Jay-Z kicks off album release with MSG benefit concert

Jay-Z will perform a benefit concert Sept. 11 at Madison Square Garden that will air live in HD and commercial-free on the Fuse television network, according to a press release. All proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise will go to a 25-year-old charity that benefits the families of fallen police, fire fighters and other first responders.

In a statement, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter said the "Answer the Call" concert, which will coincide with the release of his11th studio album ("The Blueprint 3"), is intended to serve as a reminder of the camaraderie and resiliency that New York City showed in 2001 and the future and hope that arose on Sept. 12.

In addition to airing the concert live, Fuse will feature Jay-Z programming throughout the weekend in support of the album release and the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. The Fuse programming will include "The Jay-Z Chronicles," which traces his career using music videos and facts; "Loaded: Jay-Z," featuring a half-hour of greatest-hit videos; and encore performances of the concert.

Ticket information, including the on-sale date, is expected to be announced shortly.

Additional information can be found at the Fuse network website.