Shawn Corey Carter
- Born:
- December 4, 1969, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
Early Life and Education
- Raised in the Marcy Houses public housing complex in Brooklyn.
- Attended Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn, then George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School.
- Did not graduate high school, focusing on music instead.
Career and Major Achievements
- Co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995.
- Released debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996 to critical acclaim.
- Achieved mainstream success with subsequent albums, solidifying his position as a leading hip-hop artist.
- Served as president of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007.
- Founded Roc Nation, a full-service entertainment company, in 2008.
- Multiple Grammy Awards winner.
- First hip-hop billionaire according to Forbes.
- Jay-Z's opulent lifestyle has been showcased on programs like MTV Cribs, providing a glimpse into his success.
Notable Works
Discography
| Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Reasonable Doubt | 1996 |
| In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 | 1997 |
| Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life | 1998 |
| Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter | 1999 |
| The Dynasty: Roc La Familia | 2000 |
| The Blueprint | 2001 |
| The Blueprint2: The Gift & The Curse | 2002 |
| The Black Album | 2003 |
| Kingdom Come | 2006 |
| American Gangster | 2007 |
| The Blueprint 3 | 2009 |
| Watch the Throne (with Kanye West) | 2011 |
| Magna Carta Holy Grail | 2013 |
| 4:44 | 2017 |
Filmography (Selected)
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Streets Is Watching | 1998 | Himself |
| State Property | 2002 | Executive Producer, Actor |
| Fade to Black | 2004 | Himself |
Legacy and Impact
Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter is a highly influential figure in hip-hop music and popular culture. His success as a recording artist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon has solidified his place as one of the most important and successful figures in the entertainment industry. His business acumen, artistic talent, and influence have had a lasting effect on music, fashion, and business.