Rihanna made a surprise return to the stage during Jay-Z’s “Extra Innings” concert at Yankee Stadium in New York. She delivered her first major live performance in years. The appearance excited fans as they watched two top artists perform together.

This was Rihanna’s first major public live appearance since her Super Bowl halftime show in 2023. She kept a low profile, focusing on her businesses and family life.

Photo: Roc Nation

Rihanna joined Jay-Z during the final night of his three-show Yankee Stadium concert series on July 12. The event celebrated Jay-Z’s career and featured several guests.

The singer walked onto the stage to perform “Run This Town,” the 2009 collaboration between Rihanna, Jay-Z and Kanye West. The performance brought back memories.

After performing alongside Jay-Z, Rihanna continued with her hit song “Bitch Better Have My Money.” The performance allowed fans to see the superstar return to a live stage.

Photo: Roc Nation

Rihanna spoke to the audience about being away from performing for a long time.

Y’all know I’m rusty, right? It’s been a while. Y’all with me right now?” she said.

Before leaving, she told the audience,

“I missed this shit, y’all! New York, I love you guys!”

The concert faced some challenges before the performances began. The show started several hours late after a security issue. Reports said fans were kept waiting outside while officials handled the situation before the concert could begin.

Photo: Roc Nation

Jay-Z apologized when he climbed the stage.

“They closed the door for you guys’ safety and everyone’s safety outside. I don’t want to start the music and people get trampled.

“I’m really sorry for the inconvenience, but I had to make sure everyone was OK,” Jay-Z continued. “I appreciate your patience.”

Beyoncé, Usher, Pharrell Williams and Teyana Taylor also performed at the concert.. However, Rihanna’s surprise performance remained the biggest moment due to her time off music.

Rihanna and Jay-Z have come a long way. Rihanna was signed to Jay-Z’s label. Their latest reunion showed that their connection remains strong.

Rihanna appearance at Yankee Stadium shows she still has it in her. It was a rare return from one of the world’s biggest music stars and a reminder of the excitement that surrounds any future project from the singer.

Jay-Z returned to the Roots Picnic stage after being away from the festival since 2019. He appeared in a noticeably new look. The rapper, who has been known for wearing his signature dreadlocks in recent years, stepped out with a combed-out afro while headlining the festival alongside The Roots.

His afro was neatly shaped and combed out, offering a cleaner look compared to the freeform locs he had been seen with over the years. The performance took place at the Belmont Plateau venue in Philadelphia.

Photo: Instagram

Dressed in an all-black outfit, Jay-Z performed on stage with live backing from The Roots, delivering a headline set that featured guest appearances from Bilal, Jazmine Sullivan, State Property, and Meek Mill. He opened his set with ‘Hovi Baby’ and an unreleased freestyle, which appeared to address recent controversies surrounding him online.

Photo: Instagram

Some lyrics were linked to the ongoing conversations involving Drake following recent ICEMAN lyrics that referenced him. The freestyle was also aimed at broader criticism directed at him, including commentary tied to his long-running brand, which some speculated could be a response to Tory Lanez and his father.

Ahead of his Roots Picnic appearance, the rapper made a surprise performance at the Foundry the night before, which was attended by Beyoncé and Dave Chappelle.

Photo: Instagram

He reminded fans why he’s still considered one of the greatest rappers. With three sold-out Yankee Stadium shows already lined up, many see this performance as the start of something bigger.

Kanye West released a new song titled “Father,” on March 28, 2026, featuring Travis Scott. The track was directed by his wife Bianca Censori, which is the third song from his twelfth studio album “Bully.”

“Father” infused gospel elements with heavy drums and bass. The song opens with a vocal sample from gospel singer Johnnie Frierson. West uses his verse to describe his new state of mind, while Scott follows with a faster pace and gave a brief reference to Nike, thanks to his association with the shoe brand. 

Photo: Instagram

A day before “Bully” was released, “Father” was revealed at a listening party in California, accompanied by a music video. The video took place inside a church with Kanye dressed in a gray suit and cowboy boots. Other attendees in the church included elderly women and nuns, who are seen in the background.

Photo: Instagram

As the video continues, two astronauts arrive and unmask West, revealing what looks like an alien face before they carry him out of the church. Travis Scott then appears during a wedding scene involving two women.

The video combines both sci-fi elements, such as aliens and astronauts, with religious imagery. It also includes a background figure who resembles Michael Jackson but is  later confirmed as an impersonator named Fabio Jackson.

Photo: Instagram

The song is part of the album “Bully,” which had a delayed release before arriving on streaming platforms. A few days before the album dropped, a Beats Electronics advert featuring Travis Scott resurfaced online. The advert was originally released in December 2025, and towards the end, a short snippet of an unreleased track was heard, believed to be “Father.”

West and Scott have long maintained a working relationship with each other, dating back to the 2012 compilation album “Cruel Summer.” Since then, both artists have worked together on several songs. In 2025, their relationship became strained following a series of public statements and online activity. West also accused Scott of taking credit for work from past recording sessions. They later settled their differences in November, when West made a surprise appearance at Scott’s concert in Japan, performing on stage together.