, USA
14 January 1965, South Wimbledon, London, England, UK
23 June 1978, Brooklyn, New York, USA
2 November 1944, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
11 January 1971, Yonkers, New York, USA
20 January 1971, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
13 February 1974, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
8 June 1977, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
20 November 1965, New York City, New York, USA
5 August 1968, The Bronx, New York, USA
13 March 1972, Chicago, Illinois, USA
6 March 1974, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
4 September 1981, Houston, Texas, USA
9 May 1970, Richmond [now Staten Island], New York City, New York, USA
10 March 1963, Long Island, New York, USA
September 6, 1976 in Brooklyn, New York, USA
4 December 1969, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
January 8, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, USA
