Soul Brother
Jay-Z’s ‘Dead Presidents’ Lexus Is on Display at Brooklyn Library Exhibit
The Brooklyn Public Library is honoring Jay-Z, one of New York rap’s greatest, with its “The Book of HOV” exhibit — and an important part of his history has just been added to the display.
Starting Thursday, fans of the rap star will be able to view a new installation that honors one of Jay-Z’s most celebrated videos, 1996’s “Dead Presidents.” For the display, which will run until December, the Brooklyn Public Library partnered with Lexus and Roc Nation to display the 1993 Lexus GS 300 that Jay-Z drive in the song’s iconic visual.
“We’re excited to partner with Lexus to bring Jay-Z’s iconic off-white Lexus to The Book of HOV. The new installation adds another element of Jay-Z’s career to the exhibit that visitors can enjoy,” said Desiree Perez, CEO Roc Nation, in a release.
“The response to The Book of HOV has been overwhelming, so we’re excited to extend the exhibit to December to ensure new and returning attendees can have enough opportunities to fully immerse themselves into the experience,” Perez added.
The off-white Lexus has been referenced multiple times throughout Jay-Z’s lyrics, including in his No. 1 hit “Empire State of Mind,” where he raps “Cruisin’ down 8th St, off-white Lexus/Drivin’ so slow, but BK is from Texas.”
And also in “Can I Live” from Reasonable Doubt with the lyrics: “My mind is infested, with sick thoughts that circle/Like a Lexus, if driven wrong it’s sure to hurt you.”
According to a press release, the Lexus is the first of more artifacts from Jay-Z’s career set to be added to the exhibit, which has already welcomed more than 225,000 visitors since it opened in July.
“In further celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we are thrilled to partner with Roc Nation in this special tribute to JAY-Z’s musical legacy,” said Mia Phillips, Senior Manager of Lexus Advertising & Media, in a press release. “The vehicle display is recognition of the mutual respect and admiration between Lexus and JAY-Z, whose brilliance and contributions to culture extend far beyond hip-hop.”