Teyana Taylor says she could not hear “a damnnnnn thanggggg” while performing with Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium because her sound and in-ear monitors malfunctioned.
Taylor responded after clips from the third night of Jay-Z’s residency sparked criticism on social media. The Harlem native performed the chorus of his 1996 song “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” originally handled by Mary J. Blige on Reasonable Doubt.
“The sound & in-ears said ‘Not today,’” Taylor wrote on Instagram. “But guess what?? The gratitude was louder than any mic could ever be.”
Along with photos from the concert, Taylor shared a rehearsal video showing her preparing for the appearance before taking the stage in front of more than 40,000 people.
Jay-Z brings out Teyana Taylor for “Can’t Knock the Hustle” at Yankee Stadium pic.twitter.com/4gnquxklrl
— Variety (@Variety) July 13, 2026
“I may not have been able to hear a damnnnnn thanggggg. But one thing I could do was SEE,” she wrote.
“I got to see this lil Harlem girl stand beside the GOAT… in Yankee Stadium,” she continued. “If you would’ve told this lil Harlem girl that one day she’d share a stage with JAY-Z in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world….she would’ve never believed you.”
The “Extra Innings” finale also featured appearances from Rihanna, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Jadakiss and Fat Joe. Beyoncé returned during the show to perform “Drunk in Love” with Jay-Z.
Taylor thanked Jay-Z for his “trust” and called the performance an honor she would “carry” forever.
