Jay-Z’s work has been honored with a new exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library.
The tribute exhibition, titled The Book of HOV, opened on Thursday night and is billed as a recognition of Jay’s “extraordinary journey from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to global figure.” The collection of archival pieces includes original master recordings, previously unreleased photos, awards, plaques, items worn by Jay during live performances, and much more.
Among those who showed up on Thursday to celebrate the opening of The Book of HOV at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central branch were Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, Lil Uzi Vert, Kevin Liles, Questlove, Alicia Keys, Zane Lowe, DJ Khaled, Jayson Tatum, Steve Stoute, Paul Rosenberg, Fat Joe, and Miguel. Also in attendance were Jay’s mother Gloria Carter and her wife Roxanne Wiltshire, as well as Jay himself.
Curated and executive produced by Roc Nation, the eight-part experience an Introduction section housed in the facility’s lobby. Here, fans will be in the presence of Daniel Arsham’s depiction of Jay’s hands. The 2023-originating piece was made from volcanic ash, pyrite, selenite, and hydrostone. The exhibition continues from there with the sections A Work of Art Already, Baseline Studios, Did It All Without a Plan, Business Man, Win-Win, So Fly, and Hov Did That.
The latter section, which closes the experience, features the guitar Jay used during his headlining set at Glastonbury in 2008.
Those looking to check the exhibition out in person can do so during the library’s normal hours of operation. Generously, there is no cost to the exhibition, which is open to the general public. For an in-depth look at what to expect, complete with an index and table of contents, hit this link.
Prior to official word of the surprise tribute, the Brooklyn Public Library debuted a new display featuring classic lines from a number of Jay’s songs.
In June, Jay added to his already extensive list of career honors with his first-ever Diamond-certified single. As determined by the RIAA, Jay and Ye's beloved Watch the Throne single "N****s in Paris" surprassed the 10-times Platinum distinction on June 12. Hit-Boy, who co-produced the track, called the Diamond certification "a real blessing."
