Publicly showing his support for Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama, hip-hop mogul Jay-Z reminded fans about the importance of voting while performing at a charity event last night in Florida.

According to the Miami New-Times, the multi-platinum selling rapper gave his free “Last Chance for Change” show at Miami’s Bayford Park on Sunday (October 5) to 18,000 fans. Prior to hitting the stage, Jay warned audience members about his personal expressions as to alert them that he was not intending to negatively affect the Obama campaign.

“I’m a free American citizen stating my f*cking opinion,” he reportedly told the audience. “I ain’t the Reverend [Jesse Jackson].”

Preceded by former Fugees’ leader Wyclef Jean who offered the crowd a more soul and guitar string-driven performance, the Brooklyn-bred, New York rapper gave fans a long-awaited opportunity to experience his most popular hits.

Rapping to a long list of singles including “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and “Can I Get A…,” Jay kidded with the crowd as he selected his records.

“Nah, too hardcore,” he said of the DJ’s selection.

The excitement behind the performances has led to the rapper adding an unexpected bonus show at the Bayford Park venue this afternoon.

As previously reported by, tickets for the free events were being offered at numerous Obama campaign offices in Detroit and Miami.

In related news, the superstar was honored at the United Nations Global Leadership Awards Gala in New York City last Wednesday (October 1). He received praise for the numerous efforts to help bring clean water to young people during a recent trip to Africa. Jay made headlines when he partnered with MTV with his “The Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life” special helping bring attention to the water crisis throughout the world.