The Book of Hov: Jay-Z’s New Release You Can Buy
If you missed the chance to visit the impressive 40,000 square-foot exhibit titled “The Book of HOV” at the Brooklyn Public Library last year, which celebrated the legendary career of Jay-Z, high-end publisher Assouline has an excellent alternative for you. This beautifully curated coffee table book serves as a perfect gift or personal treat, allowing you to dive into the remarkable life and achievements of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
The Book of Hov: A Tribute to Jay-Z is currently available for order, offering a range of editions to suit different tastes and budgets. The classic edition is priced at $120, while the ultimate edition is a luxurious $2,000, catering to collectors and fans alike. Additionally, there are five limited-edition copies available at a price upon request. This stunning 432-page book features over 675 vivid illustrations, serving as a comprehensive commemoration of the exhibit that captivated more than 600,000 visitors, marking it as one of the largest public installations in U.S. history.
According to the description, this coffee table book aims to “commemorate and immortalize” the immersive installation by showcasing thousands of archived artifacts from every aspect of JAY-Z’s illustrious career. This includes original recording masters, stage outfits, interviews, videos, awards, and never-before-seen photographs. Readers will encounter significant items such as the guitar JAY-Z played at the Glastonbury Festival—making him the first rapper to perform on that iconic stage—as well as Daniel Arsham’s sculpture ‘HOV Hands,’ which captures the famous gesture seen at JAY-Z’s concerts around the globe. Additionally, it features his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame award, recognizing his historic induction as the first solo hip-hop artist, along with hundreds of paper planes created by schoolchildren across NYC, each containing their dreams and aspirations.
The book is divided into eight compelling chapters, each titled after lyrics from the 24-time Grammy winner, exploring JAY-Z’s profound influence on music, culture, and social justice. In-depth essays delve into themes such as his artistry, activism in prison reform, and entrepreneurial ventures. The description from the publisher highlights that JAY-Z is more than just a multi-hyphenate artist; he has made groundbreaking contributions across numerous fields, both figurative and literal. The Book of HOV uncovers how JAY-Z exemplifies the power of intention and the ability to craft one’s own narrative, inspiring countless individuals around the world.