Generation Black TV - Live
--- Main Blog Content Below ---
Jay-Z, the iconic rapper and business mogul, is currently the center of attention at the Brooklyn Public Library’s with a temporary exhibition titled “The Book of Hov.” This tribute exhibition opened on July 14 and is expected to run through till autumn, although the closing date has not been officially announced yet.
The exhibit is an extensive collection of archived items, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Jay-Z’s illustrious career. From original recording masters and unseen photographs to his iconic stage outfits and numerous awards, the exhibition leaves no aspect of his professional life untouched. Additionally, the collection includes videos and artifacts that provide a comprehensive overview of Jay-Z’s journey in the music industry.
Library staff have thoughtfully integrated modern technology into the exhibition, encouraging visitors to enhance their experience by bringing their phones and headphones. Audio clips, text, and photos related to the exhibit are available on The Book of Hov’s website, making it an interactive and engaging experience for all.
Upon entering the library visitors will see several displays, including a multimedia “tower of power” and the full sculpture featured on the cover of “The Blueprint 3.” Notably, the New and Noteworthy room has been temporarily transformed to house Jay-Z’s awards and recording memorabilia, along with an interactive vinyl listening station featuring records he sampled across his 13 albums.
Even the youngest patrons of the library are not left out of the celebration, as the children’s wing features a Jay-Z-inspired station where they can create paper planes. The adjacent teen room provides insights into Jay-Z’s business ventures and philanthropic endeavors, offering a bookshelf filled with Jay-Z-endorsed titles available for borrowing.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the recreation of Baseline Studios in the Information Commons off the main lobby. This area pays homage to the studios where Jay-Z worked on some of his most significant albums, such as “The Black Album,” “The Blueprint,” and “The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse.”
The Brooklyn Public Library is extremely grateful to Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s company, which generously covered the entire expense and most of the labor involved in setting up the exhibition. As a further gesture of support, Roc Nation is also donating an undisclosed sum of money to the library, along with copies of books and vinyl records. Representatives from the library revealed that Roc Nation orchestrated the surprise exhibition as a tribute to Jay-Z and went above and beyond by selecting the larger main branch instead of the closer Marcy Library, near Jay-Z’s home neighborhood.
The excitement surrounding “The Book of Hov” has already dominated social media coinciding with Jay-Z’s recent Emmy nomination for co-directing Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance. Prior to the exhibition’s opening, the library’s exterior was adorned with Jay-Z’s lyrics, creating a unique atmosphere to welcome visitors. The launch event itself was celebrated with a private party, leading to the temporary closure of most of the branch on the day.
To further commemorate the occasion, the Brooklyn Public Library is releasing 13 limited-edition library cards, each bearing one of Jay-Z’s album covers. The initiative allows fans and library-goers to connect with the rapper’s music and legacy in a tangible way.
With its immersive displays, multimedia elements, and thoughtful curation, “The Book of Hov” promises an unforgettable experience for fans, music enthusiasts, and library visitors alike. This tribute exhibition serves as a testament to Jay-Z’s remarkable impact on the music industry and his enduring influence as a cultural icon.
