Shawn Carter attends the Los Angeles Premiere of "The Harder They Fall" at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on October 13, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
Shawn Carter attends the Los Angeles Premiere of "The Harder They Fall" at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on October 13, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.

Hip-Hop Legends Salute JAY-Z At Brooklyn Public Library’s ‘The Book of Hov’ Opening

On Thursday night, Brooklyn Public Library exhibition ‘The Book of Hov’ had a private opening, with JAY-Z, Beyoncé and more in attendance.

The Brooklyn Public Library central location brought out the best in entertainment during the private opening of the new JAY-Z exhibit, ‘The Book of Hov.’ The exhibit, which opens to the public on Friday (July 14), houses “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 on JAY-Z’s professional life.”

The explainer continues, "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."

Attending the inaugural event were JAY-Z, Beyoncé, their eldest daughter Blue Ivy, along with artists like Questlove, Rakim, Just Blaze, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Lil Uzi Vert, Yo Gotti, and more. Brooklyn residents became privy to a special engagement at BPL, as select Hov lyrics now cover the library’s exterior.


Along with ‘The Book of Hov,’ BPL and Roc Nation have partnered to create 13 limited-edition library cards featuring artwork from Hov’s album catalog. The Brooklyn native’s last solo album 4:44 released in 2017, followed by Everything Is Love, his 2018 full-length collaboration with Beyoncé.

Earlier this week, Hov received his fourth Emmy nomination for co-producing the Super Bowl LVII halftime show, which was headlined by Rihanna. Last year, he earned the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as co-producer for the Dr. Dre-curated Super Bowl LVI halftime show, which had additional performers Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, along with special guests 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak.

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