Early Life
Shawn Corey Carter was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City. He grew up in the Marcy Houses, a public housing project in Brooklyn's Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood. Jay-Z's father left the family when he was 11, and he and his three older siblings were raised by their mother, Gloria Carter. His early life experiences shaped his ambition and drive to succeed.
Rise to Success
Jay-Z began his music career in the late 1980s, mentored by rapper Jaz-O. He co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 to release his debut album, Reasonable Doubt (1996). His subsequent albums, including The Blueprint (2001), The Black Album (2003), and 4:44 (2017), all debuted atop the Billboard 200. His success as a rapper led to him becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with 14 number-one albums and 25 Grammy Awards.
Key Business Strategies
Jay-Z's business acumen is as impressive as his musical career. He served as president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007, launching the careers of artists like Kanye West and Rihanna. In 1999, he co-founded Rocawear, a successful clothing retailer. His most significant business move was founding Roc Nation in 2008, a multi-disciplinary entertainment company. He acquired the streaming service Tidal in 2015 and, in 2023, sold half his stake in D'Ussé cognac to Bacardi for $750 million, solidifying his status as a billionaire.
Philanthropy
Jay-Z is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He and his mother, Gloria Carter, established the Shawn Carter Foundation in 2002, which provides scholarships, college bus tours, and personal and professional development experiences to underserved students. He is a founding member of REFORM Alliance, advocating for criminal justice reform.