Jay Z was the star of the show at the opening of New York’s new Barclays Center in Brooklyn. And he will continue to be the star of the show for the next eight nights as he prepares to embark on a residency at the 19,000 capacity concert hall. Aceshowbiz report that Jay Z was supported by Rihanna, J Cole and Lyor Cohen, as he opened his 40/40 club and restaurant as part of the Brooklyn Centre complex.

Wearing a tux and bowtie, Jay Z welcomed friends and family to the glitzy event and told reporters “yeah I think I'm the American dream. That whole thing that you could come here and pull yourself up by the bootstraps, like that whole thing what America has always put up to the world that we represent. I feel that. Yes, I've lived that.” And who are we to argue? Jay Z is easily one of the most influential music stars in America right now and he and his partner Beyonce are the premiere couple in the celebrity world.

Tonight, the center will be ringing with Jay Z songs, as the hip-hop star will start his eight-date stint there. The multi-billion dollar suite contains 101 luxury suites, four bars and a selection of clubs and retail outlets. Other stars lined up to perform there currently include Justin Bieber, Lady GaGa, Green Day, Barbra Streisand and Rihanna.