Earlier this week, when passages of Jay-Z lyrics from songs like “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” and “Justify My Thug” appeared on the Art Deco-style, curved limestone facade of the Brooklyn Public Library’s main branch, fans and passers-by could only speculate on the occasion for the building’s sudden makeover.
A surprise concert for the rapper’s home borough?
A tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop this summer?
The answer, it turned out, was neither — and also a secret even from the man himself.
On Thursday evening, when Jay-Z entered the library for a private event surrounded by an inner circle of family, friends and business associates, he was greeted by his live band playing instrumental versions of his hits out front, and a career-spanning archival exhibition that he never asked for inside.
Persons:
Jay, Z
Organizations:
Art, Brooklyn Public