Business mogul and rapper Jay-Z is auctioning off 13 metal library cards, each depicting artwork from his solo studio albums, the Observer reported on Monday. The rapper will donate the proceeds of the sale to the Brooklyn Library.
The auction is in partnership with his company, Roc Nation, and auction company Christie's. It will close on Tuesday, 5 December. So far, the top bid for the 13 custom-made cards sits at $30,000. The proceeds will directly benefit the library's various programs and initiatives, including its justice and youth programs and efforts to combat censorship.
The art covers include the rapper's artwork from the rapper's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt and his 2017 4:44. The cards were initially created for the rapper's Book of HOV exhibition hosted at the Central Library branch of the Brooklyn Library between 14 July and 4 December, on his birthday.
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez and the head of private and iconic collections at Christie's, Elizabeth Siegel, said in a joint statement the response to the exhibition, which attracted more than 600,000, was overwhelming. She said the company hoped the event would inspire more people to donate towards community initiatives and institutions.
“The public’s response to The Book of HOV exhibition has been truly overwhelming. We staged the exhibit at the Brooklyn Library to serve as a reminder that genius lives in us all and there should be no barrier to knowledge and opportunity," said Perez.
Siegel said the company was proud to collaborate with Roc Nation for an initiative celebrating Jay-Z's career milestones while uplifting his community.
“Each library card in the single lot encapsulates the essence of his solo studio albums, making this a unique and personal celebration of his artistic journey,” said Siegel.
The winning bidder will receive the cards, a metal bookmark and a library membership card commemorating the recent exhibition in a black leather briefcase.
