UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
The critically acclaimed exhibit has been extended and will remain at the Brooklyn Public Library until Jay-Z’s birthday, December 4th!
According to the Library’s Instagram page, over 14,000 patrons have signed up for their first library card since Jay-Z’s exhibit came to Central Library in mid-July! Special edition cards were produced for the exhibit. Whether or not New Yorkers are signing up to collect the cards or to actually use them, it is great to see people get involved.
In celebration of the extension, a new artifact has been added to #TheBookofHOV exhibit! JAY-Z’s Lexus, featured in the “Dead Presidents” music video, is now on display at Central Library. This is just one of a few upcoming additions planned for the remainder of the installation.
ORIGINAL: JULY 14, 2023
We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop all 2023, and it wouldn’t be complete without honoring Brooklyn’s own Jay-Z!
Earlier this week, numerous Brooklynites took to social media to share mysterious imagery of Brooklyn Public Library‘s Grand Army Plaza location being covered with several excerpts of Jay-Z’s music, and now we officially know why!
The installation is called The Book of Hov. According to the exhibition’s website, it includes “thousands of archived objects, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photos, iconic stage wear, prestigious awards, and recognitions, as well as videos and artifacts from every facet of Jay-Z’s professional life.”
This exhibit is an in-depth time capsule of Jay-Z’s life, works, and contributions to the industry as a whole. It documents magazine covers, record plaques, and all of Hov’s business ventures, from RocaWear to The 40/40 Club and The Brooklyn Nets.
If you can’t make it out to Brooklyn for the exhibit, don’t worry! The Book of Hov is also equipped with a unique virtual experience with an interactive website featuring numerous photos and audio that’ll guide you through Jay-Z’s career, interviews, and archives.
The experience begins with an introduction by NYC’s radio icon and longtime friend, Angie Martinez.
The Book of HOV traces JAY-Z’s journey. This tribute spans the library.
As you explore, you’ll encounter visuals, audio stories, and physical artifacts, from more than 25 years of his life. A replica of Baseline Studios, the legendary space where he recorded some of his most influential work. The guitar he played at Glastonbury Festival. And videos of young JAY-Z, speaking his future into existence.
JAY-Z represents so much to so many. A vanguard, a visionary, a genius. A blueprint. His list of firsts is long — in music, culture, and business — and you can learn more about them here.
At the physical exhibit, you can find…
A replica of Baseline Studios, the historic recording studio & longtime home to Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records…
An IRL iteration of his Blueprint III album cover…
And MANY more trinkets from his expansive, iconic career!
The Book of Hov is an inspiring reminder that, no matter where you start, with talent, hard work, and a little bit of that ‘Empire State of Mind,’ you can change the world.
The Book of Hov opens to the public on July 14, 2023
Where: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11238.