JAY-Z PERFORMS ON ‘SNL’ PREMIERE

                                         

H-O-V takes S-N-L.

“Saturday Night Live” kicked off its 43rd season with some help from host Ryan Gosling and musical guest JAY-Z. In his first televised performance this year, the hip-hop icon delivered two songs, “Bam” and “4:44,” off his chart-topping album 4:44.

Rocking Colin Kaepernick’s “7” jersey, Hov was joined by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley for a electrifying performance of their reggae-inspired banger “Bam.” Against the red lights and camouflage backdrop, Hov blessed the No I.D. beat, while Damian repped for his native Jamaica as a Lion of Judah flag waved across the stage.

For his second performance of the night, Mr. Carter stripped things down. Sporting a paper plane snapback, Puma sneakers, and a white tee, Sir and Rumi’s father took the mic alone to perform the confessional title track off “4:44.” Against a bare set, he rapped about his rocky relationship with Beyoncé until the lights eventually faded to black.

Next up, Hov is set to bring his live show to a city near you when his “4:44 Tour” kicks off Oct. 27 in Anaheim, Calif.