Jay-Z (b. 1969)

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Biography

Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, businessman, and record executive. He was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023. Rooted in East Coast hip-hop, Jay-Z is known for his complex lyricism that often uses double entendres, wordplay, and braggadocio. His music is built on a rags to riches narrative. He is the wealthiest musical artist in history, worth US$2.8 billion as of 2026.

In Their Own Words (5)

I’ve got demons in my past so I’ve got daughters on the way,If the prophecy is correct then the child should have to pay,For the sins of the father so I barter my tomorrows against my yesterday’s In hopes that she’ll be okay

"Beach Chair" , 2003

("No one on the corner") Got a bop like thisCan't wear skinny jeans cause my knots don't fitNo one on the corner got a pocket like thisSo I rock Roc jeans cause my knots so thickYou can pay for school, but you can't buy class

Swagga Like Us , 2008

I'm still here mon frere I know the cross I bear,They like, that's why they call you Hov? I'm like yeaI'm like air, little shots go through me, won't tearOne tissue no tears, no tissue not an issue

Dig a Hole , 2006

Hov' is back, life stories told through rapNiggas acting like I sold you crackLike I told you sell drugs; No, Hov did thatso hopefully you won't have to go through that.

''Izzo (H.O.V.A.) , 2001

They say you can't turn a bad girl goodBut once a good girl's gone bad, she's gone forever

Song Cry , 2001

Timeline

The story of Jay-Z, told in moments.

1969 Birth

Born Shawn Corey Carter in Brooklyn, New York. Grew up in the Marcy Houses projects in Bed-Stuy. His father left when he was 11. Sold crack as a teenager before turning to music.

Growing up in the Marcy Houses selling crack. Was music the only way out? Your father left when you were 11. Do you still carry that?

1996 Event

Released Reasonable Doubt after co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records because no major label would sign him. The album sold modestly at first but later went platinum. Critics now call it one of rap's greatest debuts.

No major label would sign you, so you started your own. Was that rage or confidence? Reasonable Doubt sold modestly at first. When did you know it was a classic?

2001 Event

Released The Blueprint on September 11, 2001. It sold 420,000 copies in its first week despite the attacks. Featured production from a young Kanye West, then an unknown beat-maker.

The Blueprint released on September 11. Did the timing haunt the album? Putting Kanye West on a track when he was unknown. Did you hear something others missed?

2008 Event

Married Beyonce Knowles in a private ceremony at his Tribeca penthouse. No press, no publicists. The couple had been together for six years and wouldn't confirm the marriage for weeks.

No press, no publicists at the wedding. Was privacy with Beyonce always the plan? Six years together before marrying. What took so long?

2023 Event

Net worth passed $2.5 billion, making him the wealthiest musician in history. Owns stakes in Armand de Brignac champagne, D'Usse cognac, and Tidal streaming. Still releases music.

2.5 billion dollars. Wealthiest musician in history. Does the kid from Marcy believe it? Champagne, cognac, streaming. Was business always the goal or did it sneak up on you?

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