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Jay-Z excited to play Carnegie Hall

Jay-Z excited to play Carnegie Hall soon after wife Beyonce delivers their first child

February shows will benefit the United Way and Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation

Superstar rapper Jay-Z admitted Thursday that he might have bags under his eyes when he hits the stage at Carnegie Hall in February because by then he’ll be deep in diapers.

With his wife, Beyoncé, set to give birth to their first child around the New Year, Jay-Z said he’ll likely be short on z’s, but vowed he’ll rock the iconic midtown venue.

“Maybe just sleepy, but other than that I should be fine,” said the 42-year-old Grammy-winning entertainer. “I should be in a great space.”

During a news conference Thursday, Jay-Z announced he’ll perform concerts on Feb. 6 and 7 at the venerable W. 57th St. music mecca to benefit The United Way of New York City and his own Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.

His mega-star wife is about eight months pregnant, which means Jay-Z will be singing lullabies as he prepares to headline the first ever hip-hop focused series at Carnegie Hall.

“She’s great,” he said when asked how Beyoncé is doing.

Contemplating fatherhood, he said, “It’s pretty exciting. You have to downplay it because words can’t really describe the feeling.”

He described his upcoming gig at Carnegie Hall as “every artist’s dream,” but said his little one will not be in the house.

“No, absolutely not,” he told the Daily News. “That won’t happen.”

Refusing to reveal his unborn child’s sex or name, Jay-Z was more focused on raising millions of dollars for future generations.

“The fact that I can use the arts and my talent to benefit the education of the next generation of artist, entrepreneurs and great thinkers makes for a legendary night,” he said.

“I imagine I’ll be in a very happy space,” Jay-Z told The News following the Carnegie Hall press conference.

Raised in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, the rapper and his mom, Gloria, founded his scholarship foundation in 2003 to help inner-city kids achieve their educational dreams.

Since its inception, Jay-Z’s foundation has provided 750 students with awards totalling more than $1.3 million.

Organizers are targeting large corporate sponsors to buy tickets ranging from $500 to $2,500, with the hope they’ll be passed along to disadvantaged kids.

About 58 boxes, accommodating up to eight people each, will also be sold.

In an attempt to cut down on scalping, a limited number of single tickets will go on sale Jan. 30.

Jay-Z insisted he’s not intimidated by Carnegie Hall and is confident his music will sound as great there as in Madison Square Garden.

“I feel like they bent the rules, but I "ll take it,” he said, jokingly. “As an artist of hip hop, anytime I get a chance to expand and broaden the reach of hip hop, it’s a great thing for me.”

www.nydailynews.com

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