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October 2004

First Look: Fade to Black

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First Look: Fade to Black

Distributor: Paramount Classics

Fade To Black 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: Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Foxy Brown, Pharrell, and ?uestlove and The Illadelphonics along with appearances by hip hop icons Damon Dash, Rick Rubin, Slick Rick, P. Diddy and many others.The film is an intimate look at Jay-Z, revealing the multiple Grammy Award winning artist as never before. Fade To Black captures the stunning imagery of onstage performances, the entire hip hop family in backstage moments, and the soul-searching and dramatic process of creating “The Black Album." Viewers get a 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.

"I was on the biggest stage in the world, with some of the biggest stars in music, and we pulled off the perfect night, "said Jay-Z. “This was the ultimate dream growing up in Brooklyn. I went from Marcy to Madison Square."

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