On July 17, the fifth and final copy of The Book of HOV Special Limited Edition—signed and dated by Jay-Z in silver ink with the words “with Peace n Love / JAY-Z / 2025”—was sold at Christie’s Contemporary Editions Sale for $163,800. A portion of proceeds from the sale will benefit the Brooklyn Public Library, reinforcing the lasting connection between Carter, Roc Nation, and the institution that helped bring this tribute to life.

The sculptural edition debuted in early 2025, a collaboration between Assouline, artist Daniel Arsham, and Roc Nation. Limited to just five copies, the work transforms the print volume into an art object, housed in a hand-patinated bronze clamshell designed by Arsham. “The patina on the works is basically a forced oxidation,” he explained. “If you were to cast something in bronze and leave it out for 100 years, it would get this same look.”

This special release followed the December 2024 publication of The Book of HOV: A Tribute to Jay-Z, a comprehensive volume celebrating one of the most influential cultural figures of the past few decades. Issued in two formats—the Classic and Ultimate editions—the book includes more than 700 photographs, personal archives, and essays tracing Jay-Z’s evolution from the Marcy Projects to international acclaim. It extended the reach of the 2023 Brooklyn Public Library exhibition, which drew more than 600,000 visitors and became one of the most attended public art installations in the country.

Reflecting on the exhibition’s impact, Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, remarked of Jay-Z: “He’s from New York, but you know, he belongs to everyone. That’s just like the library.”

The Book of HOV
Back in Stock
The Classics Collection The Book of HOV: A Tribute to Jay-Z (Classic)
$120 USD
Special Edition
The Ultimate Collection The Book of HOV: A Tribute to Jay-Z (Ultimate)
$2,000 USD

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