Story Of HOV
By Amber Rivers
The Story Of HOV at the Brooklyn Library on Grand Army Plaza celebrates the life and work of Shawn Carter, also known as Jay-Z. The exhibit got its name from Jay-Z often calling himself the “god of rap,” and therefore got his nickname, J-HOVA, a play on words.
Jay-Z grew up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, where he is now honored for his contribution to musical history. The exhibition presents exclusive images, awards, art pieces, and unseen documents on the life and career of Jay-Z. In the museum’s honor to Jay-Z, guests were allowed to witness Jay-Z’s contribution to the entertainment industry.
The outside of the building was covered in words and lyrics from Jay-Z, and a cube box with a slideshow from concerts and his most iconic moments. His albums and BET awards were featured on displays in glass cases. Guests were also able to read about his background and growing up in Brooklyn as a teenager, and even listen to some of his songs from a record player. The wall of magazines featuring Jay-Z was a big standout for any attendees as groups of people waited to take pictures.
It was a visit definitely worth taking for Jay Z fans. The 50th anniversary of Hip Hop was August 11, 2023. Hip Hop has been a global phenomenon and fascination in many cultures, but especially in the African American community. Celebrations around the world have taken place in honor of all the rappers and musicians who dedicated their lives to the art.
From concerts to battles to dances, the culture of Hip Hop has introduced the talents of a variety of people. Jay-Z , as many of us know, is a rapper, producer, and the chairman of the entertainment company “Roc Nation.” A 24-time Grammy Award winner, Jay-Z has been an influential figure since the 1990s. He was first inspired when living in Canarsie as a teen, and where he witnessed the impact of illicit drugs. He used the experience to write his lyrics as an escape.
“Reasonable Doubt” was his first album and sold over a million copies in the United States. This album’s message was that no matter where you are in life, people are always going to judge you. Jay-Z’s career took off after the album. He currently has 13 solo albums and four collaboration albums, his most famous and memorable being “Hard Knock Life” produced in 1998.
Jay-Z listener Jovan, a born and raised in New York, shares the influential position Jay-Zholds in Hip Hop culture. “I do know that he brought in this new wave of style,” said Jovan. “He was a pioneer, talking about his dope boy style, where he was hood and smooth talking with money. Not to mention he had a unique voice and flow on beats, while also telling compelling stories in catchy songs.”
Jay-Z continued to prove his place in pop culture and Hip Hop when he began “collabing” with other artists. These artists included Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, who he is now married to. Jay-Z also continued to gain praise for his lyricism and his efforts in giving back to his community.