In 2004, when they were the respective kings of hip-hop and rap/metal, Jay Z and Linkin Park teamed up for Collision Course, an EP of mash-ups utilizing both acts. “Numb/Encore,” which took “Encore” from Jay Z’s Black Album and “Numb” from Linkin’s Meteora, won a Grammy in 2006. Last night at the England’s V Festival, his first performance of the year, Jay Z dusted off the song for the first time in six years to perform it as a tribute to recently departed lead singer Chester Bennington:
“Can you guys light it up tonight for Chester?” he said. “Linkin Park, one time, tonight. Please make some noise so he can hear you all the way in heaven tonight”
Given the popularity of the song and given the response it got, it wouldn’t be surprising if the song became a staple in Jaz Z’s set for the rest of the year.
