Roc Nation, the renowned entertainment agency founded by rapper Jay-Z, is no stranger to putting together grand live performances for millions of fans worldwide. However, their latest project, The Book of HOV, presented a distinctive challenge. It aimed to create a public exhibition chronicling Jay-Z’s illustrious musical journey at the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), a place dedicated to education and learning. The exhibit also had to be designed in a way that allowed library patrons to continue using the space while it was on display.
To overcome this challenge, Roc Nation enlisted the expertise of partners they had collaborated with previously. Bruce Rodgers’ Tribe Inc, known for producing 17 Super Bowls (4 in partnership with Roc Nation), and Ian Schatzberg’s General Idea Agency (GIA), a brand design agency, were key players in bringing The Book of HOV to fruition. Additionally, input from Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, Jay-Z’s art dealer, and other experts and crews contributed to the success of the exhibition.
Ian Schatzberg explained that the exhibition’s design was not structured like a traditional museum, given the library’s layout. Instead of following a chronological order, GIA focused on creating thematic chapters that could be experienced in any sequence while still retaining their context within the library.
For example, special attention was given to the young adult and kids sections to convey Jay-Z’s philanthropic efforts and leadership to young people. The library’s unique facade, resembling an open book with entryways symbolizing its spine, inspired the idea of displaying Jay-Z’s lyrics on it.
Tribe Inc. faced technical challenges in getting exhibits into the library due to tight doorways and small elevators. Careful engineering and construction were required to ensure the historical building’s structural integrity. Despite these complexities, Tribe Inc. succeeded in executing the exhibition without disrupting the library’s regular functions.
One of the highlights of The Book of HOV was a surprising piece titled “Hov’s Hands (2023),” created by artist Daniel Arsham. It featured a cast of Jay-Z’s arms and hands forming the iconic diamond triangle hand sign. The artist managed to scan Jay-Z’s hands without his knowledge, with the help of a clever ruse by Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez.
Desiree Perez, who had been archiving Jay-Z’s creative works and memorabilia, was thrilled to share the rapper’s legacy with the world. The exhibition showcased film reels, cassette tapes, festival passes, platinum records, and more. The display of these mundane yet historically significant items resonated with Perez, who wanted to provide a unique perspective on Jay-Z’s journey.
The idea of hosting the exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library took shape at the end of 2019, with the vision of coinciding it with Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. The collaboration between Roc Nation and the BPL held a special significance, as the Central Library was Jay-Z’s public library during his formative years in the nearby Marcy Projects.
Desiree Perez summed up the essence of The Book of HOV, stating that it was not only a testament to Jay-Z’s influence but also a symbol of his perseverance. The exhibition showcased that Jay-Z belonged not just to New York but to the entire world, just like the library itself—a place that embraces and belongs to everyone.
As The Book of HOV drew crowds and critical acclaim, it left an indelible mark on the world of music and exhibitions, celebrating the life and artistry of one of the most influential figures in the history of hip hop.