Jay-Z

Jay-Z is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and proficient rappers to ever pick up a microphone. A native of Brooklyn, he spent much of the 1990's trying to break into the rap game while also juggling his time as a street hustler.

Outside of a few early 1990's rap cameos—Jaz-O's "The Originators," Original Flavor's "Can I Get Open" and Big Daddy Kane's "Show & Prove"—Jay was still unsuccessful at securing a label deal for himself. After several failed attempts to get noticed, Jay-Z decided to go independent and formed Roc-A-Fella Records with business partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.

In 1996, Hov kicked off his professional rap career with his stellar debut solo album, Reasonable Doubt, which featured a guest appearance by up-and-coming rap superstar The Notorious B.I.G. The album was a commercial success, reaching platinum status in February of 2002.

Jay's career took off with his 1998 album, Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life, which sold six million copies and included the Annie-sampled "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)." But it was his classic 2001 LP, The Blueprint, that solidified Jay-Z's status as one of hip-hop's G.O.A.Ts (Greatest of All Time).

Jay-Z's talent as a lyricist is undeniable, but he's also made a name for himself in the corporate world. As a savvy businessman, his investments in fashion (Rocawear), liquor (Dussé), a luxury sports bar (40/40 Club), a streaming service (Tidal) and a management agency (Roc Nation), helped him become the wealthiest rapper in the world with a net worth of $2.5 billion.

  • Selected Discography: Reasonable Doubt (1996), The Blueprint (2001), 4:44 (2017), “Can’t Knock the Hustle” (1996), “Takeover” (2001), “4:44″ (2017)
  • Related Artists: Rakim, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G.
  • Read More: Jay-Z’s Biggest Boss Moves of His Career
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The Grammys is not only one of the most prestigious award shows solely because of the coveted awards given away that night. It is also memorable for the red carpet affairs and the attire for the momentous occasion. A night where the stars can dress glamorously, setting the stage for fashion risks and fun outfits, the Grammys is an evening of dreams and magic...
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Analyzing Jay Z’s First Eight Platinum Solo Albums
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This year’s Grammys are underway. Check back here periodically to watch all the performances throughout the night. Beyonce And Jay Z Perform "Drunk In Love" Katy Perry And Juicy J "Dark House" John Legend "All Of Me" Kendrick Lamar "M.A.A.D...
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If it’s one thing the Grammy Awards are good for other than golden phonographs, it’s the performances—and this Sunday’s awards ceremony will be a night to remember with hip-hop and rap in the forefront. Compton’s golden child of hip-hop Kendrick Lamar and independent prodigies Macklemore & Ryan Lewis will go head-to-head, the two contending in what might be the most controversial and heated d
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Jay Z may have taken the best photo of the year so far. Resting nonchalantly in some Air Jordan Taxi XIIs, the rapper did his best Andy Warhol impersonation. Putting his feet on the Andy Warhol couch replica that was strategically placed under his Andy Warhol photograph of the legend sitting in the original couch, the king of double entendre pays homage and humbly shows off all at once... Read Mor

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