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‘Saturday Night Live’ Season 43 Kicks Off with Jay-Z As Musical Guest

Jay-Z performed at the V Festival before gearing up for stateside shows. (Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

After a stellar few months, thanks to his introspective album “4:44,” Jay-Z is set to take the stage on “Saturday Night Live” following a seven-year hiatus from the show.

Jay will be the musical guest on the premiere of SNL’s 43rd season Sept. 30, according to a Thursday, Aug. 24, tweet from the program. He last appeared on the long-running sketch-comedy series in 2010, when his performances included an eight-minute melody of his biggest hits. Betty White was the host at the time and this year, actor Ryan Gossling is stepping up for the gig.


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SNL also will mark the first televised performance for Jay since dropping “4:44.” The rapper recently had a set at the V Festival in the UK on Saturday, Aug. 19, and he’s set to play a series of festivals in September, including his Made In America Festival in Philadelphia. Then, in October, Jay will kick off his 31-date “4:44 Tour.

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