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JAY-Z’s “The Book of HOV” Exhibit Takes Over The Brooklyn Public Library

The Book Of HOV Exhibit By Jay-Z Takes Over Brooklyn Library
"The Book Of HOV." Image source: Shareif Ziyadat.

JAY-Z’s “The Book Of HOV” exhibit is once again putting the iconic rap mogul and entrepreneur in the headlines. Featured at the Brooklyn Public Library, the large exhibit, which opened its doors for a private party on Thursday and to the public on Jul. 14, pays tribute to one of hip-hop’s most influential artists. All in all, it is one of the most prominent exhibits dedicated to a single artist.

What’s Featured In JAY-Z’s Exhibit?

V.I.P. guests gathered for a preview of the exhibit on Jul. 13. The guest list included notable names such as Fat Joe, Yo Gotti, Lil Uzi Vert, Rakim, DJ Khaled, and Questlove. Of course, the man of the hour himself, JAY-Z, was in attendance. He is accompanied by his wife, Beyoncé, and their daughter, Blue Ivy.

“The Book of HOV” takes visitors on an inspiring journey through JAY-Z’s life. Tracing his rise from the humble Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to global stardom. The multimedia exhibition showcases an extensive collection of archived items, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photographs, iconic stage outfits, prestigious awards, and videos. Altogether, offering an intimate glimpse into every facet of HOV’s remarkable career.

One of the fan-favorite features of JAY-Z’s exhibit is the recreated Baseline Studios. The renowned recording studio in New York City where JAY-Z crafted some of his most legendary albums. In particular, “The Blueprint” and “The Black Album.” As a result, Roots drummer, Questlove, expressed his astonishment at the recreation. Sharing his excitement with fans through an Instagram video. As the familiar beats of JAY-Z’s “My 1st Song” echoed in the background. 

The Digital Access

For those unable to get to the Brooklyn Public Library in person, fear not! “The Book of HOV” has an interactive website that offers a chapter-by-chapter guide to the displays. Narrated by radio personality Angie Martinez.

The announcement of the JAY-Z exhibit took the world by storm earlier in the week when the rapper’s lyrics were plastered across the Brooklyn Public Library. Creating a captivating newspaper article. This creative marketing tactic created a buzz of anticipation and excitement. Setting the stage for the grand unveiling of “The Book of HOV.”

This remarkable exhibit follows the library’s recent celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Displaying its commitment to showcasing the cultural importance of the genre. With guest speakers like JAY-Z’s mother, Dr. Gloria Carter. As well as talented artist Rapsody, the library has become a hub for preserving and honoring hip-hop’s rich legacy.

“The Book of HOV” at the Brooklyn Public Library is not just an exhibit. It’s a testament to the lasting mark that JAY-Z has left on the world of music, business, and philanthropy. It is an invitation for fans to dive into the life and accomplishments of a Hall of Fame songwriter and performer. While reveling in the cultural impact he has made. So, whether you experience it in person or virtually, make sure you immerse yourself in this extraordinary celebration of JAY-Z’s legacy.

Brittany Belizor | IG @Brittieb_ | Twitter @BBelizor

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Mase Recalls Jay-Z Dissing Him in 1997

Mase at the Pegasus World Cup. Photo: Getty Images

Apparently, Jay-Z dissed Mase in one of his songs back in the day. On Jay-Z’s song, “Imaginary Players,” he mentions how there isn’t Rolex diamonds on that Rolex watch. The lyrics go:

“When I see them in the street, I don’t see none of that/Damn playboy, where the fuck is the Hummer at?/Where’s all the ice with all the platinum under that?/Those ain’t Rolex diamonds, what the fuck you done to that?/Y’all rapping-ass niggas, y’all funny to me/You’re selling records being you, but you still wanna be me.”

Mase vs. Hov

Mase appeared on Gillie Da Kid and Wallo’s Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast. The former Bad Boy rapper claims those lines were meant for him. Mase reminisces on how he was one of the first ones rocking big and flashy pieces. He told the hosts that Jacob the Jeweler made a custom watch for the Notorious B.I.G. The watch Jacob made for Biggie had diamonds in the middle and Mase asked the jeweler to make the same watch, but with diamonds all over it. The Harlem rapper said those lines from “Imaginary Players” had to be about him because no one else had a Rolex watch like that. Since he has never seen it before, the Brooklyn rapper probably thought it was fake, but Mase reaffirms that the watch had real diamonds, just not factory diamonds.

Mase actually responded to Jay-Z on 112’s song, “Love Me.”  Mase raps,

“All we hear is platinum that, platinum this/Platinum whips, nobody got no platinum hits/Cats know with me, platinum always wrap my wrist/I come to the awards, quadruple platinum chicks.”

According to Mase, a woman is what made Jay-Z diss him.  The woman was allegedly involved with a member of Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella label. During that time, Mase put the woman on his debut album, Harlem World and also had relations with her. Mase confirmed that he and Jay-Z never really had a problem.

“I think I said something on a record and people kind of put it towards Hov, when really I was just trying to be the best. And after my joint sold, I was just talking crazy everywhere, so I might’ve got out of pocket.”

Written by: Brandon Simmons