BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- If there is a lesson to take away from attending Jay Z's super-exclusive pre-Grammy party, it's simple - don't come late.
Some guests learned
the hard way Saturday when they were left on the outside looking in at
the palatial mansion where the rapper's annual Roc Nation brunch was
held.
Most of the guests
were bused to the secret location of the swanky bash - a private gated
mansion. But it proved to be so popular that authorities prevented some
guests from coming inside after a certain point because of overcrowding
concerns.
Those who were lucky
enough to make it in were rewarded. Jay Z, dressed in a suit and smoking
a cigar, hugged his protégés Rihanna and Rita Ora and mingled with
guests inside the stunning estate, which included fountains, a majestic
pool, mouthwatering spread, free flowing drinks and a cigar station.
Other guests included Will Smith's children Jaden and Willow Smith,
Ne-Yo, as well as rappers T.I., J. Cole and Wale.
Jay Z's annual brunch
was just one of several events held on the eve of the Grammys. The
Recording Academy had its own brunch with Janelle Monae at the Grammy
Museum, where the singer performed for an audience that included
schoolchildren and Make-A-Wish kids.
And Lorde, Robin Thicke and others performed at a brunch held by Universal Music Group.
Rihanna, Shakira, Timbaland and Haim are some of the musicians managed by Roc Nation.
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