Jay-Z

Jay-Z, also known as Shawn Corey Carter or HOV, which stands for “Hova” (short for Jehovah, as he sees himself as a god among men), is an American rapper, businessman, and Beyoncé’s husband.

Early Life

Jay-Z was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the notorious Marcy Projects, where he learned very early on how to duck from stray bullets and avoid getting mugged. He decided to turn his life around and use his sharp tongue for good (and profit).

Musical Career

Jay-Z’s rap career started in the late 1980s, as he performed at block parties and gained a reputation as a battle rapper. He then started his own record label, Roc-A-Fella Records, and released his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” in 1996.

Since then, Jay-Z has released countless hits, including “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” “Empire State of Mind,” and “99 Problems.” He also collaborated with the likes of Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Rihanna, cementing his status as one of the most influential rappers in the history of hip-hop.

Business Ventures

Jay-Z’s entrepreneurship is as impressive as his rap skills. He owns multiple businesses, including the sports agency Roc Nation Sports, champagne brand Armand de Brignac (aka Ace of Spades), and streaming service Tidal.

He’s also a staunch advocate for social justice and has donated millions to various causes, including bail reform, racial equity, and criminal justice reform. Apparently, “99 problems” wasn’t enough for him to worry about.

Personal Life

Jay-Z’s personal life is almost as impressive as his career. He’s been married to Beyoncé since 2008 (and yes, that’s worth mentioning twice) and they have three kids together: Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir. He’s also had his fair share of beef with other rappers, including Nas, The Game, and Kanye West (who can forget the infamous “I’ma let you finish” incident?).

Legacy

Jay-Z’s impact on hip-hop and popular culture is undeniable. He’s won 22 Grammy Awards, was the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has a net worth of over $1 billion (in case you were wondering, that’s 1,000,000,000 dollars).