Jay-Z revolutionized hip-hop with penetrating lyrics and savvy business moves, becoming one of music’s richest and most influential figures. Discover key facts about his rise from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to global superstardom.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter, was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York.
He is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, blending complex lyricism, wordplay, and storytelling.
Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 to release his debut album Reasonable Doubt (1996), which gained critical acclaim.
He has released 14 number-one albums on the Billboard 200, tying him with Drake for the second-most number-ones by a solo artist.
His hit singles include “Empire State of Mind,” “99 Problems,” and collaborations with Beyoncé and “Umbrella” with Rihanna.
Jay-Z became the president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007; moreover, he played a key role in the music industry beyond performing.
He founded Roc Nation in 2008, an entertainment company that manages artists, athletes, and more.
Jay-Z is the world’s richest musical artist, with a net worth estimated at $2.6 billion as of 2025.
His music often draws on his early life experiences growing up in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, telling a rags-to-riches tale.
He has won 24 Grammy Awards, one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history.
Jay-Z temporarily retired after his 2003 album The Black Album, but soon returned to music and business.
He married Beyoncé, and together they are one of the most powerful couples in music and entertainment.
Jay-Z extends his success beyond music by building entrepreneurial ventures in fashion, sports, technology, and streaming services such as Tidal.
Jay-Z has been active in philanthropy and social justice causes, using his platform to address inequality and injustice.
In 2023, Billboard and Vibe named him the greatest rapper of all time, acknowledging his lasting impact on the culture and industry.
