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.

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?

In Their Own Words (20)

If Jeezy's payin' LeBron, I'm payin' Dwyane WadeThree dice Cee-lo, three Card MollyLabor Day Parade, rest in peace Bob MarleyStatue of Liberty, long live the World TradeLong live the King yo, I'm from the Empire State that's

Empire State of Mind, 2009

("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

Thank God for Cool HercWithout this shit I probably would’ve got murkedShout outs to Grandmaster Flash and the cashAnd even Jaz bum ass

Do It For Hip-Hop (note), 2008

While I'm watchin every nigga watchin me closelymy shit is butter for the bread they wanna toast meI keep my head, both of them where they supposed to beHoes'll get you sidetracked then clap from closed feet

"Can I Live", 2006

I heard motherfuckers saying they made HovMade Hov say, "Ok so, make another Hov"

Lost Ones, 2006

Artifacts (12)

Jay-Z: The Black Book

In a revealing memoir, hip-hop artist Jay-Z shares his reminscences and reflections on his mysterious past, the difficult choices he has been forced to make, growing up in New York's Marcy Projects,...

2003

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Jay-Z contre la guerre

Former webpage on http://www.indymedia.be, archived as a PDF file

2003

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Decoded

Decoded is a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful...

2011

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Whispering Arising

Whispering Arising, spins an interesting breaking news story about a potential bestsellers book theft by a little-known rival. Helena Washington hires Detective Swoop to stop Arising Publishing's...

2019

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Vol.2...Hard Knock Life

1998

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Chapter One

2002

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The Black Album

2003

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Black Album (9861121).

2003

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Collision Course: Jay-Z & Linkin Park

2004

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Unfinished Business: R. Kelly & Jay-Z.

2004

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Fade to Black

2005

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The hits collection (vol. 1).

2010

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