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
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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
