Brooklyn Library’s Ode To Jay-Z

In the 352,000-square-foot building of the Brooklyn Library, a grand display is celebrating the life and legacy of Jay-Z. On the limestone exterior of the library are incorporated the rapper’s lyrical genius. Passersby are greeted by impactful lines from songs like “Justify My Thug” and “Things That U Do,” as well as verses from “Sweet” and “Hovi Baby.” Indoors, viewers enter the world of Jay-Z.

As a temple of sorts to the rapper/producer. the library is featuring a retrospective that honors Jay-Z’s profound influence on culture, exploring his “global impact as a musician, innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.” Titled “The Book of Hov,” a reference to Jay-Z’s alternate name, the exhibit has taken over the library’s atrium, mezzanine, and a dedicated portion of its Youth Wing.

The visionary behind this captivating installation is Desiree Perez, the CEO of Roc Nation, the entertainment powerhouse co-founded by Jay-Z. This remarkable exhibition, orchestrated by Roc Nation, incorporates the rapper’s life into its design. “I just wanted it to look and feel like it’s Jay-Z,” Perez said.  

Following Roc Nation’s reclaiming of a number of Jay-Z’s master recordings — including albums like The Life and Times of S. Carter (1999) and The Dynasty (2000) — Perez wanted to find a venue to showcase the reels. When the Brooklyn Library approached the company to collaborate for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the coincide was too much to bear. In addition, with the size of the library, its free accessibility, and its proximity to the neighborhood where Jay-Z grew up (Marcy Houses), Perez knew it was a perfect match. “The idea of what the library stands for makes it such an incredible and sacred place, and so fitting for Jay’s career and the story of his life,” Perez said. 

An effort from General Idea, Roc Natio, ESM Productions, and production designers Bruce and Shelley Rodgers, the exhibition took shape. Rather than the traditional chronology, the group decided to divide the rapper’s life into six thematic sections or “chapters” (each section named after a Jay-Z lyric) An immersive journey, deliberately non-linear, narrates Jay-Z’s ascent and enduring success.

Crafting a 40,000-square-foot exhibition that seamlessly blended with the existing space that took 7 months to play and 10 days to install was a challenge. As well, the entire process was shrouded in secrecy as it was a guarded surprise for Jay-Z until opening night.

Through an array of artworks, accolades, media features, and other mementos plucked from his personal archives, the exhibit portrays the impact of the hip-hop luminary’s cultural footprint. A comprehensive collection of photographs, videos, and memorabilia adorn the walls of the exhibit. Besides the awards and recognitions, the highlight, for fans of the artist, are his original master tapes.

Pieces from creatives such as Jazz Grant, Henry Taylor, Nicola Yeoman, Dan Tobin Smith, Daniel Arsham, and Jeff Koons are interspersed throughout the sections. At the interplay between art and music, all of the artworks help define Jay-Z’s textured life.

Despite his remarkable career, the “The Book of Hov” seems to resonate with the public. His universality, and the extreme success of the exhibition, according to Perez, is no mistake. “Jay belongs to the people,” Perez said.

The Brooklyn Public Library is located at 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238

The exhibition will be open until October of this year.