Jay-Z's "Book Of Hov" Exhibition Blows Questlove's Mind, Beyonce Stuns

BYGabriel Bras Nevares1.7K Views
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Jay Z Book Of Hov Brooklyn Public Library Exhibition Questlove Beyonce
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While the Queen stole the show in an orange figure-hugging dress, the Roots legend couldn't believe they recreated Baseline Studios.

Jay-Z received an honor few hip-hop artists have achieved so far: getting a full exhibition dedicated to him. Moreover, the Brooklyn Public Library recently opened "The Book Of Hov" to the public on Friday (July 14) after a star-studded opening night the previous day. Its website explains that the exhibition "presents thousands of archived objects, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photos, iconic stage wear, prestigious awards and recognitions, as well as videos and artifacts from every facet on JAY-Z’s professional life." It aims to "provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person and a consequential philanthropist" and commend his "artistry, roots, accomplishments and transcendent cultural impact."

Of course, Beyoncé showed up the entire competition in a sleek, figure-hugging orange dress to support her husband alongside their daughter Blue Ivy. Many other stars appeared, such as Lil Uzi Vert, Just Blaze, Fat Joe, Rakim, Yo Gotti, DJ Khaled, and more. Given Jay-Z's indelible impact as a musician, creative, businessman, and leader, it seems arduous to contain a career like that with just a few physical representations. But it seems like they blew everyone away, even veterans and legends like Questlove.

Beyoncé Stuns In Support Of Her Husband's Exhibition

Furthermore, the Roots icon particularly praised the exhibition's recreation of Baseline Studios. This is where Hov crafted hits for albums like The Blueprint and The Black Album, and Questlove recorded his reaction. "Yo, man… I’m mind-blown," he shared. "They recreated Baseline Studios!" He then asked Just Blaze how long this process took, and apparently it was a couple of months. Among all of the homages to Jay-Z, this certainly represented something particularly special and impressive.

Questlove Blown Away By Jay-Z's "The Book Of Hov"

Meanwhile, the New York legend's mother Gloria Carter spoke at the library at an earlier event for hip-hop's 50th anniversary. "He was a very special child," she remarked to Angie Martinez. "He was that kid that was like, ‘Yo ma, the sun is shining and I want to go outside.’ I’ll be like, ‘Baby, it’s cold out.’ He’d be like, ‘The sun is shining.’ I’d be like, ‘Okay, I’ma let you go outside.' Open the door put him outside and I’m looking out the door and a couple minutes he’s ringing the bell [shivering]. So I was like, ‘What happened?’ He was like, ‘It’s cold outside.’ That’s how a lesson is learned." For more news and the latest updates on Jay-Z, stay logged into HNHH.

About The Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a staff writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH while completing his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication at The George Washington University in the summer of 2022. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gabriel treasures the crossover between his native reggaetón and hip-hop news coverage, such as his review for Bad Bunny’s hometown concert in 2024. But more specifically, he digs for the deeper side of hip-hop conversations, whether that’s the “death” of the genre in 2023, the lyrical and parasocial intricacies of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle, or the many moving parts of the Young Thug and YSL RICO case. Beyond engaging and breaking news coverage, Gabriel makes the most out of his concert obsessions, reviewing and recapping festivals like Rolling Loud Miami and Camp Flog Gnaw. He’s also developed a strong editorial voice through album reviews, think-pieces, and interviews with some of the genre’s brightest upstarts and most enduring obscured gems like Homeboy Sandman, Bktherula, Bas, and Devin Malik.
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