JAY-Z IS AN 'AMERICAN GANGSTER': Rapper Tapes VH1's Storytellers to Promote New CD

NEW YORK -- Jay-Z, treated fans to an intimate performance Wednesday night while taping an upcoming episode of VH1 Storytellers at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, New York.

Along with a full band, he performed several tracks from the album "American Gangster," inspired by the upcoming Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe flick of the same name.


"I was watching the movie and I was pulling emotions from the film," the 37-year-old rapper told the crowd, which included girlfriend Beyonce.


Among the new songs he previewed were "Pray," "Dreamin'," "Party Life," and another about addiction.


The exclusive performance, "VH1 Storytellers: Jay-Z: Life of an American Gangster," will premiere Thursday, November 8 at 9:00 PM. (*all times ET/PT)


Following in "Storytellers" format, viewers will get a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration and stories behind each song.