Rap legend Jay-Z has launched his new album ‘Magna Carta’ alongside a copy of the real thing – at an historic British cathedral.
The artwork for the most-hyped record of the year was unveiled at Salisbury Cathedral’s famous Chapter House.
A copy of the album cover – depicting two statues and the rapper’s name struck out in black – now sits next to one of only four copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.
Images of the launch became a global trend on Twitter and millions of music fans from around the world were suddenly pouring over pictures from inside the church.
The album is set to become the biggest record of 2013, and includes collaborations with Kayne West, Justin Timberlake and Beyonce.
But it is its title, Magna Carta Holy Grail, which led to the bizarre hook-up with the Wiltshire cathedral.
Staff were dumbfounded when the famous music producer’s staff got in touch with the request to unveil the artwork.
The Magna Carter at Salisbury Cathedral is considered the best-reserved in the world.
Dean of Salisbury, the Very Rev June Osborne, said she was “delighted” to welcome the biggest hip-hop artist on the planet.
She said: “Jay-Z, through his album, is creating a huge awareness of this historic document and its modern significance to a huge audience in the run up to its 800th anniversary in 2015.
“We hope to welcome many of his fans here this summer to see the artwork in the Chapter House alongside our Magna Carta.”
Cathedral staff sent a set of questions to Jay-Z’s people to ask why the star had named his album after the famous document.
They replied: “Just as the 1215 Magna Carta is a classic document, the classic image on the album cover represents the belief ‘when opposing thoughts are combined, beauty is created.
“When a man and a woman unite – on the most basic level – they create life.”
