Patrons of the Brooklyn Public Library in New York will notice an unexpected new addition to the lawn: a mid-90s Japanese luxury sedan. The two-tone Lexus GS300 is part of a new exhibit honoring hip-hop legend Jay-Z, who often rapped about his “off-white Lexus” in which he got his career start. The car’s is part of an exhibit called “The Book of HOV” chronicling Jay-Z’s work, and its presence an official partnership with Lexus USA.
As one of the top recording artists in modern history Jay-Z can obviously buy any car he wants, but he often waxes nostalgic about his S140 Lexus. It was featured in the video for “Dead Presidents”, a promo single for Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt. He also referenced it in the lyrics of “Can I Live” and “Empire State of Mind”. When Jay-Z gave a concert at Radio City Music Hall honoring the 10th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt, he made his entrance by driving the GS300 on stage (4:24 in video above).
To be pedantic, we’re not convinced the car is is Jay-Z’s actual GS. A placard by the display vehicle says “Jay-Z’s 1993 Lexus GS300” and it has OEM wheels. The car on stage at Radio City had aftermarket wheels and Jay-Z himself describes it as a 1996, the same year “Dead Presidents” and Reasonable Doubt came out. The car in the exhibit might be on loan from Toyota’s own collection. It’s not a big deal, but we’re car nerds here and want to be as accurate as possible.
The “Book of HOV” exhibit is no small endeavor. It’s a legit museum exhibit with artifacts from Jay-Z’s career, never-before-seen photos, video, and even a replica of his recording studio. There are thousands of unique pieces on display, part of a greater year-long celebration of 50 years of hip-hop. Admission is free and it runs until December 4, 2023.
So incredibly dope. I’m not even a particularly huge fan of Jay-Z, but Reasonable Doubt is easily one of the Top Ten hip hop albums of all-freakin-time. And the Lex Bubble is infinitely cooler than any Maybach, coupe or otherwise.
“Fill the glass to the top with Moet, feel the Lex pushin up on the set, feel the high that you get from liiiiiife…”
I truly enjoyed looking @ all the hard work in crafting his music 🎶 🎵 👌🏿
And, of course, we cannot miss the obvious quirk: Jay-Z’s GS 300 is powered by a 2JZ but I will never believe that he wasn’t aware of that when he got it 😀
If he had gotten an LS instead his name would’ve been You-Z. 😂
Might lose weight the way I Blaze through this is before sport gang sliding to street courtyard hopping up the car like I came from Mars
With a shot of Nas, as the ancient meme haveth.
his Lexus was gold or champaigne
Reasonable Doubt Is A Masterpiece
And I Fell In Love With The GS Lexus Off Dead Presidents
Video….I Bought ’96 GS In 2000!!!!
People pretend to rate this man with others is ridiculous
Jay it’s me Eric Moss I sold a lot of your music u and big sis beyoncé in my family record store and I hug her neck and shake her hand I bring her and u to Jacksonville Florida my family record store was big Al record’s and tapes
I want that car big brother and sister
Another reason why I’m proud to be a Brooklynite, born and raised in Crown Height, this my home. I remembered Special Ed and others shot their music videos in Mount Prospect park on the other side of this library back in the day and Biggie Small’s video in “do or die, Bedford stuyvesant”, where I attended Boys And Girls High School back in the 90’s. I am such a music lover and a fan of Jay-Z’s music and so many other music artists, hip-hop and non hip-hop. I am also proud of Jay and so many others who came from not having much to now having this car to remind us of his music beginnings until now.
Just a couple of days from celebrating my birthday 🎉🎂 Sept 22. I am also a collector and Jay-Z’s music is part of my collection. Although life was not easy for many of us growing up, I still have very fond memories growing up in Brooklyn in the 80’s and 90’s. I’m not just acknowledging 50 years of Hip-hop but celebrating music in general. My father is also a musician by hobby. I love music so much! I also been to a few studios back in the day as well.Yes, Music matters, Music helps and saves lives. Brooklyn is forever blessed! Big up UTICA Ave. and Eastern Parkway Fam. JUST WISH WE CAN TREAT EACH OTHER MUCH BETTER!!! ONE LOVE!!!🇺🇸🇬🇩
From: PEACE
I feel ecstatic that JZ and I both own a Lexus GS 300, except I own a green 1998, which I purchased as a military retirement gift to myself. She still runs great and looks good. Of course I will never get to enjoy the Great toys that the great lengdary rapper has, but I fill great and rich that I was in the vicinity, and in Great company for a little while…..Long live JZ and GS 300″s. Peace my good brother….
And the winner is… HOV.
My man.
The car LOOKS GOOD Like JAY!! Beautiful CAR, BEAUTIFUL SMILE 👍🏽
That’s so kool that he have his car on display,,,,,,,,,,Beautiful
That’s Dope Rawwwwww king 👑 Shiiiiiiiit.
Jay’s My favorite rapper the Lexus is My favorite Car.
The best album ever made
That too was my 1st Lexus ❤️❤️❤️
Boss car