BBC - Music - Jay-Z

Biography

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969) better known by his stage name Jay-Z (pronounced the American way, "Zee"), is an American hip hop singer 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 the most successful example of the growing power of hip-hop. He has sold a total of 33 million copies worldwide, and his latest album sold 680,000 copies in the United States alone, during its first week. Known for his flow and blending of street and popular style, he can compose lyrics without the use of pen and paper. 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 richest contracts ever awarded to a musician.

Personal Relationships

Is/was involved with Beyoncé,

Links & information come from MusicBrainz. You can add or edit information about Jay-Z at musicbrainz.org. Find out more about our use of this data. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites