Barack Obama and Jay-Z

Jay-Z: Hip-hop mainstay, budding entrepreneur, music industry innovator, and now political activist. The Brooklyn-bred rapper is putting his support behind presidential candidate Barack Obama with two free shows this weekend in Detroit and Miami, MTV.com reports. The concerts -- set for Oct. 4 at Detroit's Cobo Arena and Oct. 5 at Miami's Bayfront Park -- will promote voting in the upcoming election priro to Michigan and Florida's October 6 registration deadline, as well as urge attendees to get involved in grassroots Obama campaign activities in the two potential swing states.

Fans at least 18 years old can pick up one free ticket at local Obama campaign offices in both cities.

And Jay isn't alone in his homestretch push for the Democratic candidate. In the run-up to the November 4 election, the following acts will also show their support with benefit shows:

-- 10/6, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel / New York City, NY (Hammerstein Ballroom)
-- 10/7, Andrew Bird, Les Savy Fav, the Fiery Furnaces, and Special Secret Musical Guests / Brooklyn, NY (Music Hall of Williamsburg)
-- 10/4, Vampire Weekend / Pittsburgh, PA (Carnegie Melon University)