Amazingly, the Shawn Carter Foundation, founded by JAY-Z, was able to raise $20 million to support college students wishing to further their studies.
Hov’s charity held a black-tie gala in New York City on Friday, July 14, to mark its 20th anniversary and raise money to help people who are struggling financially pursue their educational goals.
The head of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez each gave $10 million, which will enable the foundation to expand its international exchange program, scholarships, community goodwill, and emergency aid programs.
As part of his yearly donation, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey also gave the organization $2 million.
Many famous people, including JAY-Z, Beyoncé, DJ Khaled, Lil Uzi Vert, and Meek Mill, were present at the event.
JAY-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter, co-founded the Shawn Carter Foundation in 2003. Since then, it has helped underprivileged children, families, and members of disenfranchised communities by offering scholarships for college, visits to HBCUs, opportunities for study abroad, wealth-building programs, and more.
In order to stop the statewide book bans that are harming many educational programs across the U.S., the Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism announced their alliance prior to the dinner.
To promote the cause of promoting free expression and intellectual growth, both groups gave $1 million, and Fanatics and Live Nation each gave $500,000 to help the project along.
The funds obtained would enable both organizations to provide institutions that have been adversely affected by the statewide book ban with books, legal assistance, marketing support, and other goods.
In addition to his philanthropic work, JAY-Z is also getting roses from his contemporaries. His “Money Ain’t a Thang” bandmate Jermaine Dupri recently declared that the Roc Nation magnate’s “Book of HOV” display is the best-curated celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.
Dupri posted a clip of the Brooklyn Library’s “Book of HOV” project on his Instagram Stories. “As I’m coming in the studio, I’m watching clips of this ‘Book of HOV’ thing that Brooklyn Library decided to wrap the whole building in JAY-Z’s lyrics and turn the whole library into the ‘Book of HOV’ exhibit,” Dupri wrote. Recreate Baseline [Studios] as well. Observe, guy. One of the more original things I’ve seen for Hip Hop 50 is this.
I have been saying this, he said. I donned the flat top when I did so as a tribute to and mark of appreciation for Hip Hop. However, this Brooklyn Library wrapping, which combines the library with his lyrics, is the most original thing I’ve seen throughout Hip Hop 50, and I’m moved by it.
One of the greatest exhibits of its sort devoted to a single Hip Hop artist, “The Book of HOV” debuted on Thursday (July 13) at the Brooklyn Public Library for a private party.
The multimedia experience, according to its official website, “presents thousands of archived objects, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photos, iconic stage wear, prestigious awards and recognitions, as well as videos and artifacts from every facet on JAY-Z’s professional life.”
The exhibition, which follows the multibillionaire’s rise from the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn to international fame, aims to “provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person, and a consequential philanthropist” while honoring his “artistry, roots, accomplishments, and transcendent cultural impact.”
A reproduction of Baseline Studios, the renowned New York City recording studio where Jigga created legendary albums like The Blueprint and The Black Album, is one of the many unique relics from Hov’s nearly 30-year career on exhibit.