On the evening of October 2nd, the illustrious halls of the Brooklyn Public Library were abuzz with excitement as they played host to a grand gala, an occasion graced by none other than the iconic JAY-Z and his esteemed mother, Dr. Gloria Carter. The guest list read like a who’s who of the entertainment and political spheres, with luminaries such as Meek Mill, Quavo, Travis Scott, the incomparable Kim Kardashian, Jack Harlow, the ever-talented Lil Baby, Senator Chuck Schumer, and the legendary Tom Brady all in attendance. The charismatic Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, was also present, adding a touch of officialdom as he warmly introduced the evening’s honorees.
In a heartwarming moment captured and shared across various social platforms, Hov, as he is affectionately known, revealed the unfortunate absence of his mother. With genuine sincerity, he mused, I figured if these young men could speak on behalf of their dad, I could speak on behalf of my mom,” he stated. “Dr. Gloria had to see a doctor earlier. She’s gonna be very upset that I told y’all that. She gave me a very bad excuse, and I couldn’t do it and lie to the good people of Brooklyn.”
Injecting a touch of levity, JAY-Z quipped, “I think she’s hungover. There’s no other way to put it. She wanted to be with you guys, but this is what she would want me to say. Y’all not taping this, are you?”
Since July, enthusiasts and admirers have been making pilgrimages to this very library to immerse themselves in a sprawling exhibit aptly titled “The Book of HOV: A celebration of the life and work of Shawn ‘JAY-Z’ Carter.” This captivating display, meticulously curated by the Roc Nation teams and esteemed partners, unravels a tapestry of never-before-seen images, art, and memorabilia from the maestro’s personal archives. It affords an unparalleled glimpse into an extraordinary life and career, an experience that is both complimentary and one of the very few of its scale to be housed in such a vibrant public space.