Jay-Z received his flowers in his hometown after being honored with a surprise exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library, highlighting his legendary journey from the Marcy Projects to rap royalty.
The exhibit features never-before-seen photos and original master recordings alongside iconic artifacts from his career. Jay-Z lyrics were plastered across the library’s façade in preparation for the special occasion.
“Our goal, with The Book Of HOV tribute exhibition, is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall Of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person, and a consequential philanthropist who has never forgotten the lessons he learned on the road to success,” a statement on the exhibition’s website reads. “And the borough where his journey began.”
The Roc Nation boss attended the star-studded event on Thursday evening (July 13) with his wife Beyoncé and eldest child Blue Ivy. Footage from the event shows him browsing the exhibits with his family.
JAY-Z e Blue Ivy durante a exposição #TheBookOfHOV. 💙 pic.twitter.com/mrezoTlOxI
— JAY-Z & Beyoncé Brasil 🇧🇷 (@hovbeybrasil) July 14, 2023
BEYONCÉ & BLUE IVY THE QUEENS YOU ARE😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/9QqbQ3aeL5
— 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) July 14, 2023
Many of his peers and forefathers paid tribute to Jay-Z during the event. The God MC himself, Rakim, “came to show some love” to Hov, while DJ Khaled reflected on the “historic moment.”
#TheBookofHOV
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) July 14, 2023
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Libraryhttps://t.co/SM2LntOIfB pic.twitter.com/AJfDfIIYbw
#TheBookofHOV
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) July 14, 2023
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Libraryhttps://t.co/SM2LntOIfB pic.twitter.com/Y5KB9vJpM4
Fat Joe shared photos from the event alongside Jay-Z and Cool & Dre’s Andre “Dre” Christopher Lyon. In a video message Joey Crack cited Jay-Z as a “major inspiration” and thanked him for “all the inspiration you give the community.”
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#TheBookofHOV
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) July 14, 2023
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Libraryhttps://t.co/SM2LntOIfB pic.twitter.com/YIthKLhRC5
The exhibition is free to the public and opens Friday (July 14.) More information, including opening times, can be found at The Book of HOV website.