Jay-Z [ tickets ] has assembled a short tour of intimate venues across the country next month to support his new album, "American Gangster."

The record is scheduled to drop Nov. 6--the same day the tour launches at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. In the following days, Jay-Z will perform at clubs in Chicago, Baltimore, New York City and Philadelphia. Details are listed below. The rapper/entrepreneur, whose real name is Shawn Carter, recently told MTV News that he is planning a larger-scale outing next year.

Jay-Z was inspired to record "American Gangster" after seeing the forthcoming film of the same name, which stars Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The album, which features collaborators including Sean "Diddy" Combs, is separate from the official motion picture soundtrack. Jay-Z's "American Gangster" is described in a press release as a lyrical interpretation of snapshots from the film, which is set to open Nov. 2.

The video for the set's lead single, "Blue Magic," is streaming at the Roc-A-Fella Records website. That song and another track from the album, "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is...)," are already making waves on rap and R&B/hip-hip radio charts.

"American Gangster" comes a year after Jay-Z officially emerged from retirement with "Kingdom Come," his ninth studio release and ninth No. 1 on The Billboard 200.

The rap star manages to fit his musical endeavors into a busy schedule that includes his duties as president/CEO of Def Jam Recordings, founder and chairman of Rocawear, and co-owner of the New Jersey Jets, 40/40 Sports Clubs and beauty line Carol's Daughter. Jay-Z also continues his philanthropic work through his Water for Life initiative and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.

The Grammy winner has sold more than 40 million albums in his career, according to his record label.