Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper and former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. In addition, he co-owns The 40/40 Club and the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. Jay-Z is one of the most successful examples of the growing power of hip-hop. He has sold over 26 million units in the USA and 50 million copies worldwide. His critically acclaimed album The Blueprint was written in only two days. After announcing his retirement from recording music in 2003, he returned in late 2006 with the album Kingdom Come which sold 680,000 copies in its first week, Jay-Z’s highest-selling album in a one-week period. The New York Times announced that Jay-Z is on the verge of a partnership with Live Nation for $150 million — among the most expensive contracts ever awarded to a musician. As of 2007, Jay-Z is worth an estimated US$940 million, regaining his position as the richest hip hop artist in the world, which was held in 2006 by Sean “Diddy” Combs.
One of the most popular and respected emcees in the game, Jay-Z has amassed a startling amount of multiplatinum hits. After several years of successful hustling, Jay-Z released his classic debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” in 1996. Jay-Z got his start in the rap game rhyming alongside longtime friend Big Jaz. Although Jay-Z retired in 2003, he continued making guest appearances and returned in 2006 with “Kingdom Come.” Jay-Z owns a minority stake in the NBA’s New Jersey Nets.
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