Photos: Made In America Festival: Jay-Z Does A Rocky In Philadelphia

By Valli Meenakshi Ramanathan | Sep 02, 2012 11:55 AM EDT

The two-day Made In America Festival got off to a rocking start at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Saturday as Jay Z took the stage bouncing up and down, mimicking the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa's famous run up the museum steps.

Jay-Z's "Made In America" played in the background as he took control of stage in front of nearly a 50,000 strong crowd, the Associated Press reported.

Jay-Z's entry was followed by a pre-recorded video message featuring President Barack Obama stating Jay-Z's story is "what Made In America means." While urging the crowd to vote, Obama also noted that he listens to the rapper's hits on iPod, AP added.

Jay-Z performed hits including, "99 Problems," "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," and "Empire State of Mind," among others. Fellow rappers Pusta T, Big Sean and Kayne West also put up an electrifying show with hits such as "Mercy," "Dance," and "Can't Tell Me Nothing."

The festival comprises more than 30 performances on three stages across two days. Saturday also witnessed colorful and energetic performances including those from Skrillex, D'Angelo, and Passion Pit, among several other acts.

Proceeds from the event are to benefit the United Way, and it is being filmed for a documentary that is likely to be directed by Ron Howard, AP said.

Soon after Jay-Z signed off the night with his hit, "...In Paris," fireworks decorated the Philadelphia skyline.

The event was widely promoted on social media, with the Facebook account attracting 28,321 likes with 13,059 talking about it at the time of writing this article.

Take a quick tour of images that aim to showcase the festival in all its splendor and verve: