- Curated exhibit showcased rare JAY-Z memorabilia spanning 3 decades of hip-hop history.
- Collector NuFace preserved defining moments, from early albums to collaborations with key figures.
- Event blended listening party, museum exhibit and cultural celebration honoring JAY-Z’s enduring legacy.
More than two decades later Reasonable doubt introduced the world to Shawn “JAŸ-Z” CarterAtlanta’s elite gathered atop the Jagger Suite to celebrate the rapper’s iconic catalog through music, memorabilia and a trip through hip-hop history for Black Music Month.
Hosted by Roc Nation Ambassador D’USSE Shaythe exclusive rooftop event celebrated JAŸ-Z’s extensive body of work, with cocktails sponsored by D’USSÉ Cognac and a soundtrack dedicated to one of rap’s most influential careers.
The evening brought together music lovers, tastemakers and longtime fans to revisit the albums, collaborations and cultural moments that helped transform JAŸ-Z from a Marcy Project hustler rapper to a global business executive.
One of the night’s standout attractions was a curated exhibit from Larry “NuFace” Compton, a respected hip-hop curator and collector whose catchphrase, “NuFace Was There,” serves as both his signature catchphrase and his life’s work.
For decades, NuFace has preserved pieces of hip-hop history, documenting defining moments across multiple eras and subgenres of the culture. His collection spans rare magazines, promotional items, autographs, vinyl records, clothing and photographs, many acquired while watching music history unfold firsthand.
“You’re looking at more than three decades of history, man,” NuFace told BOSSIP as he guided us through the exhibit. “From the very first album, Reasonable doubt. But before he even started, we got ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ with Mary J. Blige right here. Nobody got this on tape.”
The collection traced JAŸ-Z’s evolution from his earliest recordings through his rise to superstardom, with artifacts associated with key figures throughout his career, including producer Just Blaze, photographer Jonathan Mannion, DJ Clark Kent, Young Guru and Beanie Sigel.
According to NuFace, what made the collection special was not just the memorabilia, but the fact that each piece represented a real-life moment in hip-hop history.
“When JAŸ-Z blew up, I had this,” he said, pointing to an original cassette release. “That’s where it first went down. This is no remake. I got the proof. That’s how NuFace was there.”
Among the most valuable works on display were autographed memorabilia, early vinyl releases and rare printed publications that have become increasingly difficult to find in an era dominated by digital media.
One thing in particular remains particularly significant for the curator.
“Just Blaze magazine,” NuFace told BOSSIP. “It’s not here anymore. Physical print. You can’t go online and find some of these magazines. You can’t go on eBay and find some of these magazines.”
The exhibit also featured memorabilia tied to JAŸ-Z’s earliest tours, giving attendees a glimpse into a period when the rapper was still building what would eventually become one of music’s most celebrated catalogs.
As a Detroit native, NuFace said an artifact has a special personal connection.
“We got the very first shirt when JAŸ-Z and Eminem did a show in my hometown,” he explained. “So it means a lot. We’re just honored to be able to get a call and represent one of the greatest artists of our time.”
Throughout the evening, guests mingled over cocktails while revisiting tracks spanning JAŸ-Z’s career, creating an atmosphere that felt equal parts listening party, museum exhibit and cultural celebration.
Ultimately, the evening was not only a celebration of JAŸ-Z’s legacy, but a tribute to the moments, milestones and memories that built it. Thanks to collectors like NuFace, these pieces of hip-hop history remain preserved, and we’re happy to raise a glass of D’USSE to that.
