When Jay-Z says in “Empire of the Mind” that he’s “driving down 8th Street in an off-white Lexus,” this is the car he’s talking about. The rapper’s 1993 Lexus GS300 is currently on display at the Brooklyn Public Library.
A pristine example of the first-generation GS mid-size luxury sedan, this particular vehicle is still owned by Jay-Z himself. It features a white-over-beige color scheme and chrome wheels. You can spot it in the music video for Jay-Z’s 1996 song, “Dead Presidents.” It was also mentioned in the song, “Can I Live,” also from the 1996 album Reasonable Doubt, and in the 2009 hit, “Empire State of Mind,” featuring Alicia Keys.
The GS is part of an exhibit put on by the library called The Book of HOV that celebrates Jay-Z’s work and legacy. It also includes books, photos, clothing, awards, videos, and many other artifacts from Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s career so far. The exhibit runs through December and is free and open to the public at the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City.
Author: Joey Capparella
Source: Car & Driver