Jay Z Biography

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter, is a legendary figure in hip-hop renowned for his multifaceted career as a rapper, songwriter, investor, and entrepreneur. Born on December 4, 1969, he has earned numerous nicknames including S-dot, Young Hov, Jazzy (or Jay-Z), Hova, Jigga, J-Hova, Jiggaman, Iceberg Slim, Lucky Lefty, Joe Camel, and Hov.

Jay Z Height, Weight, Age, Biography, Wife & More

Jay-Z gained prominence with his debut album “Reasonable Doubt” in 1996 and continued to make a profound impact on the music industry with acclaimed albums like “The Blueprint” (2001) and “The Black Album” (2003). Beyond music, he has diversified into business ventures and investments, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and successful figures in both entertainment and entrepreneurship.

Early Life

Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in the Marcy Houses housing project. His upbringing was marked by the challenges of urban life, including poverty and violence. Despite dropping out of high school, Jay-Z developed a passion for music and began his career by founding Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995.

His debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” released in 1996, laid the foundation for his rise to prominence in the hip-hop industry. Through his lyrical prowess and entrepreneurial acumen, Jay-Z transcended his humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in music and business.

Education

Jay-Z attended Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn. However, he dropped out before completing his education and did not attend college, thus achieving a high school education qualification.

Age

He was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S. He is 55 years old. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius, and he holds American nationality.

Physical Stats

He stands tall at a height of 188 cm (1.88 m or 6’2″) and weighs approximately 83 kg (183 lbs). His body measurements are chest: 44 inches, waist: 36 inches, and biceps: 14 inches. He has striking black eyes and black hair, adding to his distinctive appearance.

Wife and Children

He is married to Beyoncé Knowles, with whom he tied the knot in 2008. Together, they have a daughter named Blue Ivy Carter.

Family

He family includes his father, Adness Reeves, and his mother, Gloria Carter. He has a brother named Eric Carter and two sisters, Andrea Carter, who is a corrections officer at Rikers Island, and Michelle Carter. He does not adhere to any particular religion but is non-denominational monotheistic, meaning he believes in God without subscribing to any specific religious doctrine.

Jay Z with his Mother

Jay Z with his Brother Eric Carter

Jay Z Sisters

Jay Z with his wife Beyoncé Knowles

Jay Z with his Son Blue Ivy Carter

Career

Jay-Z’s career spans decades of groundbreaking achievements in hip-hop and beyond. Emerging from Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses, he founded Roc-A-Fella Records and released his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” in 1996, which established him as a formidable lyricist and storyteller. Over the years, he released critically acclaimed albums like “The Blueprint” (2001) and “The Black Album” (2003), showcasing his ability to innovate and dominate the rap scene.

Beyond music, Jay-Z has ventured into entrepreneurship with ventures like Rocawear and Tidal, establishing himself as a savvy businessman and cultural icon. His influence extends beyond music, influencing popular culture and social movements, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest rapper

Books

• Decoded by Jay-Z (2010: Spiegel & Grau, 336 pages), ISBN 978-1-4000-6892-0. Part memoir and part a collection of Jay-Z lyrics with the stories behind them.

Awards and nominations

• Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Jay-Z
• In 2006, he was enstooled as the Sarkin Waka of Kwara in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.

Studio Albums

• 3… Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
• 2… Hard Knock Life (1998)
• The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
• The Blueprint2: The Gift & the Curse (2002)
• The Blueprint (2001)
• Reasonable Doubt (1996)
• In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)

Filmography

• The Harder They Fall (2021, producer)
• The Great Gatsby (2013, executive producer)
• The Book of Clarence (2023, producer)
• State Property (2002)
• Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story (2018, executive producer)
• Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023)
• Paper Soldiers (2002)
• Paid in Full (2002, producer)
• Made in America (2013, documentary)
• Fade to Black (2004)
• Backstage (2000)
• Annie (2014, producer)

Supporting

• Viva la Vida Tour (with Coldplay) (2008)
• U2 360° Tour (with U2) (2009–11)
• Projekt Revolution 2008 Europe (with Linkin Park) (2008)
• No Way Out Tour (with Puff Daddy & Bad Boy Records) (1997)
• and entrepreneurs of all time.

Net Worth

As of 2016, Jay-Z’s net worth was estimated to be US$700 million.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Jay Z

• Jay Z was raised by a single mother; he met his father after 33 years and forgave him.
• Jay Z sold CDs out of his car before he founded his own record label with Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs.
• Jay Z has received 21 Grammy Awards for his music as well as for other categories.
• He does not write his lyrics down anywhere, he creates them just in his head.
• He and Busta Rhymes went to the same school and also did a rap battle in the cafeteria.
• In 2009, Jay Z and his wife Beyonce were named the most powerful couple in the world, with a combined income of $162 million.
• His song ‘Show Me What You Got’ was leaked online and the FBI was probed to take care of the matter.
• His name he is inspired by his old nickname Jazzy.
• He shot his elder brother in the shoulder for stealing Jay Z’s jewelry.
• He pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross after the hurricane Katrina.
• He is close friends with Barrack Obama but he never wants to be a politician.
• He is an affluent entrepreneur and owns the New York sports bar 40/40 Club and is the co-creator for the clothing line Rocawear (Annual revenue – $700 million). He also is the founder of Roc Nation and co-founder of Roc-A-Fella records. Runs a website by the name of Life+Times.
• Does Jay Z smoke ?: Yes
• Does Jay Z drink alcohol?: Yes

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