Jay-Z plans Carnegie Hall fundraisers

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Rapper Jay-Z is to headline a pair of concerts at New York's Carnegie Hall to raise money for his scholarship foundation and the United Way.

"It's every artist's dream to play a venue as legendary as Carnegie Hall," the New York-born hip-hop mogul said in a statement Thursday. "The fact that I can use the arts and my talent to benefit the education of the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and great thinkers makes for a legendary night. I'm proud to be a part of the continuing work of United Way of New York City and expanding the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation."

The shows are to take place Feb. 6-7.

"United Way is dedicated to helping low-income New Yorkers build better lives, and we know that the greatest antidote to poverty is education," said Gordon J. Campbell, chief executive officer of United Way of New York City. "For more than 20 years, we have been active in early childhood centers and public schools, working with educators, families and students to address barriers to success inside and outside the classroom. We are so pleased to partner with Jay-Z and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, who share our belief that every child deserves a great education."

Jay-Z's real name is Shawn Carter.