NEW YORK (September 29, 2012)--Jay-Z says performing in his New York City hometown at the opening of Brooklyn's Barclays Center was better than performing at the Grammys, Glastonbury or Coachella.

“Nothing feels like tonight!" he shouted to the crowd of 18,000 in an arena packed with excited concertgoers.

Jay-Z emerged onstage Friday night as a video about Brooklyn's history played in the background.

He opened with his songs about Brooklyn with "Where I'm From" and "Brooklyn Go Hard."

He also performed two songs from fellow Brooklynite Notorious B.I.G. and observed a moment of silence for the late rap veteran.

He told the crowd when B.I.G.'s "Juicy" played, "Sing loud so he can hear you in heaven."