Jay-Z Sparks New Album Rumor Due To This Clue

Does Jay-Z have a new album on the way? According to People, Jay's Brooklyn Public Library exhibit titled The Book Of Hov contains a trophy case that highlights the iconic rapper's 13 studio albums. However, a 14th case has been added, and it is blank, leading fans to believe that a new album is underway.

His last solo album was 2017's 4:44. It featured guest appearances from his wife Beyoncė, his mother, Gloria Carter, his daughter Blue Ivy, Frank Ocean, Damian Marley, and James Blake. The album was nominated for eight Grammys, including Best Rap Album and Album Of The Year, at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The title track was nominated for Best Rap Performance and Song Of The Year, with songs "Family Feud" (Best Rap/Sung Performance) and "The Story of O.J." (Best Music Video, Best Rap Song, Record Of The Year) being nominated in their respective categories. While being nominated for eight Grammys, Jay did not walk out with any trophies that night, which he later touched on the song "Apes---" with Beyoncé.

"Tell the Grammys fuck that 0-for-8 s--- / Have you ever seen the crowd going apeshit," he raps on the track. Coincidentally, despite Jay calling out the Grammys, the song scored a nomination for Best Music Video, and Jay and Beyoncé's joint album Everything Is Love won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

He recently spoke to Gayle King with CBS Mornings about under what circumstances would lead him back into the studio to record an album.

"4:44, for example, was a personal story, but the amount of vulnerability in there allowed for a lot of people to explore the space," he told King.

"I’ll say I wanna make music, but it has to be something important," adding that his next project has to "mean something to a larger society."

Hip-Hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. While the genre is one of the youngest, it is not short on its impact on the culture.

The genre originated in the early '70s in New York in African-American communities in the Bronx. There are several aspects to hip-hop in regard to music making, such as rap, djing, and freestyling. Those created other avenues in the art form, such as breakdancing and graffiti art.

Hip-hop has been in the mainstream in ways that were never thought possible by its early adopters of the craft.

"When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, 'No'. No, you won't be able to leave New Jersey. No, if you rap, you can't sing. No, singers can't become actresses. No, actors can't also produce," Queen Latifah said to Entertainment Weekly in a statement as she is set to become the first female rap artist to be celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors.

"To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community. The work the Kennedy Center does is immeasurable so I'm beyond grateful for this recognition."

Throughout this year, hip-hop has been celebrated in performances by some of the greats. At the 2023 BET Awards, there were performances by MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, The Sugarhill Gang, D-Nice, Warren G, Yo-Yo, Trick Daddy, Trina, Uncle Luke, Redman, Erick Sermon, and Keith Murray -- also known as "Def Squad," and more highlighted rap on Culture's Biggest Night.

Earlier this year, Questlove curated a hip-hop tribute at the 2023 Grammy Awards where Missy Elliott, Run DMC, Salt n Pepa, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, Nelly, GloRilla, Lil Baby, and more took to the stage.

If you have been a fan since the beginning or you've just begun listening, you'll learn more from these projects. Take a look at five documentaries on these hip-hop artists:

Biggie and Tupac is a full-length documentary on the lives and tragedies of the hip-hop greats. Besides footage of Biggie and Tupac, you will also see appearances from Snoop Dogg, Lil Cease, and more. You can stream Biggie and Tupac on Amazon Prime Video.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14867972/

Jay-Z is regarded as one of the best rappers to have touched a mic. The New York native's 2020 documentary titled The Story of Jay-Z shows fans how he got to where he is now. You can stream The Story of Jay-Z on Amazon Prime Video.

Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy takes us back to where it all began for Kanye West: The Southside of Chicago. Kanye West's artistry has impacted hip-hop like no other as his diverse skills in producing and designing put him in a league of his own. You can stream Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy on Netflix.

Nas: Time Is Illmatic takes a deep dive into Nas' iconic debut album Illmatic. In the New York native's documentary you will also hear accounts from Alicia Keys, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes and Pharrell. You can stream Nas: Time Is Illmatic on Peacock.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24514002/

Eminem has had quite a career in hip-hop and this documentary takes a look at many of his accolades. In 2022 he performed at the Super Bowl alongside Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent. He was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year for his contributions to hip-hop. You can stream Eminem: Count Me In on Amazon Prime Video.