Brooklyn Public Library Hosts “The Book Of Hov” Exhibition: A Tribute To JAY-Z

photo Jay-z | photo credit: Lenny Santiago

To get a glimpse into the remarkable life of JAY-Z, you can visit the "The Book of HOV" exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library, set for July 14 - December 4, 2023.

According to the organizers of the exhibition, "The Book Of HOV is a tribute exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, recognizing Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter's extraordinary journey from Brooklyn's Marcy Projects to global figure. The multimedia exhibit explores JAY-Z's global impact as a musician, innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist."

Exploring the Exhibition: An Interactive Experience

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by unique installations in the lobby such as a towering multimedia installation and oversized sculpture from JAY-Z’s cover of “The Blueprint 3” album. A temporary display known as ‘New and Noteworthy’ of JAY-Z’s awards and recording relics with a vinyl sampling show complementing it is one side of the library.

The library allows guests to use their own personal gadgets and headphones for an enhanced experience. Unlike most exhibitions that are confined in one area, this exhibition is sprawled across different sections of the libraries giving different accounts of JAY- Z’s biography and work. There is an area for young guests where there will be coloring pages inspired by Hova plane and an adjacent teen zone where he has dedicated the books of his interest.

“The Book of HOV, an installation created by Roc Nation to celebrate the life and work of Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. One of Brooklyn's most influential figures, JAY-Z has shaped and consistently redefined hip-hop, music and culture on a global scale. The Book of HOV features never-before-seen images, art and ephemera from the artist's archives, providing an unparalleled look at an extraordinary life and career. This free, immersive experience is one of the only installations of its scope to be housed in an active public space and features text, audio and curation by Roc Nation teams and partners.”- Brooklyn Public Library

A section of the main lobby has been converted into a representation of Baseline Studios, which is one of JAY-Z’s historical recording studios.The storyline continues on the second floor of the library, where there is a display of JAY-Z's magazine feature and numerous champagne bottles from Armand de brignac. There is interactive multimedia room filled with videos hung all over the walls and meditation room with big video screen for a more contemplative experience.

photo Jay-z | photo credit: Lenny Santiago

Roc Nation funded and covered all the costs and labor for the exhibition and also generously contributed to the library through books and vinyl recordings. The ‘Book of Hov’ was organized as a surprise for Jay-Z with the decision to host it at the main branch rather than the small Marcy library close to JAY-Z’s childhood neighborhood. The library will issue 13 unique edition cards with one of JAY-Z’s pictures depicting his record collections.
 
The "Book of HOV" exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library is a fitting homage to his legacy, encapsulating his contributions to music, culture, and giving back to his community.

For more insights into JAY-Z's life and the "Book of HOV" exhibit, visit the [Brooklyn Public Library's official website](https://www.bklynlibrary.org/). To delve deeper into JAY-Z's career and achievements, his [official biography page](https://www.rocnation.com/music/jay-z/) offers a comprehensive look at his journey.