yasiin bey: Negus

The Brooklyn Museum is proud to present the U.S. debut of yasiin bey: Negus, a listening installation of yasiin bey’s latest studio recording, which will not be released on any digital or physical platform. The Brooklyn premiere marks the 20th anniversary of bey’s Black on Both Sides, which is widely recognized as one of hip-hop’s most important recordings. 

yasiin bey: Negus is the latest in a series of international presentations of the recording—each listening experience tailored to its environment and never presented in the same format twice. In addition to Negus, the exhibition includes visual art by bey and artworks by contemporary artists that were created in response to the recording.

In order to encourage listeners to be fully present and free from distractions of technology, the recording can only be experienced in person. 

About the experience

The listening experience is 28 minutes. You will be asked to exit the gallery space once the listening experience is complete. 

The recording will be played once from beginning to end. The wireless headsets have volume controls, but you will not be able to pause, backtrack, fast-forward, or stop the music.  

Please note that headsets are sized for adults with some adjustability. They might not fit comfortably on a child’s head.

bey invites visitors to fully immerse themselves in an introspective experience, and therefore all mobile and recording devices will be placed in locked pouch for the duration of the listening experience. Laptops, tablets, and other portable electronic devices are not allowed in the exhibition.

Tickets

We strongly recommend purchasing tickets online ahead of time. A limited number of same-day timed tickets will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis every day at the Museum. 

Tickets are timed with entry on the hour and include general admission to the Museum. The time on your ticket is when you should be at the exhibition entrance in the lobby. If you are late for your ticketed time, entry will be permitted at the discretion of staff. 

Brooklyn Museum Members receive free, timed ticket(s) based on availability. Current Members should log in at the top left of the page; then, select the date and time you wish to visit using the calendar on the top right; click “Get Tickets”; and select the tickets of your choice from the menu. Questions? Please visit our Ticketed Exhibitions Membership FAQ page or email membership@brooklynmuseum.org. 

Not a Member? Join today to access complimentary Member tickets; select the date and time you wish to visit using the calendar on the top right; click “Get Tickets,” and select the Membership bundle of your choice from the menu. Your tickets and Membership will be confirmed automatically, but please allow one business day to fully process your Membership.  

Check our list of current Corporate and University Members to see if you qualify for a discount. If so, please contact corporate.relations@brooklynmuseum.org to receive a discount code.