Jay-Z Delivers Pointed Freestyle at Roots Picnic, Addressing Drake, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj

Jay-Z came ready for confrontation at the Roots Picnic 2026 over the weekend.

The 56-year-old artist took the stage in Philadelphia for what marked his first solo concert performance in six years, delivering a freestyle that appeared to target some of hip-hop's biggest names. Throughout the set, he seemed to directly engage with recent controversies involving Drake, Kanye West, and Nicki Minaj.

Appearing to respond to Drake's track "Janis STFU," Jay-Z rapped: "The jig is up, n—a / I'm up 10, wrong chart champ / N–s looked up to Hov, I never looked up to them." Drake's original lyrics included the line: "We know how you OGs rockin' already, my n–a, the jig is up."

The Brooklyn rapper continued with what seemed like additional commentary aimed at Drake, stating: "Them crackers got your publishing checks, go talk tough to them / Don't talk success to me, you n–s is workers in perpetuity is how your contract is worded."

Jay-Z then appeared to address Nicki Minaj, referencing her recent alignment with MAGA politics. He rapped: "That lady back on that stuff, she sounds like she's in love with 'em / Her Ken can't even… pick they kid… enough of them / A rapper can't be my opp, I got MAGA republicans."

The freestyle also seemed to respond to Kanye West's past comments about Jay-Z and Beyoncé's children. Jay-Z delivered: "My children is some of them, have you n–s no shame? / Y'all trying to get under skin, I really get under skin / Ask Un how I'm playin' / Y'all thoughts with your thumbs again, everybody thinks they're the ones insane. You're no maniac." The reference to "Un" appeared to allude to Lance "Un" Rivera, a music executive Jay-Z stabbed at a New York nightclub in 1999.

Looking ahead, Jay-Z has announced a series of shows at Yankee Stadium celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint, with a finale event called "Extra Innings."