Jay-Z Performs in 'Unplugged'

Backed by an acoustic band and a string quartet, Jay-Z had fans in a frenzy as he performed his hits for a taping of MTV2's "Unplugged" series.

"Welcome to Jay-Z's poetry hour," the rapper joked Sunday night. "Hark, who goes there?"

MTV producers told the audience of about 150 people to remain seated during the performance, so as not to block the cameras. But those directions were ignored by the time the band started playing "I Just Wanna Love U."

"Everybody, you gotta get up for this one!" the rapper ordered. The crowd quickly obliged, crowding around him.

Jay-Z edited himself throughout most of the performance, trying not to utter the curse words that permeate much of his music - until his raw encore.

The show also featured a surprise guest - Mary J. Blige - who joined Jay-Z on stage for a song.

Jay-Z's "Unplugged" is scheduled to air on MTV2 on Dec. 15; MTV will broadcast it later.