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5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From The Inaugural Fanatics Fest NYC
By Tony M. Centeno,
10 hours ago
Photo: Fanatics/Getty Images
Hip-Hop heads and sports fans in New York City witnessed history in real-time at this year's Fanatics Fest NYC.
Over the past three days, Michael Rubin's inaugural sports festival attracted over 200 sports legends, a slew of rappers, and other A-list celebrities to the Javitz Center for a series of rare events and powerful panel discussions. Attendees got to meet their favorite athletes, cop some valuable memorabilia, and experience remarkable moments they wouldn't get anywhere else.
"This is really exciting," Rubin told The Breakfast Club last week. "New York City is my favorite city in the world to do something that's never been done. There's really not a sports festival anywhere in the world."
During the event, NFL icon Tom Brady was spotted throwing passes and granting wishes to kids of all ages. Carmelo Anthony signed some autographs while baseball veterans Derek Jeter and David Ortiz sat down for a once-in-a-lifetime discussion where they opened up about their dueling careers.
Amid all the historic sports moments, numerous artists like JAY-Z , Travis Scott , Quavo , Lil Wayne , DJ Khaled and others made headlines at the event. All eyes were on Hov as he officially rebooted his iconic 40/40 Club ahead of its grand comeback next year. Meanwhile, La Flame surprised fans a couple of times during the festival.
Check out some of the most jaw-dropping moments from Fanatics Fest NYC below.
JAY-Z celebrates relaunch of the 40/40 Club with A-list guest list
The 40/40 Club's revival featured a slew of artists, athletes and celebrities. JAY-Z and Fanatics worked together to create a replica of the rapper's revered sports lounge complete with the massive top-shelf bar, huge screen TV's and luxurious vibes. The reimagined version is what fans can expect from the club when it reopens in a new location in 2025 . Hov walked the blue carpet along with other celebrity guests including Jalen Brunson, Penny Hardaway, Carmelo Anthony, CC Sabathia, Taylor Rooks, Jeezy , Memphis Bleek , Ja Rule , Freeway , and more.
Hov meets Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and hangs out with Lil Wayne, Lil Baby & DJ Khaled
While he was inside the 40/40 Club, JAY-Z got a chance to link up with a wide range of legends. Hov was greeted by six-time NBA MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who shook his hand and posed for an iconic photo. Later on, the Roc Nation founder was spotted in the VIP section with Lil Wayne , Lil Baby , DJ Khaled and Quavo .
Travis Scott surprises fans by performing "Butterfly Effect" during panel discussion
On day two of the event, Travis Scott sat down with Michael Strahan and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin for a rare conversation called "The Butterflay Effect." The panel was one of several that discussions that brought sports legends and artists together in front of thousands of fans. Towards the end of their chat, Strahan asked La Flame how he stays engaged with his fans. Scott responded by performing his smash hit "Butterfly Effect" and his latest hit "FE!N."
Travis Scott joins Rey Mysterio as his tag team partner
During his time at the festival, Travis Scott also shocked wrestling fans. WWE's Rey Mysterio announced Scott as his tag team partner. Scott popped out and rocked a colorful luchador mask. Mysterio made it official by gifting the Houston rapper with his own title belt. Can you imagine La Flame getting busy in the wrestling ring?
Mike Tyson & Jake Paul met face-to-face during pre-fight press conference
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul stole the show during the final day of Fanatics Fest. The veteran boxer and the reigning champion fighter met in person before their boxing match in November at AT&T Stadium in Texas. After Paul talked some smack to Tyson and the crowd in New York, their meeting turned into an adrenaline-filled melee after Tyson shoved Paul on stage.
Check out more dramatic scenes from their press conference and more wild moments from Fanatics Fest NYC below.
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