JAY-Z

JAY-Z is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor who has over 30 years of experience in the music industry. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and holds the solo artist record of 14 Billboard 200 #1 albums, making him one of the most successful and respected rappers of all-time. JAY-Z has released 13 studio albums and five collaborative albums over the course of his career, and three of his albums, Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album, are considered landmarks in the genre.

About JAY-Z

Born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, JAY-Z grew up in the infamous Marcy Projects and began rapping at a young age. He released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996, which was critically acclaimed and helped establish him as a prominent figure in hip hop. Throughout his career, JAY-Z has won 23 Grammy Awards from sixty-four nominations, making him the 10th most awarded artist of all-time.

JAY-Z's ability to create captivating lyrics on the spot is legendary, as it's said he never writes them down. His flow is considered one of the greatest in the genre, and his wordplay and metaphorical ability is unmatched. His live shows are transcendental, which he often performs with a full band backing him up. One of his most memorable live performances was in his MTV Unplugged appearance, where he had The Roots backing him up.

Outside of music, JAY-Z has become a highly successful investor and entrepreneur. In 2016, Forbes estimated his net worth to be $610 million, thanks to investments in businesses such as the 40/40 Clubs, Armand De Brignac, Brooklyn Nets, and D'USSE. He also founded the sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, and is a certified NBA and MLB sports agent. In 2015, he purchased and relaunched the music streaming service Tidal, with the aim of changing the way streaming services interact with and compensate artists.

JAY-Z has been married to legendary R&B singer Beyoncé since 2008 and together they have three children; Blue Ivy Carter, Rumi Carter, and Sir Carter. Through his labels, Roc-A-Fella Records and Roc Nation, and as the former President of Def Jam Recordings, JAY has played an influential role in the success of many other popular artists such as Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, J. Cole, Just Blaze, Jeezy, Rick Ross, and Jay Electronica, to name a few.

JAY-Z's achievements as a rapper and business mogul have solidified his place in music history. In 2009, he achieved pop stardom with his track "Empire State of Mind", which became his first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2013, his collaboration with Beyoncé, "Drunk In Love", made it to #2 on the Billboard charts, and in 2004, his album Collision Course, with Linkin Park, also went number one and sold 300,000 copies in its first week.

In closing, JAY-Z has had a significant impact on the music industry and beyond. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a hip hop artist by producing unparalleled lyrics and live performances. His business ventures have also allowed him to reach new heights of success and influence. His contributions to the genre have earned him respect and admiration from fans and peers alike, and his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all-time is secure.