Jay-Z and his mother Dr. Gloria Carter were honored by New York City Mayor Eric Adams at the Brooklyn Public Library Gala on (Monday 10/2). Jay accepted the award on his mother's behalf, as she was unable to attend.

“I figured if these young men could speak on behalf of their dad, I could speak on behalf of my mom,” Jay said from the podium.

“Dr. Gloria had to see a doctor earlier. She’s gonna be very upset that I told y’all that. She gave me a very bad excuse, and I couldn’t do it and lie to the good people of Brooklyn.” He continued joking, "She wanted to be with you guys, but this is what she would want me to say. Y’all not taping this, are you?”

Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Quavo, Kim Kardashian, Jack Harlow, Senator Chuck Schumer, Lil Baby, and Tom Brady were among the celebrities in attendance at the gala.

The Brooklyn Public Library has hosted The Book of HOV: A celebration of the life and work of Shawn ‘JAY-Z’ Carter, an exhibition that has been running since July, and according to the library's website features "never-before-seen images, art, and ephemera from the artist’s archives, providing an unparalleled look at an extraordinary life and career. This free, immersive experience is one of the only installations of its scope to be housed in an active public space and features text, audio and curation by Roc Nation teams and partners ."

The Lexus featured in Jay-Z's classic "Dead Presidents" video is now also on display at the exhibit. According to Billboard, Roc Nation and Lexus partnered to bring the 1993 Lexus GS 300 from Jay-Z’s 1996 song “Dead Presidents” video to the library. The 1993 Lexus GS 300 will remain on display for the remainder of The Book of HOV exhibit until December.