Joe Budden Ridicules JAY-Z's 'Book Of HOV' Exhibition: 'I've Been To Baseline'

Joe Budden doesn’t share the rest of the Hip Hop community’s enthusiasm for JAY-Z’s “The Book of HOV” exhibition, declaring that he has no interest in checking it out.

During a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the former Slaughterhouse MC shared his candid thoughts about the sprawling tribute to Hov’s illustrious career, which opened at the Brooklyn Public Library earlier this month.

“When do I want to sound uncultured?” Budden wondered aloud. “Now? Should I wait ’til they text about it? I’ll see. I’ll play it by ear.”

He added: “I’m not going. The lyrics — I seen them on the front of the museum, right? I was like, ‘Oh shit, I know that song.'”

As his co-hosts attempted to change his point of view by explaining the many rarities on display at the library, the New Jersey native pointed out that he’s been to the actual Baseline Studios and has already worked with Just Blaze, who produced his breakout 2003 hit “Pump It Up.”

Budden continued to shoot down his co-hosts, sneering at the exhibition’s different “zones” while asking: “What zone is the DATs in?” referencing Hov’s master recordings that are on display.

He also suggested that Hov himself “ain’t look like he wanted [to be there],” before saying: “I’m telling you what I see.”

“The Book of HOV” opened to the public on July 14. According to its website, the multimedia 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.”

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.

The exhibition has already been visited by an array of A-listers including Lil Uzi Vert, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Alicia Keys, Jayson Tatum and more. JAY-Z himself attended the opening night alongside his wife Beyoncé and daughter Blue Ivy.

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Although he’s yet to experience it for himself in person, Jermaine Dupri recently crowned “The Book of HOV” the best Hip Hop 50 celebration so far.

“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 and recreate Baseline [Studios],” he said on Instagram. “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.”

The Brooklyn Public Library announced last week that the exhibition has been extended for another two months and will run until October.

“We’re thrilled to share #TheBookOfHOV exhibit will run until October,” they announced on Twitter. “Stop by any time this summer to see this free exhibit, or plan your visit for the fall.”