Jay-Z

About

Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur. Born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City, Jay-Z is one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 50 million albums and 75 million singles globally. He has won numerous awards, including 23 Grammy Awards, and is regarded as a key figure in hip-hop. In addition to his music career, Jay-Z is known for his successful ventures in business, including his ownership stakes in Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc Nation, and the streaming service Tidal.

Before Fame

Growing up in the Marcy Houses, a housing project in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Jay-Z's early life was marked by struggle and adversity. His father abandoned the family when he was 11, leaving his mother to raise him and his three siblings alone. Jay-Z turned to music as an outlet, starting to freestyle and write lyrics. He attended several high schools, including the George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, where he befriended future rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. His big break came when he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995.

Trivia

• Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt (1996), is considered a classic in the hip-hop genre.
• He was the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017.
• Jay-Z's 2003 song "99 Problems" is one of his most iconic tracks, praised for its lyrical depth and production.
• He owns a stake in the NBA team Brooklyn Nets and played a role in the team's move to the Barclays Center.

Family Life

Jay-Z married singer Beyoncé Knowles on April 4, 2008. The power couple has three children: Blue Ivy Carter, born in January 2012, and twins Sir and Rumi Carter, born in June 2017. Jay-Z's relationship with Beyoncé has been both a personal and professional partnership; they have collaborated on numerous songs and embarked on the On the Run Tour together in 2014 and 2018.

Associated With

Jay-Z has had collaborations with numerous artists across various genres. He has worked with Kanye West on the highly successful album Watch the Throne (2011), Drake, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake, among others. His influence extends beyond music; he is a notable figure in the business world and an advocate for various social justice causes. Jay-Z's network includes friendships and alliances with influential figures like Warren Buffett and former President Barack Obama.