Assouline x Roc Nation
Book of HOV
A Tribute to Jay-Z
Housed in a custom wooden slipcase with dramatically extruded type, The Book of HOV is a 16 x 29–inch, 25-pound tome wrapped in leather with a blind debossed cover, creating a tactile contrast to the dimensionality of its case. Its sleek tone-on-tone design enhances the book’s physical presence, lending the object a refined and sophisticated sensibility.
Published by Assouline, this 432-page volume celebrates the life and legacy of Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and commemorates The Book of HOV, an immersive exhibition held at the Brooklyn Public Library in 2023, and one of the largest public installations in U.S. history. Structured in eight chapters drawn from his lyrics, the volume pairs visuals with essays that explore Carter’s influence across music, business, and activism. The book brings together archival materials from every facet of JAY-Z’s career, including original masters, stage wear, awards, unseen photographs, and cultural artifacts.
Typography
Publication Design
Publication Design
2024
In collaboration with artist Daniel Arsham, a contributor to the exhibition, a sculptural slipcase was created to house a special version of the book. Cast in solid bronze and featuring JAY-Z’s lyrics, the case echoes the design language of the larger volume through layered embossing and debossing. Limited to just five copies, each was conceived as a functional sculpture and individually signed by JAY-Z.
In addition to the original edition, a smaller format was created to make the book more accessible. This version was designed to reach a wider audience while preserving the essence and impact of the original.
Under the direction of ASSOULINE
Images courtesy of ASSOULINE