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
Rick Ross Featuring Jay Z “The Devil Is A Lie”
Rick Ross Featuring Jay Z “The Devil Is A Lie”
Rick Ross Featuring Jay Z “The Devil Is A Lie”
Rick Ross and Jay Z do make magic together. Rozay and Hov have a history of collaborations, ranging from “Free Mason” to their club banger “FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt.” Another track they’ve been hyping up next is “The Devil Is A Lie,” which will appear on his next album Mastermind. "We're pushing the envelope once agai...
Jay Z Launches Cigar Line
Jay Z Launches Cigar Line
Jay Z Launches Cigar Line
Jay Z is rolling all the way to the bank—literally. The hip-hop mogul partners up with Cuban stogie brand Cohiba Red Dot to help launch his swanky Comador Cigar line. The news comes a little over a month after the Brooklyn native debuted his fragrance line, GOLD, while still being somewhat under fire for his ties with New York-based department store, Barneys.—Marjua Estevez...
Jay Z & Beyonce Can’t Keep Their Hands Off Each Other In “Drunk In Love”
Jay Z & Beyonce Can’t Keep Their Hands Off Each Other In “Drunk In Love”
Jay Z & Beyonce Can’t Keep Their Hands Off Each Other In “Drunk In Love”
After wreaking havoc throughout the streets by dropping her self-titled LP out of thin air with videos to accompany each track, Beyonce now unveils the official video for "Drunk In Love." In the clip, which features Jay Z , the couple appears like never before, really spicing up the visual with a number of steamy scenes...
Best Hip-Hop Tweets Of The Week 12/8-12/14
Best Hip-Hop Tweets Of The Week 12/8-12/14
Best Hip-Hop Tweets Of The Week 12/8-12/14
If you were on Twitter this week then you already know things got quite crazy. As Schoolboy Q and YG finally unveiled the release dates for their upcoming albums and Wale went off on Complex Magazine, things were indeed on the turned up side...
Beyonce’s Best Hip-Hop Collaborations
Beyonce’s Best Hip-Hop Collaborations
Beyonce’s Best Hip-Hop Collaborations
Queen Bey shook the world at midnight last night, dropping her new self-titled fifth solo album out of absolutely nowhere, complete with 18 music videos and features from hubby Jay Z, Drake and lil baby Blue Ivy. The new album is steeped in the kind of gritty Houston sound that permeated her last single "Bow Down," and delivers a distinctly hip-hop vibe with some areas where she's unmist
Pete Rose Takes Jab At Robinson Cano, Jay Z
Pete Rose Takes Jab At Robinson Cano, Jay Z
Pete Rose Takes Jab At Robinson Cano, Jay Z
Last week, with the help of Jay Z and Roc Nation Sports, Robinson Cano landed a huge 10-year $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. Thus ending his run with the New York Yankees. Cano will wear No. 22, his old number with the Yankees with the Mariners...
The Best 2013 Holiday Collections
The Best 2013 Holiday Collections
The Best 2013 Holiday Collections
Every year during the holidays certain brands surprise their followers with some unexpected gifts and offer them an exclusive item or a special collection just for the season. Brands release items in rare colorways or collaborate with unsuspecting partners to create these highly sought after exclusives...
Beyoncé Drops Self-Titled Album On iTunes Featuring Jay Z, Drake And Frank Ocean
Beyoncé Drops Self-Titled Album On iTunes Featuring Jay Z, Drake And Frank Ocean
Beyoncé Drops Self-Titled Album On iTunes Featuring Jay Z, Drake And Frank Ocean
Beyoncé sure knows how to get the Internet going crazy. Out of nowhere, Mrs. Carter surprised fans by releasing her self-title album on iTunes. Bey’s fifth solo LP is 14 tracks long, with 17 videos to accompany the package. Beyoncé includes appearances from Jay Z, Drake, Frank Ocean and more. Check out the t...
R. Kelly’s Best Collaborations With Rappers
R. Kelly’s Best Collaborations With Rappers
R. Kelly’s Best Collaborations With Rappers
R. Kelly may very well be the greatest R&B artist of our generation. With three Grammy Awards to his name, over 54 million albums sold worldwide, numerous accolades, and a Trapped In The Closet video with more chapters than a J.K Rowling novel, it's safe to say that Kells has done well for himself over the course of more than two decades. Wi...
Rick Ross, Jay Z  “The Devil Is A Lie” Artwork
Rick Ross, Jay Z “The Devil Is A Lie” Artwork
Rick Ross, Jay Z “The Devil Is A Lie” Artwork
Rick Ross took to Twitter to remind everyone about the Jay Z collaboration he has in the works. Back in October Rick Ross and DJ Khaled recently stopped by Hot 97 for an interview with program director Ebro, Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg where he revealed that he and Jay Z would team up for his next single. Well today he...

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