For the rest of the world, Jay-Z might just be one of the most successful rappers of all time, but for his native Brooklyn, the artist and billionaire entrepreneur is a hometown hero.
Since mid-July, The Brooklyn Public Library has been bustling like never before. The library’s frontage dawned covered in Jay-Z’s song lyrics for the «The Book of Hov» exhibition, an insight into the life and accomplishments of its esteemed neighbor, the 53-year-old Shawn Carter.
The Brooklyn Central Library during The Book of HOV: A TRIBUTE EXHIBITION HONORING JAY-Zin New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
According to Fritzi Bodenheimer, the voice behind the scenes talking to EFE, this institution «houses the world’s biggest stash of Brooklyn’s backstory, and you can’t paint that picture without Jay-Z.» Bodenheimer mentioned that they’ve already welcomed 100,000 visitors, including hardcore fans who’ve traveled from all corners of the U.S. specifically to see the exhibition.
Inside The Book of HOV: A TRIBUTE EXHIBITION HONORING JAY-Z at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library on July 13, 2023 in New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Now, about the exhibit’s title, ‘The Book of Hov‘,it’sbasically a nod to his nickname, a twist on ‘Jehovah’ –Jay-Z kept it short and humble. Think of it as a modern-day take on a biblical tale, tracing his journey from growing up in public housing to spitting lyrics that blasted him into hip-hop fame and major business wins.
During the tour, visitors can enter a recreation of his recording studio and «sanctuary,» where numerous sales certificates are displayed. You can also see his numerous portraits with recognized figures from all fields, such as Warren Buffett, Barack Obama, Tom Brady, or Rihanna, along with many of his trophies.
Items on display during The Book of HOV: A TRIBUTE EXHIBITION HONORING JAY-Z at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library on July 13, 2023 in New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
With an impressive 24 Grammys and a laundry list of milestones, Jay-Z expanded his achievements in 2019 by hitting the $1 billion fortune mark. He achieved this through savvy early investments in companies like Uber, Square, and SpaceX, not to mention real estate, art, collaborations, and the roaring success of Roc Nation.
The man who made famous the phrase «I’m not a businessman, I am a business, man» has continued to fill his pockets in recent years through lucrative sales deals of his champagne company Armand de Brignac and his music streaming platform, Tidal.
His strong-willed nature has also led him to take on roles as a social justice activist and philanthropist. In these roles, he advocates for causes like reforming the criminal justice system in the U.S., providing education opportunities for young Black individuals, and pushing for greater racial diversity within the business.
Much of this he attributes to the spirit of hip-hop culture, as he mentioned in his 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speech, which is reproduced in a room filled with screens. He emphasized believing in self-belief, pursuing one’s ambitions, and channeling the potency of the music genre as as a catalyst for change.
Jay Z & Beyoncé
The presence of Beyoncé, his wife since 2008, is limited to photographs. However, it’s no secret the mutual influence exerted by this powerful musical couple. They appeared hand in hand at the opening alongside their eldest daughter, Blue Ivy.
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