Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, is a renowned American rapper, songwriter, record executive, and businessman. He is widely considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists and has played a significant role in the evolution of the genre.
Jay-Z Career Highlights
1996 Released his debut album "Reasonable Doubt” which is now considered a classic.
1997 Followed up with "In My Lifetime, Vol. 1” showcasing his lyrical prowess.
1998 Released "Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life” featuring the hit single "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”. This album marked his commercial breakthrough.
2001 Released "The Blueprint” which received critical acclaim and solidified his status as one of hip-hop's leading artists.
2003 Announced his retirement with "The Black Album” although he returned to music shortly after.
2006 Released "Kingdom Come” ending his brief retirement.
2008 Married Beyoncé, creating one of the most powerful couples in the music industry. Headlined Glastonbury.
2012 Released "Watch the Throne” a collaborative album with Kanye West.
2013 Released "Magna Carta Holy Grail” which included hits like "Holy Grail" and "Tom Ford."
2017 Released "4:44” an introspective album that addressed personal issues and societal topics.
Jay-Z has predominantly been a solo artist, but he has collaborated with numerous artists across different genres, forming notable partnerships. Notably, he was part of "The Throne" with Kanye West.
Jay-Z Grammy Awards
Jay-Z has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career, including…
1999 Best Rap Album for "Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life."
2004 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Crazy in Love" with Beyoncé.
2010 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Empire State of Mind" with Alicia Keys.
2021 Best Rap Song for "Savage" (Remix) with Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé.
Three Most Famous Jay-Z Songs
1. "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys): A tribute to New York City, this song became an anthem and won multiple awards.
2. "99 Problems” Known for its iconic beat and powerful lyrics, it remains one of Jay-Z's most recognized tracks.
3. "Crazy in Love" (with Beyoncé) This collaboration with his wife became a massive hit and is a staple in both of their discographies.
Jay-Z Quotes
I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man."
On success
The genius thing that we did was we didn't give up."
On his music
I think relationships are broken up because of the media."
Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Infidelity Rumors: Jay-Z's relationship with Beyonce faced public scrutiny due to rumors of infidelity, which both artists addressed in their music.
- Feud with Nas: Jay-Z had a well-documented feud with fellow rapper Nas, which resulted in several diss tracks from both sides before they reconciled.
- Business Ventures: Beyond music, Jay-Z has built a business empire, including ventures in fashion (Rocawear), sports management (Roc Nation Sports), and streaming services (Tidal).
- Philanthropy: Jay-Z is known for his philanthropic efforts, including funding scholarships and donating to social justice causes.
- Net Worth: As of recent estimates, Jay-Z's net worth surpasses $1 billion, making him one of the wealthiest musicians in the world.
- Secret Daughter Rumor: There have been rumors and lawsuits alleging Jay-Z has a secret daughter, though he has not publicly addressed these claims.
- Political Influence: Jay-Z has been politically active, supporting Barack Obama's presidential campaigns and advocating for criminal justice reform.
Jay-Z’s Legacy
Jay-Z's impact on music and culture is undeniable. His ability to innovate and stay relevant across different eras of hip-hop, combined with his business acumen, has made him a prominent figure not just in music, but in the broader entertainment industry.
Jay-Z ratings
