Coming in at No. 15 on SOHH’s Top 23 of 2023 countdown, Jay-Z reached a milestone in his illustrious career. The mogul was recently granted his greatest honor, the Book of HOV, capturing the attention of many.
15. ‘Book Of HOV’
The Book of Hov, exhibition showcases the journey and impact of the legendary rapper, while his unveiling was marked by a star-studded pre-celebration event attended by his wife Beyoncé, daughter Blue Ivy Carter, and industry heavyweights such as Fat Joe, Rakim, Babyface, and Lil Uzi Vert.
The Book of HOV exhibition features a collection of iconic music artifacts, including encased tape reels, floppy disks, CDs, and vinyl records. Interestingly, Roc Nation’s CEO, Desiree Perez, revealed that the surprise exhibition was kept a secret, where she stated:
“I know he wouldn’t let us do this. This could never happen if he was involved.”
Book of HOV was held at the Brooklyn Public Library, with a resounding success attracting over 30,000 visitors eager to delve into Jay-Z’s world. The exhibit not only showcases artifacts from his career but also pays homage to each of his albums with exclusive library cards.
These special library cards have been created in collaboration with the rapper/entrepreneur. They are distributed to the public, allowing fans to carry a piece of his music with them wherever they go.
The Auction
Building on the excitement surrounding the Book of HOV, Jay-Z has made a surprising decision to auction rare memorabilia connected to the exhibit. Thirteen one-of-a-kind metal library cards, each featuring artwork from Jay-Z’s solo studio albums, will be up for auction.
In addition to his groundbreaking Book of HOV exhibit, Jay-Z continues to explore new avenues, including his newest venture, film production.
His upcoming film, The Book of Clarence, is set to release on January 12, 2024, where he is named the producer. The biblical epic features a star-studded cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, and more.
Top 23 of 2023: No. 16 – Boosie’s Family Feud
While celebrating Jay-Z’s achievements, it is essential to acknowledge the lessons learned from the public drama between rapper Boosie and his daughter, which made headlines in 2023. As Jay-Z wisely stated, “Nobody wins when the family feuds.”