The New Jersey Nets are finally coming to Brooklyn next year, and co-owner Jay-Z has announced that he will help launch the team's new stadium with a special concert series. The Barclays Center, set to open September 28, 2012, will play host to up to eight shows from the rap superstar to mark its opening.
"I'm going to open the building with a couple of concerts," Jay said in an interview with MyFox New York. "One or two... or eight," he added, when pressed about how many there would be. As usual for a Jay-Z concert, the show is expected to feature a number of special guests, possibly including his wife Beyoncé, who will be a new mom by the time of the performance.
Jay-Z also announced that the official name of the basketball franchise will be the Brooklyn Nets when the team relocates next season.
"I'm giddy right now," Hov, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, said at the sound of the new name.
"I'll have a reason to come to Brooklyn often, which is fantastic for me, because this is my foundation," he said.
The Throne member invoked another Brooklyn hip hop icon when asked about what made Brooklyn and its citizens special.
"You know what it is, it's deep love. Biggie had a line 'spread love that's the Brooklyn way. It's a deep love we have for our heroes. We walk around with that, we carry that," he said.

(Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESSAP)