Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969) better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper and former president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings[1] 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.[2] Known for his flow and blending of street and popular style, he can compose lyrics without the use of pen and paper.[3] [4] His critically acclaimed album The Blueprint was allegedly written in only two days.[5] 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.[6]

Along with Damon "Dame" Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, Jay-Z was one of the founders of Roc-A-Fella Records, a hip hop record label. Jay-Z is the richest hip hop Entertainer (followed by 50 Cent), having a net-worth estimate of $600 million.[7]

It was announced on 2nd February 2008 that Jay Z will headline this year's Glastonbury Festival.[8]

Birth name Shawn Corey Carter
Also known as Jigga
Jay Hova
Born December 4, 1969 (1969-12-04) (age 38)
Brooklyn, New York City
Genre(s) Hip hop, hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip hop, gangsta rap, pop rap
Occupation(s) Musician
Songwriter
Record executive
CEO
President
Years active 1989 - 2003
2006 - present
Label(s) Roc-A-Fella/IDJMG/Universal
Associated acts Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, Beyoncé Knowles, Fort Minor, Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park, Kanye West, R. Kelly, Freeway, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Young Jeezy

Studio albums
1996: Reasonable Doubt
1997: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
1998: Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
1999: Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter
2000: The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
2001: The Blueprint
2002: The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
2003: The Black Album
2006: Kingdom Come
2007: American Gangster

Collaboration albums
1998: Streets Is Watching (with Various Artists)
2002: The Best of Both Worlds (with R. Kelly)
2004: Unfinished Business (with R. Kelly)
2004: Collision Course (with Linkin Park)
2008: Hearts Of The City Tour (with Mary J.Blige)
2009: The Kings of Hip Hop (with Nas)

Compilation albums
2000: The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
2001: Jay-Z: Unplugged
2002: Chapter One: Greatest Hits
2003: Bring It On: The Best of Jay-Z
2006: Greatest Hits

Grammy Award history
Career Wins: 7
Career Nominations: 25

Dirt Off Your Shoulders

Dead Presidents

Cant Knock The Hustle

Change The Game (Live)

Hardknock Life