Update: Jay-Z’s gone from booking Obama to backing him. Following on from the President’s endorsement of gay marriage, Pitchfork report that Jay-Z has come out in support of Obama’s sentiments. In his words: “I’ve always thought it as something that was still holding the country back,” Jay-Z said of banning same-sex marriage. “What people do in their own homes is their business. You choose to love whoever you love. It’s no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination plain and simple…It’s not really about votes. It’s about people. Whether it costs him votes or not, it’s the right thing to do, as a human being.”

Roc-a-fella rap mogul Jay-Z announced yesterday that he will curate his own festival this year, Made in America.

Taking place in Philadelphia on September 1 and 2, the line-up for Made in America is yet to be revealed, but Jay – naturally – will be headlining. He’s also pretty keen to get the president of the United States involved, claiming to Rolling Stone [via The Guardian] that although Barack Obama will likely be “so far into helping the world that he probably won’t have time, but I’m absolutely going to ask him … I’m gonna try to get him to do a little rendition of Al Green.” Jay-Z has long been a supporter of Obama, claiming in his book Decoded that the Democrat being elected to office in 2008 was the first time he honestly felt proud to be American.

As well as Obama, organisers plan to “reach out” to The Roots, London singer Michael Kiwanuka and more. Made in America promises to feature hip-hop, rock, Latin music and a dance music tent.

And as far as one of New York’s most famous sons launching a festival in Philadelphia goes? Jay claims that he “feel[s] he could branch out a bit, and she [New York] won’t get mad at me so much” [via the Philadelphia Inquirer].

“A lot of [other] festivals are on the outskirts of the city”, Jay continued, “so you don’t feel the heartbeat of the city.”

Festival passes for Made in America start at $99, with some proceeds to benefit the United Way. They’re scheduled to go on sale on May 23.