| Revision as of 22:37, 28 September 2009 view source99.34.211.115 (talk) →Early years← Previous edit | Revision as of 22:41, 28 September 2009 view source 99.34.211.115 (talk) →Musical careerNext edit → | ||
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| People now say that he is the best rapper alive. | People now say that he is the best rapper alive. | ||
| ==Musical career== | |||
| ===1996 – 1997: ''Reasonable Doubt'' and ''In My Lifetime, Vol. 1''=== | |||
| hIS MOST POWERFUL WORDS ARE LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME ALONE. | |||
| From the beginning of his professional recording career, when no major label gave him a record deal, Jay-Z, ], and Kareem Biggs created ] as their own independent label. After striking a deal with ] to distribute his material, Jay-Z released his 1996 debut album '']'' with beats from acclaimed producers such as ] and ] and a notable appearance by ]. Despite reaching only number 23 on the ], the album was well-received by critics.<ref name="allmusicbio"/> This album would later be included in '']'s'' "]" as #248 and would later reach platinum status.<ref name="riaacertification">{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=JAY-Z&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=100|title=RIAA - Gold & Platinum|accessdate=2009-08-22|publisher=RIAA}}</ref> | |||
| After reaching a new distribution deal with ] in 1997, Jay-Z released his follow-up '']''. Executively produced by ], it sold better than his previous effort. Jay-Z later explained that the album was made during one of the worst periods of his life. He was reeling from the death of his close friend The Notorious B.I.G. The album was a personal revelation for Jay-Z as he spun the tale of his hard knock upbringing.<ref></ref> The album's glossy production stood as a contrast to his first release, and some dedicated fans felt he had "sold out". However, the album did feature some beats from producers who had worked with him on ''Reasonable Doubt'', namely DJ Premier and ]. Like its predecessor, '']'' earned Platinum status in the United States.<ref name="riaacertification" /> | |||
| ===1998 – 2000: ''Vol. 2...'' Criminal charges and mainstream success=== | |||
| In 1998, Jay-Z released '']'' which contained a rougher sound than its predecessor and spawned the biggest hit of his career at the time, "]". He relied more on flow and wordplay, and he continued with his penchant for mining beats from the popular producers of the day such as ], an upstart in-house producer for ], and ]. Other producers include: ], ], ], and ]. Charting hits from this album included "Can I Get A...", featuring ] and ], and "]", which featured Amil too. ''Vol. 2'' would eventually become Jay-Z's most commercially successful album; it was certified 5× Platinum in the United States and has to date sold over five million copies.<ref name="riaacertification" /> The album went on to win a Grammy Award, although Jay-Z boycotted the ceremony protesting DMX's failure to garner a Grammy nomination.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1452653/20020227/jay_z.jhtml|title=Where's The Love? Jay-Z Disses Grammys Again|accessdate=2009-08-15|date=February 27, 2002|first=Shaheem|last=Reid|publisher=MTV News}}</ref> | |||
| In 1999, Jay-Z released '']'' which would see him returning, for the most part, to a street-oriented sound. The album proved to be successful and sold over 3 million records.<ref name="riaacertification" /> ''Vol. 3'''s most successful single was "]", featuring ]. Around the same time, Jay-Z was accused of stabbing record executive Lance "Un" Rivera for what Jay-Z perceived was Rivera's bootlegging of ''Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter''. The stabbing allegedly occurred at the record release party for ] debut solo album '']'' at the Kit Kat Klub, a now defunct night club in ], ], on December 9. Jay-Z's associates at the party were accused of causing a commotion within the club, which Jay-Z allegedly used as cover when he supposedly stabbed Rivera in the stomach with a five-inch (127 mm) blade.<ref>Handlin, Sam. . Courttv.com. October 18, 2001. Retrieved June 18, 2006.</ref> | |||
| Jay-Z initially denied the incident and pleaded not guilty when a grand jury returned the indictment. Jay-Z and his lawyers contended he was nowhere around Rivera during the incident and they had witnesses and videotape evidence from the club that showed Jay-Z's whereabouts during the disturbance. Nevertheless, he later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge that resulted in a sentence of three years probation.<ref name="guiltyplea">{{cite web |last=D'Angelo|first=Joe|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450090/20011017/jay_z.jhtml|title=Jay-Z Pleads Guilty To Stabbing, Faces Three Years' Probation|accessdate=2009-06-25 |date=October 17, 2001 |publisher=MTV }}</ref> In 2000, Jay-Z released '']'', which was originally intended to become a compilation album for Roc-A-Fella artists but somehow turned into another Jay-Z album.<ref>{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Jones |title=Jay-Z's rap dominates |newspaper=USA Today |publisher=Gannett Company, Inc. |date=November 7, 2000 }}</ref> The album helped to introduce newcomer producers ], ], ] and ], which have all gone on to achieve notable success. This is also the first album where Jay-Z utilizes a more soulful sound than his previous albums. '']'' sold over two million units in the U.S. alone.<ref name="riaacertification" /> | |||
| ===2001 – 2002: Feud with Nas, ''The Blueprint'' and ''The Blueprint²''=== | |||
| In 2001, Jay-Z spoke out against ] after he took an issue with a Jay-Z line from ''"]"'' that he felt were subliminal shots at Mobb Deep and referenced Mobb Deep's beef with ], Snoop Dogg, and ]. He later performed a song "]," at ] 2001, which initially attacked Prodigy and revealed photos of Prodigy dressed like Michael Jackson<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451428/20011211/mobb_deep.jhtml|title=Mobb Deep Strike Back At Jay-Z On Infamy|accessdate=2009-08-14|date=December 12, 2001|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|publisher=MTV}}</ref> A line at the end of "Takeover" referenced Nas, who criticized him on "We Will Survive".<ref></ref> Nas responded with a diss track called "Stillmatic" and almost instantly, Jay-Z added a verse to "Takeover" which dissed Nas and ]. Jay-Z later released his sixth studio album '']'' which was later considered by many to be one of hip hop's "classic" albums, receiving the coveted ] from '']'' magazine. Released during the wake of ], the album managed to debut at number one on the ], selling more than 427,000 units;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1058742|title=Jay-Z Draws 'Blueprint' For Chart Dominance|last=Martens|first=Todd|date=2001-09-20|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref> the album's success was overshadowed by the tragic event. ''The Blueprint'' has been certified 3x Platinum in the United States.<ref name="riaacertification" /> ''The Blueprint'' was applauded for its production and the balance of "mainstream" and "hardcore" rap, receiving recognition from both audiences. ''The Blueprint'' was written in only two days.<ref>Recounted by Jay-Z on the documentary '']'' DVD. ''Collision Course''. Jay-Z and Linkin Park. Roc-A-Fella/Warner Bros./Machine Shop Recordings. 2004.</ref> ] was the only guest rapper on the album, producing and rapping on the song "Renegade". Four of the thirteen tracks on the album were produced by ] and represents one of West's first major breaks in the industry.''The Blueprint'' includes the popular songs "]", "], ] and ]. | |||
| Jay-Z's next solo album was 2002's 3 million (U.S. only) selling<ref name="riaacertification" /> '']'', a double-album. The album debuted on the ''Billboard'' 200 at number one, selling over 545,000 units and surpassing ''The Blueprint''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1765966|title=Jay-Z Scores 5th Chart-Topper With 'Blueprint'|last=Martens|first=Todd|date=2002-11-20|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|accessdate=2008-11-12}}{{Dead link|date=August 2009}}</ref> It was later reissued in a single-disc version, '']'', which retained half of the tracks from the original. The album spawned two massive hit singles, "]" and "]" featuring Jay-Z's girlfriend of four years ]. "Guns & Roses", a track featuring rock musician ], and "]" were two successful radio singles as well. The album features the tracks "A Dream", featuring ] and a recording of the late ]; and "The Bounce", featuring ]. ''The Blueprint 2.1'' features tracks that do not appear on ''The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse'', such as "Stop", "La La La (Excuse Me Again)", "What They Gonna Do, Part II" and "Beware" produced by and featuring ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nriinternet.com/ENTERTAINMENT/Bhangra/1Bhangra_London/b_Rajibder_Missy.htm|title= | |||
| Jay-Z remix spices interest in Panjabi MC|accessdate=2009-09-28|publisher=USA Today}}</ref><!--The first, second, and fourth songs listed here don't appear in the track listing of the ] article.--> | |||
| ===2003 – 2005: ''The Black Album'', Retirement and ''Collision Course''=== | |||
| Jay-Z toured with ], ] and ] while finishing work on what was announced as his final album, '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,446245,00.html|title=50 Cent, Jay-Z will tour together this summer|date=April 24, 2003|first=Gary|last=Susman|accessdate=2009-09-17|publisher=]}}</ref> He worked with several producers including ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Notable songs on the album included "]", "]", "]", and "]". A few of the songs done on this album portray a more personal side of Jay-Z; for example, "Moment of Clarity" sheds light on his feelings towards his estranged father and coping with his death and deals with accusations that he sold out to reach a wider audience. "What More Can I Say" addresses the "biting" accusations leveled against him by Nas in "]" and other detractors, as Jay-Z raps, "I'm not a biter I'm a writer for myself and others/I say a ] verse I'm only biggin' up my brother." '']'' has sold 3 million copies in the US.<ref name="riaacertification" /> | |||
| On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a concert at ], which would later be the focus of his film '']''. This concert was his "retirement party". All proceeds went to ]. Other performers included collaborators like ] (in the form of his backing band), ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] with special appearances by ] and ], the mothers of ] and ] respectively. While Jay-Z had attested to a ] from making new studio albums, various side projects and appearances soon followed. Included in these were a greatest hits record, mash-up projects and concert appearances with ] and ]. | |||
| In 2004 Jay-Z collaborated with rock group ]. The project was named '']'', and contained a six track EP, as well as a ''making of'' DVD. Some of the mash ups tracks were entitled "Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying From You", "Jigga What/Faint", and "Numb/Encore". "]" went on to win a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and was performed with Linkin Park live at the Grammys, with a special appearance by ], who added verses from the song '']''. The EP sold over 1 million copies in the US alone.<ref name="riaacertification" /> Jay-Z was the executive producer of ]'s debut album '']''. ] got together with Jay-Z and ] bandmate ] to discuss what tracks should make the album. | |||
| Later in 2004, Jay-Z was named president of Def Jam Records, which led to Jay-Z, Dash and Biggs selling their remaining interests in Roc-A-Fella Records and Jay-Z taking control of both of the companies.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494616/20041208/jay_z.jhtml|title=Jay-Z, Dame Dash Sell Roc-A-Fella Records; Jay Named Def Jam Prez|accessdate=2009-08-15|date=December 8, 2004|last=Hall|first=Rashaun|publisher=MTV News}}</ref> Reportedly this major industry move was prompted by disagreements between Jay-Z and Dash as to what direction Roc-A-Fella could undertake.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/news/profiles/17268/|title=Why Former Roc-A-Fella Records Partner Damon Dash Hates Mondays|accessdate=2009-08-15|date=June 12, 2006|last=Konigsberg|first=Eric|publisher=New York Magazine}}</ref> The publicized split between Jay-Z, Dash and Biggs led to the former partners sending jabs at each other in interviews. Dame Dash has made comments that after the break up he was portrayed as "]" to ensure that rappers would stay with Jay-Z and not sign with him.<ref>'''', Vibe.com, April 10, 2006</ref> | |||
| ===2005 – 2007: "I Declare War", ''Kingdom Come'' and ''American Gangster''=== | |||
| ] | |||
| On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's ] annual concert, Powerhouse. The concert was entitled the "I Declare War" concert leading to intense speculation in the weeks preceding the event on whom exactly Jay-Z would declare war. As he had previously "declared war" on other artists taking lyrical shots at him at other events, many believed that the Powerhouse show would represent an all-out assault by Jay-Z upon his rivals.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1509668/09152005/jay_z.jhtml?headlines=true|title= 'I Declare War!' Jay-Z Says He's Going To Air Some Rappers Out Onstage|accessdate= 2009-08-06|last= Reid|first= Shaheem|date= 2005-09-15|publisher= MTV News}}</ref> The theme of the concert was Jay-Z's position as President and CEO of ], complete with an on-stage mock-up of the ]. Many artists made appearances such as the old roster of ] records artists, as well as ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="allhiphop">{{cite news|url= http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2005/10/27/18130470.aspx|title= Hip-Hop Harmony: Jay-Z And Nas Officially Dead Beef |accessdate= 2009-08-06|author=Seandra Sims and Houston Williams |date= 2005-10-27|publisher= AllHipHop.com}}</ref> | |||
| At the conclusion of the concert, Jay-Z put many arguments to rest to the surprise of hip hop fans. Instead of declaring war, he declared that he was the "] of this rap shit". The most significant development in this show was closure to the infamous hip hop rivalry between Jay-Z and ]. The two former rivals shook hands and shared the stage together to perform Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents" blended with Nas's song "The World is Yours" from which "Dead Presidents" had sampled the vocals on the chorus.<ref name=mtvnews2>{{cite news|url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1512432/20051028/jay_z.jhtml|title= Jay-Z And Nas Put Beef To Sleep In Onstage Show Of Unity|accessdate= 2009-08-06|last= Reid|first= Shaheem|date= 2005-10-28|publisher= MTV News}}</ref> | |||
| Disagreements between other artists were also brought to a close (or put on hold) at the Powerhouse show. The event brought together for the first time in years, Diddy and The LOX, both having had a long-standing animosity due to a contract agreement and the latter's departure from ]. Shortly after the concert, the altercation was fully rectified. The event also saw the return of ] from incarceration. There had been some speculation that Beanie Sigel was going to depart from Roc-A-Fella Records, but this concert proved otherwise. Beanie and The LOX's ] also officially ended their own argument when they, Jay-Z, the rest of the LOX and ] all performed the song "Reservoir Dogs".<ref name="allhiphop" /> | |||
| Jay-Z returned with his comeback album on November 21, 2006 titled '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.mp3.com/news/stories/6293.html|title= Jay-Z preps ''Kingdom Come''|accessdate= 2006-09-13|last= Welte|first= Jim|date= 2006-09-13|publisher= MP3.com}}</ref> Jay-Z's comeback single, "]", was leaked on the Internet in early October 2006, scheduled to be released later on that month, received heavy air-play after its leak, causing the ] to step in and investigate.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.pr-inside.com/legal-action-to-be-taken-over-jay-z-single-leak-r21513.htm|title= Legal Action to be Taken over Jay-Z Single Leak?|accessdate= 2006-09-13|date= 2006-10-09|work= |publisher=World Entertainment News}}</ref> Jay-Z worked with video director ], and the single's video was directed by ] ('']'', '']''). The album features producers such as ], ], ], ] and ]'s ] (single entitled "]").<ref name="sfgate">{{cite web | url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=8934 | title = Jay-Z Ends His Retirement With Star-Studded Comeback Album | dateformat = mdy | accessdate = September 16 2006 | author = | coauthors = | date = 2006-09-15 | publisher = San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref><ref name="mtvnews">{{cite web |url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1540898/20060914/jay_z.jhtml?headlines=true | title = Jay-Z's 'Retirement' Is Finally Over: New Album Due In November|publisher = ] | author = Reid, Shaheem |date = 2006-09-14 | accessdate = 2006-09-17 }}</ref> The first week saw 680,000 sales of the CD, which '']'' said was "the highest single-week total in Jay's decadelong career".<ref name="billboardkingdom">. ]. Retrieved on November 29, 2006.</ref> This album has sold 2 million copies in the U.S. alone.<ref name="riaacertification" /> | |||
| Jay-Z released his tenth album entitled ''American Gangster'' on November 6, 2007. After viewing the Ridley Scott ], he was heavily inspired to create a new "concept" album that depicts his experiences as a street-hustler.<ref name="newyorktimes">{{cite news | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/20/arts/music/20jayz.html?hp | title = For Jay-Z, Inspiration Arrives in a Movie | dateformat = mdy | accessdate = September 19 2007 | author = DAVID M. HALBFINGER and JEFF LEED | coauthors = | date = 2007-09-20 | work = | publisher = New York Times}}</ref> | |||
| The album is not the film's official soundtrack, although it was distributed by ].<ref name="hiphopdx">{{cite web | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5728/title.jay-z-to-release-american-gangster | title = Jay-Z to Release 'American Gangster' | dateformat = mdy | accessdate = September 20 2007 | author = Shake | coauthors = | date = 2007-09-20 | work = | publisher = HipHopDX}}</ref> | |||
| Jay-Z's ''American Gangster'' depicts his life in correlation to the movie ''American Gangster''. At the start of the album's first single, "Blue Magic", Jay-Z offers a dealer's manifesto while making references to political figures of the late 1980s with the lyric: "Blame ] for making me to into a monster, blame ] and ], I ran contraband that they sponsored, before this rhymin' stuff we was in concert."<ref></ref> Also notable about the "Blue Magic" music video was Jay-Z flashing 500 euro notes, in what ] professor ] has called a "turning point in American pop culture's response to globalization." The album has sold 1 million copies in the US.<ref name="riaacertification" /> On December 24, 2007, Jay-Z stated that he will not remain at Def Jam as the company's President, and vacated the position effective of January 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2007/12/24/19046792.aspx|title=BREAKING NEWS: Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam|publisher=AllHipHop.com|date=2007-12-24}}</ref> | |||
| ===2008 – present: Glastonbury, New Record Deal and ''The Blueprint 3''=== | |||
| ] | |||
| It was controversially announced on February 2, 2008 that Jay-Z would headline the ] in ], becoming the first major hip hop artist to headline the British festival.<ref name="glastonbury">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7223232.stm|title=Jay-Z confirmed for Glastonbury|accessdate=2008-02-01|date=2008-02-01|publisher=BBC News}}</ref><ref></ref> Tickets failed to sell out with 100,000 being sold - out of a possible 137,500 and as the festival sold out in 2 hours the previous year critics blamed the choice of a hip hop artist as opposed to a rock band as the main problem,<ref name="glastonbury2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20080411_glasto.shtml|title=Glasto tix still left|publisher=BBC Radio 6 Music|date=2008-04-11|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> although a more likely cause is the preceding run of terrible weather and flooding that in 2007 made life at the festival very difficult.<ref></ref> One of the more outspoken critics of his selection was ] of ] fame, who criticised the organizers of the festival for scheduling Jay-Z as a headliner for the traditionally guitar-driven, stating ''"I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance. Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music and even when they throw the odd curve ball in on a Sunday night you go 'Kylie Minogue?' I don't know about it. But I'm not having hip hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7345780.stm|title=Hip-hop "wrong" for Glastonbury|publisher=BBC News|date=2008-04-12|accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> | |||
| Controversy ensued in the months leading up to the event with artists, promoters and fans weighing in both for and against. Jay-Z responded to this saying, ''"We don't play guitars, Noel, but hip hop has put in its work like any other form of music. This headline show is just a natural progression. Rap music is still evolving. We have to respect each other's genre of music and move forward."''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtvmusic.com/story.asp?id=ENTEN20080049721|title=Noel Gallagher is narrow minded: Jay-Z|publisher=NDTVmusic.com|date=2008-05-13|accessdate=2008-05-13}}</ref> In response to Gallagher's criticism, Jay-Z opened his Glastonbury set with a tongue-in-cheek cover of Oasis's iconic song "]".<ref name="glastonbury3">{{cite news|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/06/29/jay-z-s-glastonbury-wonderwall-dig-at-noel-gallagher-98487-20625795/|title=Jay-Z's Glastonbury Wonderwall dig at Noel Gallagher|date=June 29, 2008|publisher=Sunday Mirror}}</ref> His Glastonbury performance was heralded as a successful response to pre-festival criticism.<ref></ref> | |||
| When Gallagher was asked about the incident he replied ''"Someone asked me about the fact that Glastonbury hadn't sold out for the first time in years, and if it was because of Jay-Z. From there it grew into this crap that I was standing on an orange crate at Speakers' Corner saying, 'Gather round, brothers and sisters. Have you heard what's happening at Glastonbury this year?' I've hung out with Jay-Z in Tokyo. It's not my bag, but it's all right."''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/articles/spin-interview-noel-gallagher?page=0%2C2|title=The SPIN Interview: Noel Gallagher|publisher=SPIN|date=2008-09-22|author=Michael Odell}}</ref> When Jay-Z was asked about Gallagher's comments he said ''"I heard he was reaching out. I don't bear any grudge, it's all good. I just don't believe in good music and bad music, I've always said that."''. and said that he would be interested in collaborating with Oasis in the future.<ref>{{cite web|last=Daniels|first=Adam|date=2008-08-08|title=Update: Jay-Z continues Oasis beef, hints at Blueprint 3|work=]|publisher=Paste Media Group|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2008/08/jayz-covers-oasis-at-glastonbury-festival.html|accessdate=2009-01-02}}</ref> | |||
| He also headlined many other summer festivals in 2008, including ] in ],<ref></ref> ] in ]<ref></ref> and ] in ].<ref></ref> Jay-Z also stated that after he finishing touring he will work on a new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590390/20080703/jay_z.jhtml|title=Jay-Z Says He'd Be Open To Working With Noel Gallagher And Oasis: 'I Don't Bear Any Grudge' For Glastonbury Dis|accessdate=July 4, 2008|date=2008-07-03|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|publisher=MTV News}}</ref> ] has previously stated that he will be producing the entire album.<ref>. Retrieved July 16, 2008.</ref> Recently, however, Jay-Z went on record to say that it is not guaranteed to be a full Timbaland production.<ref></ref> During Kanye West's August 6, 2008 concert at Madison Square Garden, Jay-Z came out to perform a new song and he and Kanye proclaimed that it was to be on ''The Blueprint 3''.<ref></ref> On May 21, 2009, Jay-Z announced he would be parting ways with Def Jam, and had stuck a multi-million dollar deal to sign for ], which he would start his ] imprint which would serve as a record label, talent/management agency, and music publishing company<ref name="hitsdailydouble">". HITS Daily Double. 2009-05-22. Retrieved on August 6 2009.</ref> and also partnered up with production team ] to start a record label called ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2008/09/28/20536457.aspx|title=Jay-Z Statement On New StarRoc Label|publisher=AllHipHop.com|author=Tai Saint Louis|date=2008-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rapbasement.com/jay-z/092308-details-on-jay-z-s-new-record-label-leak.html|title=Details On Jay-Z's New Label|publisher=Rap Basement|author=Jason|date=2008-09-23}}</ref> Jay-Z's 11th studio album '']'' was released September 11, 2009.<ref name=rollingstonerocnation>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/05/21/jay-z-buys-out-def-jam-contract-blueprint-3-heads-to-roc-nation/|title=Jay-Z Buys Out Def Jam Contract, “Blueprint 3″ Heads to Roc Nation|publisher=Rolling Stone|author=Daniel Kreps|date=2009-05-21}}</ref> It is his 11th album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/album/jay-z/the-blueprint-3/1280278|title=Thee Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z|accessdate=2009-09-20|publisher=Billboard.com}}</ref> and has surpassed Elvis Presley's previous record, making him the current record holder.<ref name="accesshollywood" /> | |||
| ==Business ventures== | ==Business ventures== | ||
Revision as of 22:41, 28 September 2009
This article is about the hip hop artist. For the botanist, see Susan Carter Holmes. For the American actor and dancer, see Shawn Carter (actor).| Jay-Z |
|---|
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known by his stage name, Jay-Z is an American hip hop artist and businessman. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $150 million, shipping over 30 million copies of his albums in the United States alone and receiving several Grammy Awards for his musical work..
Jay-Z co-owns The 40/40 Club and the NBA's New Jersey Nets and is also the creator of the clothing line Rocawear. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings, one of the three founders of Roc-A-Fella Records and recently, the founder of his new venture Roc Nation. He is also the current holder for the record of most number one albums on the Billboard 200.
Along with his financial and musical success, Jay-Z is known for being involved in the feud between him and fellow New York rapper Nas, which was eventually settled in 2005. He is also known for his relationship with Beyoncé Knowles, whom he married on April 4, 2008.
People now say that he is the best rapper alive.
hIS MOST POWERFUL WORDS ARE LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME ALONE.
Business ventures
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Jay-Z has also established himself as an entrepreneur like his fellow hip hop moguls, and friends, Russell Simmons, Dr. Dre and Sean "Diddy" Combs, who also have business holdings such as record companies and clothing lines. In an interview, he stated that "my brands are an extension of me. They're close to me. It's not like running GM, where there's no emotional attachment."
Jay-Z is the founder of the urban clothing brand Rocawear along with Damon Dash. Rocawear has clothing lines and accessories for men, women and children. The line was taken over by Jay-Z in early 2006 following a falling out with co-founder Damon Dash. In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, for $204 million. Jay-Z will retain his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development.
Jay-Z also co-owns The 40/40 Club, an upscale sports bar that started in New York City and has since expanded to Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas, Nevada. Future plans will see 40/40 Clubs in Los Angeles, and Singapore.
Jay-Z serves as co-brand director for Budweiser Select and collaborates with the company on strategic marketing programs and creative ad development. He provides direction on brand programs and ads that appear on TV, radio, print, and high-profile events.
Jay-Z is a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team paying a reported $4.5 million for his share. He is interested in relocating the team to Brooklyn. In October 2005, he was reported in English media as considering buying a stake of Arsenal F.C., an English soccer team.
Jay-Z has invested in a real estate development venture called J Hotels which recently acquired a $66 million mid-block parcel in Chelsea, New York. Jay-Z and his partners are contemplating constructing a high-end hotel or an art gallery building on the newly acquired site which has the potential to go up about twelve stories.
Personal life
Relationship with Beyoncé
Jay-Z's most public relationship has been with American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles, a former member of Destiny's Child. In 2002, Jay-Z & Beyonce collaborated for the single "Bonnie & Clyde", his lyrics include "Let's lock this down like it's supposed to be/ The '03 Bonnie and Clyde, Hov and B." Jay-Z appeared on Knowles' hit single "Crazy In Love" and as well as "That's How You Like It" from her debut Dangerously in Love. On her second album, B'Day, he made appearances on the 2006 hits, "Déjà Vu" and "Upgrade U". In the video for the latter song, she comically imitates his appearance.
The couple generally avoid discussing their relationship. Beyoncé has stated that she believes that not publicly discussing their relationship has helped them. Jay-Z said in a People article, "We don't play with our relationship. " They keep a low public profile despite being photographed at New Jersey Nets home games and while on vacation in Cannes in 2007. The pair were listed as a power couple on Time Magazine's 100's Most Influential People of 2006.
On April 4, 2008, it was reported by People that Knowles and Jay-Z had been married at a private ceremony in New York City. It became a matter of public record on April 22, 2008, but Knowles did not publicly debut her $5 million Lorraine Schwartz-designed wedding ring until the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008 in New York City.
Philanthropy
During his retirement, Jay-Z also became involved in philanthropic activity. On August 9, 2006, he met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the organization's headquarters in New York. The rapper pledged to use his upcoming world tour to raise awareness of – and combat – global water shortage. Already on the look-out for a way to, in his own words, "become helpful", he had been made aware of this issue during a visit to Africa. The effort took place in partnership with the UN, as well as MTV, which produced a documentary entitled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, first airing in November 2006.
Jay-Z also, along with Sean "Diddy" Combs, pledged USD 1 million to the American Red Cross' relief effort after Hurricane Katrina. Jay-Z stated his support for Kanye West after the latter's outburst against President Bush during a live Katrina charity telethon. He also addressed the issue of the Katrina disaster, and the government's response, in his song "Minority Report".
Discography
Main article: Jay-Z discography
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Awards
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Jay-ZFilmography
- Streets Is Watching (1998)
- Backstage (2000)
- State Property (2002)
- Paper Soldiers (2003)
- Fade to Black (2004)
References
- Birchmeier, Jason. Jay-Z Biography. Allmusic. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
- The Greatest MCs of All Time MTV. Retrieved on 2006-12-26
- Miller=, Matthew (May 6, 2009). "The Wealthiest Black Americans". Forbes.com. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
- RIAA - Gold & Platinum - August 08, 2008
- Pitchfork: Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam Presidency
- Access Hollywood. Jay-Z Beats Elvis For No. 1 Albums Record'. MTV. Retrieved on 2009-09-16.
- Cite error: The named reference
mtvnews2was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Source: Beyoncé and Jay-Z Are Married". People.com. April 4, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
- "Jay-Z Talks Business, Success in New Interview". idiomag. 2009-03-15. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
- ^ "Iconix to Buy Rocawear, Jay-Z's Clothing Line". New York Times. 2007-03-07. Retrieved 2007-03-09.
- "Jay-Z: Down To 98 Problems Yet?". MTV. 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2007-03-09.
- http://www.allhiphop.com/Hiphopnews/index.asp?ID=6279
- Beyonce's Rapper Lover Is After A Piece Of Arse: Jay-Z's Footie Bid, The Sunday Mirror, October 9, 2005
- HHWorlds.com - Jay-Z Teams Up With J Hotels To Develop On $66 Million New York Site
- 03' Bonnie and Clyde lyrics
- Beyonce - Upgrade U (official video)
- Michelle Tauber (October 25, 2004). "The Good Life". People.com. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
- Helling, Steve ((2008-04-22)). "Beyonce and Jay-Z File Signed Marriage License". People. Retrieved 2008-04-23.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - "Beyonce's ring revealed!" People, Vol. 70, No. 12, September 22, 2008, pg. 26.
- Jay-Z helps UN focus on world water crisis, USA Today, August 9, 2006. Retrieved June 4, 2006.
- "International Decade for Action: Water for Life, 2005 - 2015". United Nations. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- "Water for Life". MTV. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- "Diddy, Jay-Z give $1 million to Red Cross". MSNBC. 2005-09-02. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- "Jay-Z backs Kanye West's telethon outburst". MSNBC. 2005-09-07. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- "For The Record: Quick News On Jay-Z, Metallica, Bow Wow, John Legend, J Dilla, Sufjan Stevens & More". MTV. 2007-02-12. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
External links
Categories:
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