Jay-Z

Jay-Z
Born	Shawn Corey Carter (1969-12-04) December 4, 1969 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Rapper, entrepreneur, music executive
Years active	Late 1980s–present
Known for	Hip-hop music, Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings (president and CEO 2004–2007)

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), widely recognized by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and music executive. Emerging from the East Coast hip-hop scene, he was honored as the greatest rapper ever by Billboard and Vibe in 2023. Known for his intricate lyricism that often includes double meanings and confident self-promotion, his songs typically portray a journey from hardship to success. He held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings between 2004 and 2007, and established the entertainment firm Roc Nation in 2008.

Mentored by New York rapper Jaz-O, Jay-Z launched his career in the late 1980s and co-established Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 to distribute his initial two albums, Reasonable Doubt (1996) and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997), both receiving critical acclaim. His following eleven albums—including The Blueprint (2001), The Black Album (2003), American Gangster (2007), and 4:44 (2017)—all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Jay-Z shares the record for the highest number of chart-topping albums (14) with Drake and Taylor Swift. He has also released joint albums such as The Best of Both Worlds (2002) alongside R. Kelly, Collision Course (2004) with Linkin Park, Watch the Throne (2011) with Kanye West, and Everything Is Love (2018) with his spouse Beyoncé. His presence on the Billboard Hot 100 includes four number-one hits: once as the primary artist with "Empire State of Mind" (2009) featuring Alicia Keys, and three times as a featured artist on tracks by Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.

Jay-Z's entrepreneurial pursuits led him to become hip-hop’s first billionaire in 2019. In 1999, he co-launched clothing brand Rocawear, followed by the upscale bar chain 40/40 Club in 2003; both ventures expanded into multimillion-dollar businesses. The launch of Roc Nation, a comprehensive entertainment agency, occurred in 2008. In 2015, he acquired technology firm Aspiro to enhance its media streaming platform Tidal. As of May 2025, Jay-Z stands as the richest musician worldwide with an estimated net worth of US$2.5 billion.

Having sold over 140 million records globally, Jay-Z ranks among the best-selling music artists ever. He has earned 25 Grammy Awards, placing eighth overall and holding the record for most wins by a hip-hop artist. His accolades also include the NAACP Image Award – President's Award, three Emmy Awards, including two Primetime Emmys, along with a Tony Award nomination. Recognized by both Billboard and Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 artists in history, Jay-Z was the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the first solo living rapper to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2013, Time listed him among the world’s 100 most influential individuals.

Early life and education

Shawn Corey Carter was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City. He was raised in the Marcy Houses, a public housing development located in Brooklyn's Bedford–Stuyvesant area. His father, Adnis Reeves, departed from the family when Carter was 11 years old, leaving his mother, Gloria Carter, to raise him. Before Reeves passed away in 2003, he and Jay-Z reconciled. Jay-Z has incorporated references to his personal challenges in his songs, including a 1982 incident involving his elder brother.

During his teenage years, he attended multiple high schools across Brooklyn and Trenton but dropped out during his sophomore year at Trenton Central High School. At that time, he was involved in selling crack cocaine and survived three separate shootings. A former associate was later incarcerated on drug and firearm charges. Known locally by the nickname "Jazzy," he adopted the stage name "Jay-Z" as a tribute to his mentor Jaz-O.

Career

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jay-Z made brief appearances on several of Jaz-O's early tracks such as "H. P. Gets Busy," "The Originators," and "Hawaiian Sophie." Jaz-O’s label had envisioned an album featuring Jaz-O as the main rapper, Jay-Z as the hype man, and Irv Gotti as DJ. While working on Word to the Jaz in London in 1988, Jay-Z and Gotti established a professional rapport. In the early 1990s, Jay-Z engaged in notable rap battles with LL Cool J.

He gained broader exposure through his contribution to the posse cut "Show and Prove" on Big Daddy Kane’s 1994 album Daddy's Home. Although often described as Kane’s hype man during this time, Kane clarified that Jay-Z primarily appeared on stage briefly and freestyled between Kane’s own performances.

In his 2003 track "99 Problems," Jay-Z alludes to a 1994 encounter with NYPD detectives where he was searched but released without charges. In 1995, he featured on songs by Big L ("Da Graveyard") and Mic Geronimo ("Time to Build") alongside future Murder Inc. artists Ja Rule and DMX. That same year marked the release of Jay-Z’s first official rap single, "In My Lifetime," accompanied by a music video; an additional video for its B-side "I Can't Get with That" was produced but not released.

1995–2000: Reasonable Doubt, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, Vol. 2..., Vol. 3..., and The Dynasty

Lacking a major label contract, Jay-Z co-founded the independent label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 with Damon "Dame" Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. After securing distribution through Priority, he launched his debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996. The project featured production from notable figures such as DJ Premier and Super DJ Clark Kent, along with a guest appearance by The Notorious B.I.G.. The album reached number 23 on the Billboard 200 chart, achieved gold status initially, later went platinum, and was ranked number 248 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums list.

Following a distribution agreement with Def Jam in 1997, Jay-Z released In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, which included production from esteemed producers like Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs and DJ Premier; this album also earned platinum certification.

Jay-Z’s most commercially successful album up to that point arrived in 1998 with Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, which was certified five times Platinum in the United States. The record featured the hit single "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" and collaborations with producers such as Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, DJ Premier, and Erick Sermon. Tracks like "Can I Get A..." and "Nigga What, Nigga Who" propelled sales beyond five million copies. Despite winning a Grammy for this work, Jay-Z boycotted the award ceremony due to disputes within the industry.

In 1999, Jay-Z secured his first number one hit on U.S. charts with Mariah Carey on "Heartbreaker." That year also saw the release of Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter, which sold over three million copies worldwide and featured the popular single "Big Pimpin", including a collaboration with UGK.

Released in 2000, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia began as a Roc-A-Fella compilation but was transformed into a solo album by Def Jam executives. This project introduced burgeoning producers like The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Kanye West, and Bink, signaling a transition toward a more soulful sound profile. Selling over two million copies domestically, the album further solidified Jay-Z’s expanding role within hip hop production and business leadership.

2001–2002: Conflict with Nas and Prodigy, Release of The Blueprint and The Blueprint²

In 2001, Jay-Z became involved in a widely publicized dispute with Prodigy and Nas, initially triggered by his track "Money, Cash, Hoes" and intensified by the diss song "Takeover" performed at Summer Jam 2001. This diss track targeted Nas, Prodigy, and Mobb Deep, sparking a significant rivalry with Nas that eventually concluded in 2005 through the mediation of producer Mark Pitts.

Jay-Z's sixth studio album, The Blueprint, was released on September 11, 2001, to critical acclaim, including a rare five-mic rating from The Source. Remarkably crafted within two days, the album debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart and earned double platinum status. It featured production contributions from Kanye West and Eminem, highlighted by the popular single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)". By 2012, The Blueprint had sold approximately 2.7 million copies globally and was honored in 2019 by the Library of Congress through its inclusion in the National Recording Registry for its cultural importance.

In October 2001, Jay-Z admitted guilt to aggravated assault related to a 1999 stabbing incident involving record producer Lance Rivera, receiving a sentence of three years probation; Rivera later withdrew his accusations in 2023.

In March 2002, Jay-Z joined forces with R. Kelly to release the collaborative album The Best of Both Worlds. Later that year in November, he unveiled his seventh studio project, the double album The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse, which entered the Billboard 200 at number one and sold over three million copies in the United States, surpassing its predecessor’s commercial performance. This album produced notable singles such as "Excuse Me Miss" and "'03 Bonnie & Clyde", featuring then-partner Beyoncé. A condensed re-release titled The Blueprint 2.1 included half of the original tracks alongside the single "La-La-La", though it did not replicate earlier sales achievements.

2003–2005: The Black Album and Initial Retirement

Following a visit to southern France, Jay-Z announced plans for his eighth studio album, The Black Album, coinciding with the launch of his 40/40 Club. Collaborating with producers such as Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Kanye West, Timbaland, Eminem, and Rick Rubin, he delivered key tracks including "What More Can I Say", "Dirt off Your Shoulder", "Change Clothes", and "99 Problems". The album achieved sales exceeding three million copies in the U.S.

On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z hosted a "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden, which was later documented in Fade to Black. The event’s proceeds were donated to charitable causes. Performers included frequent collaborators like the Roots, Missy Elliott, Beyoncé, and R. Kelly, with special appearances by the mothers of the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Although he declared retirement from producing studio albums, Jay-Z subsequently released a greatest hits compilation as well as the joint album Unfinished Business with R. Kelly.

In 2004, Jay-Z partnered with rock group Linkin Park to produce the remix EP Collision Course, which featured mashups blending both artists’ songs along with an accompanying concert DVD. The single "Numb/Encore" earned a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and was performed live alongside Linkin Park and Paul McCartney. The EP surpassed one million sales in the U.S. Additionally, Jay-Z executive produced The Rising Tied, the debut release from Fort Minor—the hip hop side project of Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda. Plans were made for retirement during this period.

Later that year, Jay-Z was appointed president of Def Jam Records. Subsequently, he, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke sold their remaining stakes in Roc-A-Fella Records. Jay-Z assumed leadership over both entities amid reported disputes with Dash regarding Roc-A-Fella's future direction.

2005–2007: Kingdom Come and American Gangster

On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z took center stage as the headline act at New York's Power 105.1 annual Powerhouse concert, which was themed to highlight his role as president and CEO of Def Jam. The lineup included performances by artists such as Ne-Yo, T.I., Akon, Kanye West, and Diddy. A significant moment occurred when Jay-Z and Nas ended their long-standing feud by performing together, marking a public reconciliation.

Jay-Z made his musical return with the album Kingdom Come, released on November 21, 2006. Its lead single, "Show Me What You Got", was leaked prematurely online, triggering an FBI inquiry. The album featured production contributions from Just Blaze, Pharrell, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, and Chris Martin of Coldplay, including the track "Beach Chair". It debuted with first-week sales of 680,000 copies—his highest to date—and has since been certified double platinum in the U.S., exceeding two million sales.

On November 6, 2007, Jay-Z unveiled his tenth studio album, American Gangster, drawing inspiration from the Ridley Scott film sharing its title. Although not an official soundtrack for the movie, it was released through Def Jam as a concept album portraying Jay-Z’s experiences in street hustling. The lead single, "Blue Magic", incorporated references to political figures from the 1980s and reflected global cultural influences; Harvard Business School professor Rawi Abdelal noted its importance in how American pop culture engages with globalization. The album achieved over one million sales in the U.S. On January 1, 2008, Jay-Z stepped down from his position as president of Def Jam.

2008–2011: The Blueprint 3 and Watch the Throne

In early 2008, Jay-Z became the first prominent hip hop artist to headline Britain's prestigious Glastonbury Festival. Despite rapid ticket sales, his participation faced criticism from former headliner Noel Gallagher, who expressed opposition to hip hop at this traditionally guitar-centric event. Jay-Z addressed these critiques by highlighting hip hop's growth and its respect for diverse musical styles. His performance included a rendition of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and was widely acclaimed as an effective rebuttal to skeptics.

That summer also saw Jay-Z headlining major festivals such as Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, Norway’s Hove Festival, and London's O2 Wireless Festival. During Kanye West’s August 2008 concert at Madison Square Garden, Jay-Z introduced a new track destined for The Blueprint 3. On May 21, 2009, he parted ways with Def Jam and signed a lucrative contract with Live Nation to establish Roc Nation—a multifaceted enterprise combining a record label, talent management agency, and music publishing firm. Additionally, he collaborated with production duo Stargate to launch the StarRoc label.

Jay-Z’s eleventh studio project, The Blueprint 3, was released ahead of schedule on September 8, 2009, due to high demand. It marked his eleventh album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart, surpassing Elvis Presley’s record. To support the release, he embarked on a North American tour starting October 9, 2009, delivering performances praised for their polished execution. Notably, Rihanna joined him on stage during a November show at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion to perform "Hard" and "Run This Town." Expanding his creative ventures beyond music recording, Jay-Z co-produced the Broadway production Fela!, which honored Nigerian activist Fela Kuti.

On January 23, 2010, Jay-Z collaborated with Rihanna and U2 members Bono and The Edge to release "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)", a charity single aimed at supporting Haiti relief efforts. In June of that year, he joined Eminem for the sold-out Home & Home Tour across Detroit and New York City. Later in 2010, Jay-Z accompanied U2 during their Australian and New Zealand leg of the U2 360° Tour, performing in major venues including Auckland and Sydney.

During U2’s Auckland concerts, Jay-Z premiered a five-track EP titled Watch the Throne alongside Kanye West; this project later expanded into a full-length album recorded from November 2010 onward. The lead single "H•A•M", co-produced by Lex Luger and Kanye West, was followed by "Otis", which debuted on Hot 97 before its iTunes release. To mitigate unauthorized leaks, the album was digitally released five days prior to its physical launch. It debuted at number one on iTunes across 23 countries and set a new record for first-week digital sales on the platform with 290,000 copies—though this record was soon surpassed by Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV. Watch the Throne also opened at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 436,000 units and received generally favorable reviews. Jay-Z and West later delivered an unannounced performance of "Otis" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

2012–2016: Magna Carta Holy Grail and Related Projects

Jay-Z teamed up with M.I.A on her track "XXXO", which saw moderate chart success and inspired numerous remixes. In May 2012, Jay-Z was announced as the curator and headlining act for the first-ever "Budweiser Made in America" festival in Philadelphia, an event produced by Live Nation that showcased a variety of musical styles, including rock, hip hop, R&B, Latin, and dance genres. That same year, Jay-Z and Rihanna co-headlined BBC Radio 1's Hackney Weekend festival, where they performed "Run this Town" together. On September 6, 2012, the single "Clique" from the GOOD Music compilation album Cruel Summer was released, featuring Kanye West, Big Sean, and Jay-Z. In October 2012, Jay-Z performed at The Barclays Center and later collaborated with Coldplay in December during a notable performance.

After Q-Tip revealed in 2010 that work had begun on Jay-Z’s follow-up to The Blueprint 3, by 2012 Jay-Z had joined forces with Roc Nation producer Jahlil Beats. Anticipation for the forthcoming album grew among media outlets such as Complex Magazine, MTV, and XXL, highlighting contributions from producers including Jahlil Beats, Kanye West, Rick Rubin, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams. Jay-Z also co-produced and appeared on Justin Timberlake’s comeback single "Suit & Tie" from The 20/20 Experience. In July 2013, Timberlake and Jay-Z co-headlined the lucrative Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour.

During Game 5 of the 2013 NBA Finals, Jay-Z announced his twelfth studio album titled Magna Carta Holy Grail, which was released on July 4, 2013. Around this time, he officially removed the hyphen from his stage name, adopting the moniker JAY Z. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 528,000 copies—surpassing initial estimates of 350,000 to 400,000 units. By December of that year, Jay-Z led the pack with nine Grammy nominations for the 2014 awards ceremony. He also featured on Beyoncé's self-titled fifth studio album with the track "Drunk in Love"; together they performed it during the opening segment of the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. The song and album collectively earned three Grammys at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Performance. In 2016, Jay-Z prevailed in a legal dispute regarding the song "Made in America," a collaboration with Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean.

2017–present: 4:44 and Everything Is Love

In June 2017, Jay-Z initiated promotion for a Tidal-exclusive project named 4:44 through posters displayed in New York City and Los Angeles, complemented by a teaser aired during the NBA Finals starring actors Mahershala Ali, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danny Glover. The album was officially confirmed on June 18 with a preview released via Sprint’s YouTube channel.

Released through Roc Nation and Universal Music Group, 4:44 was initially made available exclusively to Sprint and Tidal subscribers as part of their partnership’s series of exclusives. On July 2, it was briefly offered as a free download on Tidal before its physical release on July 7 included bonus tracks; simultaneously it became accessible across other streaming services such as Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Praised for its introspective themes, 4:44 achieved Platinum certification from the RIAA on July 5 due to one million units purchased by Sprint and distributed free to consumers. It debuted atop the U.S. Billboard 200, marking Jay-Z’s thirteenth consecutive number-one studio album. Singles from the record included "4:44" and "Bam," both supported by music videos directed by renowned filmmakers. The album received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year; Song of the Year for "4:44"; and Record of the Year for "The Story of O.J." at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

On June 6, 2018, Jay-Z and Beyoncé commenced their On the Run II Tour in Cardiff, United Kingdom. During their final performance in London ten days later, they unveiled Everything Is Love, their collaborative album released under the name The Carters, alongside the lead single video "Apeshit" posted on Beyoncé’s YouTube channel. The track earned two wins out of eight nominations at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

Jay-Z was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 alongside LL Cool J. That same year saw him featured on Kanye West’s Grammy-winning song "Jail" from Donda, as well as appearing on Drake’s track "Love All" from Certified Lover Boy.

In 2022, Jay-Z contributed to Pusha T’s song "Neck & Wrist," which also featured Pharrell Williams from Pusha T’s album It's Almost Dry. He delivered a notable four-minute verse on DJ Khaled’s title track "God Did". Furthermore, Jay-Z earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as one of the producers behind the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.

Influences

Jay-Z's initial musical influences originated from his parents' collection of records, predominantly featuring soul legends such as Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway. He holds a deep appreciation for soulful music across various genres and frequently integrates samples from these artists, particularly in tracks produced by Kanye West on The Blueprint.

Rapping technique

Celebrated for his lyrical prowess, Jay-Z skillfully uses double entendres, intricate wordplay, and combines meaningful content with confident braggadocio. His verses often depict his transformation from hardship to financial success.

Fellow rappers like Royce da 5'9" and Fredro Starr commend Jay-Z’s command of flow, emphasizing his talent in modulating tempo and utilizing pauses and 'partial linking' to craft structured verses that enhance rhyme schemes. Early in his career, his rapid-fire delivery resembled the style of Das EFX. Jay-Z is known for composing lyrics mentally, a method also employed by artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Everlast.

Shock G applauds Jay-Z’s live shows for their fluid execution and inventive wordplay. His trademark rapid rapping style, often called the triplet flow, was developed alongside mentor Jaz-O, allowing for complex syllabic arrangements within conventional beats.

Business career

Jay-Z has established a wide-ranging business portfolio spanning apparel, beverages, real estate, sports franchises, and music labels. He views his ventures as personal extensions rather than detached corporate entities, highlighting a strong emotional connection to his brands.

Rocawear

Together with Damon Dash, Jay-Z co-created the urban fashion label Rocawear, which provides clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Following their separation, Jay-Z assumed full ownership in early 2006. By March 2007, he sold the rights to Rocawear to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million but maintained an equity stake and continues to manage marketing, licensing, and product development activities.

Reebok

Jay-Z became the first hip-hop artist to endorse Reebok shoes through a three-year contract, launching the S. Carter Collection in 2003. That same year, he appeared alongside 50 Cent in a commercial promoting their respective S. Carter and G-Unit footwear lines, featuring a track produced by Just Blaze. His endorsement agreement with Reebok concluded in 2006 without renewal.

Alcoholic beverages

In 2014, Jay-Z acquired complete ownership of the luxury champagne brand Armand de Brignac, investing $200 million in Sovereign Brands’ New York-based label. This followed his earlier involvement beginning in 2006, through which he earned substantial annual income prior to purchasing full control. The brand is distinguished by its association with prominent artists and its iconic gold bottles.

Additionally, Jay-Z acts as co-brand director for Budweiser Select, partnering on strategic marketing initiatives and creative campaigns across television, radio, print media, and major events to drive the brand’s promotional strategy.

Technology

In March 2015, Jay-Z finalized the $56 million purchase of Aspiro, a Norwegian media technology firm operating the subscription streaming platform Tidal, which debuted in October 2014. The acquisition occurred via Project Panther Bidco Ltd., a company indirectly controlled by Jay-Z’s S. Carter Enterprises—an entity with holdings in leading global music, media, and entertainment ventures. Tidal offers both audio tracks and music videos alongside curated editorial content with the goal of reestablishing value in music by providing an artist-owned streaming service that returns significant revenue streams directly to musicians. As of October 2018, Jay-Z remains a principal shareholder.

In July 2015, Carter made a strategic investment in JetSmarter, an application designed to facilitate private jet bookings for executives, created by Sergey Petrossov.

Music industry

Between 2005 and 2007, Jay-Z held the position of president at Def Jam Recordings, where he played a pivotal role in launching the careers of R&B stars Rihanna and Ne-Yo. Following the release of American Gangster in 2007, he opted not to extend his contract and instead established his own venture with Live Nation, known as Roc Nation.

In April 2011, Jay-Z successfully outbid Universal Music and Jive Records to take ownership of the independent label Block Starz Music.

Sporting business

From 2003 until 2013, Jay-Z was a minority owner of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, initially investing approximately $1 million, though by April 2013 Forbes valued his share at $350,000. He was instrumental in relocating the franchise to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for the 2012–13 season and rebranding the team as the Brooklyn Nets.

On April 18, 2013, through Life + Times, Jay-Z announced the sale of his Nets shares to entrepreneur Will Pan, who became the first American of Taiwanese heritage to own a professional sports franchise in the United States. Jay-Z highlighted Pan’s athletic experience, musical influence, community involvement, and business expertise as key factors in his successful acquisition.

In September 2013, Jay-Z divested his interest in Barclays Center for $1.5 million.

On April 2, 2013, ESPN reported that Jay-Z launched Roc Nation Sports, a sports agency created in partnership with Creative Artists Agency to represent professional athletes. The agency signed Robinson Canó, second baseman for the New York Yankees, who transitioned from agent Scott Boras. Jay-Z aimed to become a certified agent across baseball, basketball, and football leagues—a process that required him to relinquish his ownership stake in the Nets.

In October 2005, Jay-Z explored purchasing a share in English football club Arsenal F.C. Additionally, through Gain Global Investments Network LLC, he held an estimated 2–7% stake in Aqueduct Entertainment Group—a consortium awarded a racino license at Aqueduct Race Track in 2010. However, Jay-Z and his partner Flake exited the project in March 2010 due to political conflicts related to New York Governor David Paterson’s involvement.

Media

On April 5, 2011, Jay-Z unveiled Life + Times, an online lifestyle magazine reflecting his refined preferences in fashion, technology, and automobiles. Aimed at ambitious young men seeking upward mobility, the publication covers topics including sports, music, style, and design. Among its music features is the Decoded series inspired by Jay-Z's memoir, where rappers analyze their own lyrics.

In January 2015, DJ and radio personality Funkmaster Flex disclosed that material he provided for a digital app story contributed to launching the Samsung Magna Carta app tied to Jay-Z's album of the same name. Despite this situation, Flex acknowledged and accepted the realities of business negotiations.

In 2016, Jay-Z entered into a two-year exclusive film and television agreement with the Weinstein Company that gave them first-look rights on both scripted and unscripted projects. Through this partnership, he produced a documentary series on Kalief Browder that explored themes of racial profiling and police brutality with a socially conscious approach.

Additional enterprises

Jay-Z holds co-ownership of the 40/40 Club, a high-end sports bar that originated in New York City, with branches in Atlantic City and Chicago. The venue in Las Vegas ceased operations in 2008 due to a drop in patronage. In 2005, he became an investor in Carol's Daughter, a brand focused on hair, skin, and hand care products.

In 2010, Jay-Z revealed intentions to broaden the 40/40 Club’s presence to as many as 20 airport locations through a collaboration with Roc Nation executives Juan and Desiree Perez alongside Delaware North. That year also saw the release of his memoir, Decoded, co-authored with Dream Hampton.

Jay-Z was involved in an $18 million legal dispute with Parlux fragrances concerning the underwhelming sales performance of his Gold cologne. The fragrance fell short of its projected $15 million first-year sales target and $35 million in subsequent years, only generating $14 million initially and $6.1 million the following year. Parlux reported financial losses and surplus stock from this partnership.

Additionally, he partnered with Cohiba to introduce a cigar collection. In August 2020, Roc Nation collaborated with Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus to launch the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment.

In November 2020, Jay-Z took on the role of Chief Visionary Officer at cannabis company TPCO Holding Corp. Most recently, on December 5, 2022, Jay-Z and Roc Nation joined forces with Caesars Entertainment to develop and manage a casino property located in Times Square.

Relationship with Beyoncé

Their professional collaboration began in 2002 when Jay-Z teamed up with singer Beyoncé Knowles on the track "'03 Bonnie & Clyde". He also appeared on Beyoncé’s chart-topping single "Crazy in Love" (2003) and contributed to "That's How You Like It" from her debut album Dangerously in Love. On her sophomore album B'Day, Jay-Z featured on hits such as "Déjà Vu" and "Upgrade U", where Beyoncé humorously mimicked his style. The couple wed privately on April 4, 2008, in Tribeca, New York City. Their relationship was publicly acknowledged later that month; Beyoncé showcased her $5 million wedding ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz at the September 2008 Fashion Rocks concert. Since then, they have kept their personal life discreet, attributing their relationship’s durability to this privacy.

In 2006, Time recognized them as the most influential couple among its list of 100 most powerful people. By January 2009, Forbes named them Hollywood’s highest-earning couple with combined income totaling $162 million; they repeated this achievement in 2010 with earnings of $122 million between June 2008 and June 2009.

At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Beyoncé announced her pregnancy publicly. Their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, was born on January 7, 2012. Jay-Z released "Glory," a track honoring Blue Ivy that shared their experiences with pregnancy complications including miscarriage. Blue Ivy received credit as "B.I.C," making her the youngest individual ever featured on a Billboard chart.

On June 18, 2017, Beyoncé’s father confirmed the arrival of twins Rumi and Sir. Following this, they acquired an $88 million estate in Bel Air, Los Angeles. In 2023, the pair purchased a $200 million Malibu residence designed by architect Tadao Ando, setting a new record for California’s priciest home sale. Reports from 2025 indicated their intention to relocate permanently to the UK, seeking property in the Cotswolds as Beyoncé shifts toward country music and embarks on her UK tour dates.

1999 Lance "Un" Rivera stabbing incident

On December 2, 1999, during a release event for Q-Tip's album Amplified held at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City's Times Square, Jay-Z was accused of stabbing record executive Lance "Un" Rivera. The altercation reportedly began when Jay-Z's entourage created a disturbance, which he allegedly exploited to inflict a stab wound on Rivera with a blade. He turned himself in the following day, was taken into custody, and subsequently released on $50,000 bail. Initially entering a not guilty plea, Jay-Z later accepted a guilty plea to third-degree assault charges and was sentenced to three years of probation.

In his 2010 memoir Decoded, Jay-Z reflected on the episode, admitting to a brief lapse in self-control and expressing his commitment to avoid similar occurrences going forward.

In 2023, Rivera publicly stated that Jay-Z was not the individual who actually stabbed him: "No. Jay-Z was not the guy that actually stabbed me that night (...) it's never been his history." Additionally, rapper Nas—who had a well-known rivalry with Jay-Z in the early 2000s—claimed in his 2001 diss track "Ether" that Jay-Z was not responsible for the stabbing. Rivera corroborated Nas's version, acknowledging that Nas revealed the truth about Jay-Z taking responsibility falsely.

2024 sexual assault allegations

In December 2024, Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs faced civil allegations accusing them of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl during an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. Jay-Z denied these accusations, labeling them as attempts at extortion. The accuser later admitted to inconsistencies within her account, including conflicting claims about witnesses and timelines. Evidence indicated that both Carter and Combs were at different locations on the night in question, while purported witnesses were also elsewhere. On December 18, Jay-Z filed a motion to be removed as a defendant citing these discrepancies. However, a judge rejected his request to compel the plaintiff to disclose her identity, allowing her anonymity to remain intact. In February 2025, Jay-Z withdrew a motion seeking sanctions against the plaintiff’s attorney.

On February 10, 2025, Jay-Z initiated a $20 million defamation lawsuit against attorney Tony Buzbee, attributing lost business contracts to the allegations. By July 2025, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed this suit as lacking merit, representing a legal defeat for Jay-Z.

Subsequently, on February 14, 2025, Tony Buzbee and the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit against Jay-Z with prejudice, barring any future refiling. Describing this resolution as "a victory," Jay-Z concluded the matter without any settlement agreement. Despite withdrawing the case, the plaintiff maintained her claims but cited intimidation and fear of retaliation—asserting she was approached by individuals posing as investigators connected to Jay-Z’s legal team attempting to persuade her to retract her statements; she refused these overtures.

Philanthropy

During his initial retirement phase from music, Jay-Z increased his engagement in charitable activities. In 2003, he and his mother established the Shawn Carter Foundation aimed at assisting students experiencing financial hardships in pursuing higher education. In August 2006, he met with then-United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, committing to leverage his world tour to highlight global water scarcity issues—a cause inspired by U2's Bono’s visit to Africa. This initiative involved collaboration with the UN and MTV, which produced and aired the documentary Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life in November 2006. Alongside Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z donated $1 million to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts through the American Red Cross. He publicly supported Kanye West following West’s controversial remarks about President George W. Bush during a Katrina telethon and addressed both the disaster and governmental response in his track "Minority Report."

Jay-Z has underscored the significance of anonymous philanthropy. In 2013, author dream hampton disclosed that he had set up a trust fund for the children of Sean Bell. He also contributed bail funds for individuals detained during protests against police brutality in 2015.

In March 2020, through the Shawn Carter Foundation, Jay-Z donated $1 million toward COVID-19 relief initiatives in New York. The following month saw him join forces with Meek Mill to provide over 100,000 face masks to U.S. correctional facilities aimed at safeguarding inmates amid the pandemic.

Political Engagement

In 2006, Jay-Z collaborated with Russell Simmons in a public service campaign against racism and anti-Semitism, sponsored by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. During the 2008 United States presidential election, he actively promoted greater voter turnout by endorsing Barack Obama and performing at voter mobilization concerts funded by the Democratic campaign. Obama lauded Jay-Z as an "exceptional talent" capable of influencing public opinion positively.

For the 2010 mid-term elections, Jay-Z featured in a HeadCount advertisement encouraging particularly younger citizens to register and cast their ballots. In May 2012, he publicly supported Obama's stance on same-sex marriage and took part in efforts to secure his re-election.

Civil rights advocate Harry Belafonte expressed criticism toward Jay-Z and Beyoncé, accusing them of adopting politically cautious positions and implying they had distanced themselves from social accountability.

In the course of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Jay-Z and Beyoncé campaigned on behalf of Hillary Clinton, who commended Jay-Z for addressing issues such as racism, systemic oppression, and reform within criminal justice. Jay-Z labeled Donald Trump a "superbug" and condemned what he regarded as racist commentary, though he later acknowledged that Trump's rhetoric forced society to confront topics like white privilege.

Discography

Solo Studio Albums

• Reasonable Doubt (1996)
• In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)
• Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life (1998)
• Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
• The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
• The Blueprint (2001)
• The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002)
• The Black Album (2003)
• Kingdom Come (2006)
• American Gangster (2007)
• The Blueprint 3 (2009)
• Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013)
• 4:44 (2017)

Collaborative Projects

• The Best of Both Worlds with R. Kelly (2002)
• Unfinished Business alongside R. Kelly (2004)
• Watch the Throne with Kanye West (2011)
• Everything Is Love with Beyoncé under the name the Carters (2018)

Film Contributions

• Streets Is Watching (1998)
• Backstage (2000)
• State Property (2002)

Producer roles include: Paid in Full, Fade to Black, An Oversimplification of Her Beauty, The Great Gatsby, Made in America, Top Five, Annie, Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, The Harder They Fall, and The Book of Clarence. He also served as executive producer for Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023).

Solo Headlining

• Reasonable Doubt Tour (1996)
• Hard Knock Life Tour (1999)
• Blueprint Lounge Tour (2001)
• Hangar Tour (2006)
• American Gangster Live (2007)
• Jay-Z Fall Tour/Blueprint 3 Tour (2009–2010)
• Magna Carter World Tour (2013–2014)
• 4:44 Tour (2017)

Joint Headlining

• Rock the Mic (alongside 50 Cent) (2003)
• Best of Both Worlds Tour (with R. Kelly) (2004)
• Heart of the City Tour (featuring Mary J. Blige) (2008)
• Jay-Z & Ciara Live (with Ciara) (2009)
• The Home & Home Tour (partnered with Eminem) (2010)
• Watch the Throne Tour (alongside Kanye West) (2011–2012)
• Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour (with Justin Timberlake) (2013)
• On the Run Tour (with Beyoncé) (2014)
• On the Run II Tour (featuring Beyoncé) (2018)

Supporting Appearances

• No Way Out Tour (supporting Puff Daddy & Bad Boy Records) (1997)
• Projekt Revolution 2008 Europe (with Linkin Park) (2008)
• Viva la Vida Tour (supporting Coldplay) (2008)
• U2 360° Tour (with U2) (2009–2011)

Books

• Decoded by Jay-Z, published in 2010 by Spiegel & Grau, spanning 336 pages. This work blends autobiography with explanations behind his lyrics.

Honors and Titles

In 2006, Jay-Z was honored with the title of Sarkin Waka within Kwara’s Nigerian chieftaincy hierarchy.

See also

• List of celebrities who own cannabis businesses
• List of artists who reached number one in the United States
• List of best-selling music artists
• List of largest music deals
• List of celebrities by net worth
• Murder Inc.
• The Carters
• The Throne