When you think Watch the Throne, you think sipping champagne on the top floor of the Empire State Building in New York, summering on a yacht in St-Tropez, or maybe speeding down the Seine River in Paris. One thing that doesn't come to mind: rehearsing in Birmingham, Alabama. But apparently, that's exactly where Jay-Z and Kanye West will be preparing for their massive Watch the Throne tour.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell announced yesterday that the two hip hop superstars are camping out in Alabama's largest city for several weeks to rehearse for their upcoming tour, which starts on Oct. 28 in Atlanta. According to The Birmingham News, Bell compared Jay and Yeezy's stay to The Jacksons' "Victory" tour rehearsals in the city back in 1984.
He also said the rehearsals would be a major economic boost to the city, with the hiring of stage hands, hotel use and the other needs of a major Yeezy– and Jay-sized production.

"People should not think about this as a one-time event," Chuck Faush, Bell's chief of staff, said. "[Bell is] thinking about sales tax, economic development and how many local people will be affected."

Bell said the discussion to bring the duo to Birmingham began when he approached Jay-Z about investing in an entertainment facility there. Those talks are still underway, the mayor said: "What we're looking forward to is a continuation of the discussion with Jay-Z and his people on how to help Birmingham create an entertainment district here in the city, and support for it."

Bell also seemed to hint that Jay and Kanye could perform in Birmingham as well. "I'm not allowed to speak on that yet," he said, laughing.

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com)