Jay-Z throws star-studded 40th birthday bash

By Helen Lamont on Tuesday 8 December 2009

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Jay-Z and Beyonce, celebrity news, Marie Claire

He's never been one to hid his light under a bushel - but R&B king Jay-Z has pulled out all the stops to host a bling birthday party to remember.

The 40 year-old celebrated by chartering two private jets to fly friends from New York to the Dominican Republic party location.

And once there, Kanye West, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, P Diddy, Kate Hudson, Ne-Yo, M.I.A., Oprah Winfrey and Lil Wayne were treated to a gangster movie-themed night to remember.

Meanwhile Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay's Chris Martin sent video congratulations - but just one other invited guest, Tiger Woods, was missing from the crowd.

The whole event was based on the Al Pacino movie Scarface, with the rapper's wife, Beyonce, and his mum, Gloria, proudly named as guests of honour.

The favoured few tucked into a lavish dinner featuring canapés with caviar, all washed down with Dom Perignon champagne.

Kanye West and P Diddy both sang for their supper before Jay-Z and Alicia Keys added an impromptu version of Empire State of Mind.

The night ended with fireworks and a 40s-style synchronised swimming display.

Sadly we can't show you any photos of the shindig. Even the most famous faces present had to leave their mobile phones at the door to avoid anyone smuggling photos out.

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