When Jay-Z and Rihanna hit the stage together, you know it’s going to be legendary—and their performance of Run This Town at Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend on June 23, 2012, was no exception. Filmed in high definition at Hackney Marshes in East London, this live rendition brought the house down with raw energy, star power, and a crowd that was all in. It’s a moment that captures two music titans owning the night, and it still gives chills in 2025. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to vibe with and see why this performance is unforgettable!
What Went Down?
Run This Town, the 2009 banger from Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3, is a power anthem featuring Rihanna and Kanye West. At Hackney Weekend—a massive free festival tied to the London 2012 Olympics—Jay-Z kicked off his headline set with a surprise. Out struts Rihanna, rocking black shorts, a bra top, and bold shades, to join him for a fiery live version. The crowd of 50,000 lost it as they traded bars and hooks, with Jay’s commanding flow meeting Rihanna’s fierce “ay-ay-ays.” The HD footage captures every second—the lights, the roar, and that electric chemistry.
Why It’s Iconic
This wasn’t just a performance; it was a flex. Jay-Z, the rap mogul, and Rihanna, his Roc Nation protégé, showed why they “run this town.” The live setting amps up the song’s intensity—Jay’s verses hit harder with the crowd’s energy, and Rihanna’s vocals soar, owning the hook like it’s her throne. The Hackney stage, set against London’s Olympic Park, added a historic vibe. Plus, it was a full-circle moment: Rihanna joined Jay-Z’s label years earlier, and here they were, dominating together. The HD quality lets you catch every smirk and strut, making it feel like you’re there.
A 2012 Time Capsule
Hackney Weekend was a cultural peak—100,000 fans, stars like Jessie J and Tinie Tempah, and a pre-Olympics buzz. Jay-Z headlined Saturday; Rihanna closed Sunday. Their Run This Town duet was a surprise opener for his set, with Beyoncé watching proudly from the crowd. The song’s lyrics—about power, hustle, and taking charge—felt perfect for the moment, reflecting their real-life empire. Kanye wasn’t there, but his verse still echoed through the speakers, rounding out the trio’s legacy. This was peak early-2010s hip-hop, live and unfiltered.
Where to Watch
Why It Still Slaps
This live Run This Town is Jay-Z and Rihanna at their boldest—two icons feeding off each other and a hyped crowd. It’s a snapshot of a time when hip-hop ruled the world, and they were at the top. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the track, the Hackney performance delivers swagger, heart, and history in one package. The HD visuals seal the deal, making every beat pop. Watch it, feel it, and let it remind you who runs this town.
