by Jonathan P-Wright | Aug 17, 2023 | Editorial Pick, Latest, Music News |
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
Jay-Z, the iconic music artist, has been an influential figure in the music industry for decades. From his early days as a rapper to his success as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jay-Z’s story is a testament to the power of determination and creativity. Now, his legacy is being celebrated in a grand exhibit called the Book of HOV, which has recently opened at the Brooklyn Public Library in collaboration with Roc Nation.
A Labor of Love and Collaboration
The Book of HOV is a 40,000-square-foot exhibit that takes full advantage of the Brooklyn Public Library’s Grand Army Plaza branch. The exhibit, crafted in collaboration with Roc Nation, showcases the life and career of Jay-Z through six distinct zones. The front of the library is wrapped with his lyrics, creating an eye-catching display for visitors.
The exhibit was unveiled at a star-studded pre-opening party attended by Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and their loved ones, along with famous friends. The event featured a jazzy medley of Jay-Z hits performed by a band, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the exhibit. While the surprise element may have been slightly compromised by speculative reports leading up to the event, the exhibit remains a worthy celebration of the music icon.
A Uniquely Brooklyn Story
Linda Johnson, CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, emphasizes that the Book of HOV is not only a celebration of Jay-Z but also a testament to the cultural richness of Brooklyn. She believes that the exhibit will attract new visitors to the library, including young people who may not be familiar with the wide range of services offered. Johnson states, “JAY-Z’s story is a uniquely Brooklyn story, and it’s a privilege to host this exhibit created as a labor of love by Roc Nation and the people who’ve known and worked with him over the years.”
In addition to the exhibit, the Brooklyn Public Library announced the release of limited-edition library cards commemorating each of Jay-Z’s 13 solo albums. This unique collaboration between the library and Roc Nation aims to further engage the community and encourage patronage of the library’s services. Johnson highlights that patrons can not only borrow books but also vinyl records, musical instruments, sheet music, and even utilize the recording studio to create their own music or podcast.
Exploring the Book of HOV Exhibit
The Book of HOV exhibit features thousands of artifacts from all over the world, curated with the help of Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez’s extensive collection. Perez had long desired to create a gallery showcasing her souvenirs, and the collaboration with the Brooklyn Public Library offered the perfect opportunity. The exhibit includes physical music reels, plaques, magazines and newspapers, concert setlists, rare photos, and one-of-a-kind artifacts like the guitar Jay-Z played at Glastonbury 2008, a defiant response to Noel Gallagher’s anti-rap comments.
The exhibit is divided into six zones, each named after a Jay-Z lyric, offering a thematic and investigative approach to his life and career. The non-linear structure allows visitors to explore different aspects of Jay-Z’s journey, rather than following a strict chronological order. The design process involved extensive research, including conversations with Jay-Z’s close friends and business peers, to gain insight into the various themes that would be explored.
The Six Zones of the Book of HOV
- Did It Without A Pen: This zone fills the library’s record room with 400 books that Jay-Z referenced throughout his career. It also showcases vinyl records of songs his producers sampled from, all available for borrowing.
- Win-Win: Highlighting Jay-Z’s philanthropic efforts, this zone explores his charitable endeavors and the impact he has made on communities.
- Business, Man: Focusing on Jay-Z’s entrepreneurship, this zone documents his ventures beyond the music industry, including his successful forays into fashion, sports management, and other business ventures.
- So Fly: Transformed into a paper plane palace, the library’s children’s space hosts this zone. Over 600 Brooklyn youth have designed custom paper planes, symbolizing the soaring aspirations and creativity fostered by Jay-Z’s music.
- HOV Did That: This sprawling mezzanine features rare photos and a blue-lit room filled with retro clips of Jay-Z discussing various topics that later manifested in his career.
- A Work of Art Already: This zone immerses visitors in the Black Album era, with large screens playing clips from that period and a life-size replica of Roc-A-Fella’s Baseline studios, where many of Jay-Z’s iconic tracks were recorded.
The Design Process and Collaboration
The design process for the Book of HOV exhibit took approximately six months, with the creative team at General Idea Agency leading the way. They worked closely with Roc Nation, the Brooklyn Public Library, and other production and design firms to bring the vision to life. The goal was to create an immersive and visually captivating experience for visitors while seamlessly integrating the exhibit into the existing space of the library.
Collaboration between Roc Nation and the library was key to the success of the project. The library provided invaluable support and contributed to the process, ensuring that the exhibit aligned with their mission and values. Both Linda Johnson, CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, and the design team at General Idea Agency acknowledge the library’s instrumental role in making the exhibit a reality.
A Privileged Experience
While the public eagerly awaits Jay-Z’s reaction to the Book of HOV exhibit, one can only imagine the impact it will have on him. Scott Mirkin, the lead producer of ESM Productions, who has been involved in the installation of the exhibit since March, believes that Jay-Z’s smile will be a testament to the success of the exhibit. Mirkin notes that Jay-Z is often seen smiling and expresses his confidence that the exhibit will provide him with an amazing feeling.
The Book of HOV exhibit is not only a celebration of Jay-Z’s accomplishments but also an opportunity for the community to engage with his legacy. Through the collaboration between Roc Nation and the Brooklyn Public Library, visitors can explore the multifaceted journey of a music icon who has left an indelible mark on the world. It is an experience that transcends the boundaries of music and invites individuals to discover the power of passion, creativity, and perseverance.
As the Book of HOV continues to captivate audiences, it serves as a reminder that the library is not just a place for books but a hub of knowledge, inspiration, and creativity. The exhibit encourages young people to explore the library’s diverse offerings and discover their own passions, much like Jay-Z did on his path to success. With the limited-edition library cards commemorating each of his 13 solo albums, the collaboration between Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Public Library is destined to leave a lasting impact on both the community and the music industry.
So, if you find yourself in Brooklyn, make sure to visit the Brooklyn Public Library and immerse yourself in the extraordinary journey of Jay-Z, as told through the inspiring pages of the Book of HOV.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Aug 9, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Vic Mensa, the Chicago-born rap luminary known for his boundary-pushing creativity, has joined forces with the incomparable Ty Dolla $ign to deliver an electrifying new single that’s sure to set the airwaves on fire. On July 28, Vic Mensa unleashed the infectious “Eastside Girl,” a collaboration that not only showcases his musical versatility but also features the signature charm of Ty Dolla $ign.
Produced by a powerhouse team including Vic Mensa himself, the mxnxstxr (Mensa’s rave-inclined alter ego), LPeezy, and Subroza, “Eastside Girl” is a high-energy anthem that invites listeners to embrace the vibrant spirit of a ladies’ night out, regardless of their geographical location. Boasting a lively tempo and irresistible hooks, the song seamlessly encapsulates the spirit of an unburdened evening brimming with joy, camaraderie, and indelible moments.
The accompanying music video, directed by Danielle Alston, serves as a visual feast that complements the song’s energetic vibe. In the video, viewers are treated to scenes of Vic Mensa enjoying a game of pool with a bevvy of beautiful women, showcasing his effortless charisma and dynamic stage presence. However, the storyline takes an unexpected twist when Mensa appears to fall under a mysterious spell, resulting in a twist of events that add a touch of intrigue to the narrative. While Ty Dolla $ign doesn’t make a physical appearance in the video, his vocal contributions lend an undeniable layer of charm to the track.
“Eastside Girl” represents a harmonious partnership between two creators renowned for their relentless exploration and expansion of their individual genres. Vic Mensa’s ability to seamlessly blend his signature style with diverse sounds and influences has made him a standout figure in hip-hop, while Ty Dolla $ign’s soulful and versatile vocals have made him a sought-after collaborator across the music industry.
As Vic Mensa continues to make waves with his artistic evolution, “Eastside Girl” stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to delivering music that resonates with a global audience. With its infectious rhythm and captivating visuals, this single is poised to become a staple in summer playlists and beyond, offering listeners an opportunity to immerse themselves in the irresistible energy of a memorable night out.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 31, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Travis Scott, the visionary Houston talent, has officially ushered in UTOPIA season with the release of the highly-anticipated track “K-POP.” Featuring the dynamic collaborations of Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, the lead single from Travis Scott’s long-awaited album promises a unique fusion of hip hop and South American influences, resulting in an electrifying soundscape that perfectly complements Scott’s unapologetic lifestyle.
Produced by a dream team of BNYX, Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet, and Illangelo, “K-POP” is a cinematic masterpiece that opens in an empty stadium, setting the stage for an unforgettable visual journey. Travis Scott and a crew of bikers take over the venue, hinting at the grandiosity of what’s to come. Bad Bunny, the Latin music sensation, delivers his verse from an exuberant party in a separate location, infusing the track with his infectious energy and distinctive flair.
The Weeknd, a chart-topping icon, joins forces with the Cactus Jack head honcho during a mesmerizing studio session, surrounded by breathtaking views. The seamless collaboration between Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd elevates “K-POP” to new heights, creating a musical experience that transcends boundaries and unites fans across the globe.
As the lead single from his highly-anticipated album, “K-POP” marks the beginning of a new era for Travis Scott. The track’s bold experimentation and genre-blending aesthetics reaffirm Scott’s position as a boundary-pushing artist, unafraid to explore uncharted territories in his music.
In the cinematic visual for “K-POP,” cameos by SZA and Pharrell Williams add to the star-studded allure, further emphasizing the magnitude of this collaborative masterpiece. Travis Scott‘s ability to assemble a powerhouse lineup of artists reflects his immense influence and respect within the music industry.
With “K-POP,” Travis Scott has once again proven his ability to captivate audiences with his signature style and visionary approach to music. The track’s seamless blend of diverse influences serves as a testament to Scott’s versatility and creativity, setting the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking album.
As UTOPIA season dawns upon us, fans eagerly anticipate the full album release, eager to immerse themselves in the immersive world that Travis Scott has meticulously crafted. “K-POP” is only the beginning, a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic journey that awaits in the captivating realm of UTOPIA.
by Jesse Swindell | Jun 26, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
As you already know, Key Glock will be releasing the deluxe edition of his February release, Glockoma 2, this Friday (June 23), which will include eight additional songs that fans can enjoy. In their first single from their forthcoming album titled “Presidential Rolex,” the Memphis rapper takes a look back at the lifestyle of his wealthy friends and family in “Presidential Rolex”, a rap song produced by Grayson Beats and Tay Keith.
“The Presidential Rolex” also features an accompanying clip that comes thanks to the team over at 2Bros Films. Viewers can catch a glimpse of Key Glock at an unknown location at the bottom left corner of the screen catching vibes with his crew.
In the weeks following Glockoma 2, Key Glock appeared on a Ben Stein show called “Big Facts,” where he delved into the story of how he came to achieve the level of success he has earned in the music industry. “That really caught me off guard,” he told me after hearing what happened. “A n**ga comes from all these slums, they really come from nothing. There’s no way you’re going to think these folks are going to know what you’re about to say on the spot, yelling it louder than you.”
Additionally, he described what distinguishes him from his peers. In order to stand out from the crowd, I strive to be as different as possible. It is so important to remain true to yourself, regardless of what you do, where you are, or who you are with, no matter what you do, no matter where you are, or with whom you are together. It is important that you do not try to fit in with the n**gas. Be yourself.”
by Derrick T Lewis | Apr 10, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
With his first release of 2023, Morray returns with his first release of the year and enlists Lil Tjay for the assist on the track. This introspective song titled “High Price” shares with the listener moments of reflection that the North Carolina native learned through the journey to the top of the music industry. In his verse, Meek, whose lyrics deal with chasing goals in order to achieve success, mentions Philly rapper Meek Mill when he raps:
Morray continued to stay connected with his fans throughout the year of 2022 through the release of singles such as the Southside-produced “Broken Vows,” and “Da Rant” and “Momma’s Love,” “Ticket,” “Still Here” in collaboration with Cordae. As well as contributing to the vocals to his own releases, Morray has also appeared on countless recent tracks such as “All Them Days” featuring Derez De’Shon, “Real S**t” featuring OMB Peezy, “TAIL LIGHTS” featuring Macklemore, and “Long The Way” featuring Jetson, which was featured on the Dreamville-curated soundtrack to Creed III.
It was April 2021, when the “Dreamland” artist released his last album, Street Sermons, which featured 13 tracks, including his breakout single, “Quicksand.” Later that year, he joined Toosii, 42 Dugg, Pooh Shiesty, Flo Milli, Coi Leray, and Blxst as a member of the XXL Freshman Class. As part of his career achievements, he attended his first Grammy Awards in early 2022, where he was nominated for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his appearance on J. Cole “m y l i f e” alongside 21 Savage.
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