- A curated exhibit showcased rare JAY-Z memorabilia from more than three decades of hip-hop history.
- Collector NuFace has preserved pivotal moments, from early albums to collaborations with key figures.
- Event featuring a listening party, museum exhibition and cultural celebration honoring JAY-Z’s lasting legacy.
More than two decades later Reasonable doubt introduced to the world Shawn “JAŸ-Z” CarterAtlanta’s elite gathered atop the Jagger Suite to celebrate the rapper’s iconic catalog with music, memorabilia and a journey through hip-hop history for Black Music Month.
Hosted by Roc Nation Ambassador D’USSE Shaythe exclusive rooftop event paid tribute to JAŸ-Z’s extensive oeuvre, 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 Projects hustler turned rapper to a global business executive.
One of the evening’s standout attractions was a curated exhibit by 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.
NuFace has preserved pieces of hip-hop history for decades, documenting pivotal moments across multiple eras and subgenres of the culture. His collection includes rare magazines, promotional items, autographs, vinyl records, clothing and photographs, many of which were acquired while witnessing music history unfold firsthand.
“You’re looking at over three decades of history, man,” NuFace told BOSSIP as he walked us through the exhibit. “From the very first album Reasonable doubt. But before it even started, here we got ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ with Mary J. Blige. No one got this on cassette.”
The collection traced JAŸ-Z’s evolution from his earliest recordings to his rise to superstardom, featuring artifacts related to key figures throughout his career, including producer Just Blaze, photographer Jonathan Mannion, DJ Clark Kent, Young Guru and Beanie Sigel.
According to NuFace, the collection was special not only because of the memorabilia, but because each piece represented a real moment in hip-hop history.
“When JAŸ-Z blew up, I had this,” he said, pointing to an original cassette release. “This is when it first came out. This is not a remake. I have the proof. This is how NuFace was there.”
Among the most valuable pieces on display were signed memorabilia, early vinyl releases and rare print publications that have become increasingly difficult to find in an age dominated by digital media.
One item in particular remains particularly meaningful to the curator.
“Just Blaze magazine,” NuFace told BOSSIP. “It’s not there anymore. Physical printing. You can’t find some of these magazines online. You can’t go on eBay and find some of these magazines.”
The exhibition also featured memorabilia related to JAŸ-Z’s early 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 one artifact carries a particularly 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 honored to get a call and represent one of the greatest artists of our time.”
Throughout the evening, guests mingled over cocktails as they revisited songs from JAŸ-Z’s career, creating an atmosphere that felt at once a listening party, a museum exhibition and a cultural celebration.
Ultimately, the evening was not just a celebration of JAŸ-Z’s legacy, but a tribute to the moments, milestones and memories that inspired it. Thanks to collectors like NuFace, these pieces of hip-hop history are preserved and we would like to raise a glass of D’USSE to that.
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