Jermaine Dupri has proclaimed that JAY-Z‘s new ‘Book of HOV’ exhibit is the best curated celebration in honor of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary so far.
The So So Def founder took to his Instagram Stories to give praise to the billionaire businessman who he collaborated with on 1998’s “Money Ain’t a Thang.”
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“As I’m coming in the studio, I’m watching clips of this ‘Book of HOV’ thing that Brooklyn Library decided to wrap the whole building in JAY-Z’s lyrics and turn the whole library into the ‘Book of HOV’ exhibit,” Jermaine Dupri said. “And recreate Baseline [Studios]. Listen man. This is one of the most creative things I’ve seen done for Hip Hop 50.”
He continued: “I been saying this. When I wore the flat top, I did that to pay my respects and homage to Hip Hop. But this Brooklyn library wrapping — the library with his lyrics — this is the most creative thing I’ve seen this whole Hip Hop 50, and I’m inspired.”
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‘The Book of HOV’ opened its doors for a private party at the Brooklyn Public Library on Thursday (July 13), and marks one of the largest 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.”
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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 New York City recording studio where Jigga crafted classic albums like The Blueprint and The Black Album.
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As stated above, Jermaine Dupri paid homage to Hip Hop’s 50th Birthday back in March by rocking a hi-top fade “Hot Boy” hairstyle.
“I did a hi-top fade paying respect to Hip Hop 50,” JD explained during a previous Twitter Spaces conversation. “Because like, I see everybody talking about, ‘We celebrating Hip Hop 50.’ And all I know is that Hip Hop made me cut three slits in my eyebrows. Hip Hop made me have a box. Hip Hop made me put blonde dye at the top of my head. Hip Hop made me wear gloves in the summer time. Hip Hop made me do all kinds of shit. For real! I’m telling you.”
There have been many Hip Hop celebrations in honor of it’s 50th Anniversary including GloRilla and Lil Uzi Vert being apart of the Hip Hop 50 Tribute at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in February and Eric B. and Rakim reuniting in New Jersey for a performance in June.
But not everyone is satisfied with the ongoing festivities around Hip Hop 50. In a June interview with Shade 45, Grandmaster Flash decided to give a little bit of education while also, simultaneously, dragging self-proclaimed fans who didn’t include the important players in their 50th anniversary of Hip Hop celebrations.
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“Can you verbalize to this?” he began. “There was one gentleman — just one — who had this nursery rhyme type of style. And we met, briefly. And then, when I went to go visit my girlfriend, he was there. He was dating the older sister, and I was dating the younger one. So, we meet again. And the next time I played in the park, I ask him to try. And this is where the rapper was born.”
He continued: “His name was Keith Wiggins, also known as ‘Cowboy.’ […] The rest of the Five is history. But I just wanted to say, like, thank you for this, Sway. Yes, I know we have a lot to talk about. But Hip Hop is 50 years old. And do you know, out of all the interviews I’ve been listening to, nobody’s talking about where this started!
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“Nobody’s talking about the DJs. Nobody’s talking about the incredible producers, who put these incredible songs together. Because, I’m telling you, I’ll put my life on this, that any one of you rappers could not have written these dope ass rhymes [without them].”
