JAY-Z has reflected on becoming the first rapper to be honored with a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, saying that it was a giant leap for Hip Hop culture.
On Friday (October 27), CBS Mornings showcased ‘The Book Of HOV’ exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City. During a chat with Gayle King, Jigga discussed his countless accolades and how long it took for stakeholders in the music industry to finally recognize Hip Hop as a legitimate art form.
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“For a while, they would just dismiss rap as this fad or this noise [with] people just screaming over beats,” he said. “Not that we needed the validation, but it was like we want the validation ’cause we deserve it.”
In 2017, the New York rap icon became the first MC to be welcomed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The BPL’s ‘Book of HOV’ exhibition opened its doors for a private party in mid-July, becoming one of the largest displays of its kind dedicated to a single Hip Hop artist.
According to its official website, the multimedia experience “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.”
Tracing the billionaire mogul’s journey from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to global stardom, the exhibition aims to “provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person and a consequential philanthropist” while celebrating his “artistry, roots, accomplishments and transcendent cultural impact.”
Among the array of rare artifacts on display from throughout Hov’s almost 30-year career is a recreation of Baseline Studios, the famed recording kitchen where Jigga cooked up classic albums like The Blueprint and The Black Album.
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Last month, the exhibition brought in a ’90s Lexus reminiscent of the one used in JAY-Z’s landmark music videos for “Dead Presidents.”
