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Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper and entrepreneur. Born and raised in New York City, he was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023. He served as the president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007 before founding the entertainment company Roc Nation in 2008.

Jay-Z began his musical career in the late 1980s as a protégé of fellow New York City-based rapper Jaz-O. In 1994, he co-founded the record label Roc-A-Fella Records to release his first two studio albums, Reasonable Doubt (1996) and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997), both of which received critical acclaim. His subsequent albums, including The Blueprint (2001), The Black Album (2003), American Gangster (2007), and 4:44 (2017), each debuted atop the Billboard 200. Jay-Z holds the record for the most number-one albums (14) of any solo artist on the chart. He has also released collaborative albums such as The Best of Both Worlds (2002) and Unfinished Business (2004) with R. Kelly, Collision Course (2004) with Linkin Park, Watch the Throne (2011) with Kanye West, and Everything Is Love (2018) with his wife Beyoncé. He has topped the Billboard Hot 100 on four occasions with guest performances on singles like "Heartbreaker" by Mariah Carey, "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé, and "Umbrella" by Rihanna, as well as his own hit "Empire State of Mind" with Alicia Keys.

Through his business ventures, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop billionaire in 2019. In 1999, he co-founded the clothing retailer Rocawear and later founded the 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain, in 2003. Both ventures grew into multi-million-dollar businesses, leading to the launch of Roc Nation, a multi-disciplinary entertainment agency, in 2008. In 2015, he acquired the technology company Aspiro and led the expansion of its media streaming service, Tidal. As of 2024, Jay-Z is the wealthiest musical artist in the world, with a net worth of $2.5 billion.

Shawn Corey Carter was born on December 4, 1969, in the Marcy Projects, a public housing complex in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised by his mother, Gloria Carter, after his father abandoned the family when Jay-Z was 11 years old. Growing up in the Marcy Projects exposed him to the harsh realities of urban life, including drugs and violence, which would later influence his music.

Jay-Z attended several high schools, including George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, where he was classmates with future rap legends The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. However, he did not complete his formal education, dropping out to pursue a career in music. Despite this, Jay-Z's intelligence and business acumen are widely recognized, often attributed to his ability to learn from his environment and experiences.

Jay-Z's music career began in the late 1980s when he started collaborating with local artists and appearing on mixtapes. In 1995, he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, releasing his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. The album received critical acclaim and is now considered a classic, establishing Jay-Z as a significant force in hip-hop.

His subsequent albums, including In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997), Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life (1998), and Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter (1999), cemented his status as a leading rapper. Jay-Z's music often reflects his experiences and observations of urban life, combining braggadocio with introspective and socially conscious themes.

In 2003, Jay-Z announced his retirement from recording, but this proved to be short-lived. He returned with Kingdom Come in 2006 and continued to release successful albums such as American Gangster (2007), The Blueprint 3 (2009), and 4:44 (2017). Throughout his career, Jay-Z has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, showcasing his versatility and influence.

Beyond music, Jay-Z has built a diverse business portfolio. He co-founded Rocawear, a clothing line, in 1999, which he later sold for $204 million. In 2008, he launched Roc Nation, a full-service entertainment company, and in 2015, he acquired the streaming service Tidal. Jay-Z's investments also include sports management with Roc Nation Sports, partnerships with major brands, and real estate.

Jay-Z's legacy extends far beyond his music. He is often credited with bringing a sense of authenticity and narrative depth to hip-hop, influencing countless artists who followed. His business ventures have redefined what it means to be a hip-hop mogul, demonstrating that artists can leverage their success to build expansive, multi-faceted careers.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jay-Z is known for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social justice. Through the Shawn Carter Foundation, he supports initiatives to help individuals facing socio-economic hardships further their education. He has also been involved in criminal justice reform, notably supporting the REFORM Alliance, which aims to overhaul the probation and parole system in the United States.

Jay-Z's influence is also evident in his personal life. His marriage to Beyoncé has made them a symbol of success and resilience, with both artists often collaborating and supporting each other's endeavors. They have three children, and their family life is frequently in the public eye, further cementing their status as cultural icons.

Looking to the future, Jay-Z shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to innovate in both his music and business ventures, setting new standards for what is possible. His impact on music, culture, and business is likely to be felt for generations to come.

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