Jay-Z exhibition opens at the Brooklyn Public Library

An exhibition dedicated to legendary rapper Jay-Z has opened at the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library in New York. The display showcases a huge amount of archival snippets revolving around the rapper as part of tits hip hop 50 celebrations, which began last Friday.

The Book of Hov: A TRIBUTE EXHIBITION HONORING JAY-Z spans multiple rooms and floors, with the central library’s grand lobby engulfed in a mural of the artists. A closing date has not yet been announced, but it's expected to be open through autumn.

The exhibition's website wrote that "This exhibit, presented in chapters akin to a book, celebrated the phenomenal story of a man who turned adversities into stepping stones."

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Featured works in the collection includes rare photos and footage, memorabilia, awards, rare vinyls donated by Roc Nation and an installation with the artwork from ‘The Blueprint 3’ album cover.

The exhibition also has a recreation of the recording artists old Midtown Manhattan recording studio ‘Baseline Studios’, which was the birthplace of much of his notable work.

According to Christine Schonhart, the director of the Central Library, accessibility was a top priority for Roc Nation and as such people can attend the cultural experience free of charge. She noted the significance of the exhibitions accessibility, given that it is a “uniquely Brooklyn story at a uniquely Brooklyn location”.

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Brooklyn library’s director of communications, Damaris Olivo, also said that: “The overall story is betting on yourself, so we’re really hoping Brooklyn youth will be inspired by this story and learn more about what the library has to offer”, adding that the library offers instruments that can be checked out, and a recording studio exclusively reserved for teens to book at the Kings Highway Library.

Parts of the exhibition can also be brought home, with Roc Nation gifted vinyl, copies of books owned by Jay-Z, as well as the artists biography all being available for check out. Visitors may also be able to get limited edition library cards that feature some ionic album covers by the artist.

[Via thrillist]

Photo is a plaque of Jay Z's triple platinum lead single '03 Bonnie & Clyde', featured in the Baseline Studios section of the exhibit and taken from The Book Of Hov website. Check it out to see more digitised samples from the exhibition.

Tiffany Ibe is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram