Even Jay-Z Didn't Know About The Jay-Z Exhibit At Brooklyn Library

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, NY — The curious crowd that gathered outside the Brooklyn Central Library Friday morning had one thing in common Jay-Z, the artist whose lyrics mysteriously appeared this week on the monument's exterior wall: they did not know what they'd find inside.

That's because Roc Nation staff secretly set up a massive exhibit inside about the famed rapper born in Brooklyn — a complete library takeover kept secret even from Jay-Z himself.

By 9 a.m. the crowd found itself in a library remodeled, covered with large screens and murals depicting Jay-Z's albums and famous moments, staring down a massive tower of screens projecting lyrics.

Throughout the library lie Jay-Z's clothes and awards, his entire discography, a replica of his recording studio, his favorite books and the sculpture on the cover of "The Blueprint 3."

And on Thursday — after most of the library was closed for setup — Jay-Z and 500 of his closest friends checked out the exhibit at a star-studded private party.

"He's the GOAT," said Shavonna Rodriguez, who assumed there was a Jay-Z exhibit outside when she saw the lyrics. "He represents New York City."

City Council Member Justin Brannan offered a peak inside Thursday's exclusive event in a photo with his new bestie DJ Khaled: "Ladies and gentleman, [DJ Khaled] is in the building," he wrote.

The exhibit, entirely funded by Jay-Z's Roc Nation, took months to put together — but library staff aren't totally clear on how long it will stay, said Christine Schonhart, President of Brooklyn Central Library.

Brooklyn Central was the perfect spot given Jay-Z's Brooklyn roots and the library's free admission, Schonhart said. Schonhart said the library didn't spend any money on the exhibit.

Brooklyn Public Library has celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip hop throughout July — and Schonhart suspected the exhibit was somewhat of a gift to Jay-Z in celebration of the anniversary as well.

The setup was not without its bumps — on Friday, a piece of the exhibit came tumbling down and nearly missed a visitor who proclaimed, "my love for Jay Z almost killed me!"

Explicit references to Jay-Z's life in Brooklyn were few, save a sign for his former home, the Marcy Houses, and a paper plane display created by Brooklyn public school students.

Knowing Jay-Z's background and now working in Brooklyn, Rodriguez felt the full power of the exhibit, she said.

"This thing's been giving me goosebumps. Has to have given him goosebumps," Rodriguez said.

Audio from an acceptance speech where Jay-Z yells, "we did it again, Brooklyn!" can be heard in a dark screen-filled hallway leading to a neon blue meditation room.

Bed-Stuy local Jasmine Harvey said it's amazing to see someone so honored while alive, especially in their hometown. Harvey also came out expecting an exhibit when she saw videos of the facade online Thursday.

Harvey's favorite part of the exhibit was seeing original tapings of Jay-Z's songs alongside records of all his albums.

"It's amazing," Harvey said.

Library representatives said they hope the exhibit brings new visitors to the library — especially given they will be handing out limited edition library cards with Jay-Z album covers at the Central and Marcy branches.

Melissa Johnson was the perfect example of such a draw. A New York native who hasn't been to the library in years, Johnson couldn't believe it when she heard the exhibit was opening on her birthday.

Johnson is a life-long Jay-Z fan — especially given she spent the beginning of her life in the Marcy Houses as well. She grabbed three specialty library cards.

"I have chills," Johnson said. "I know I'm gonna have an amazing day."

Roc Nation also pledged a donation to the library, including Jay-Z's discography available for borrowing, books and an undisclosed monetary donation.

For days, people have been coming into the library asking what's up with the Jay-Z lyrics outside, library staff told Patch.

"It's madness."

Roc Nation security prepped library ushers for a potential surge, expected in the early days of the display, Schonhart said.

Bed-Stuy's Marcy branch library will also get some books and specialty cards given Jay-Z grew up in the Marcy Houses.