Shawn Corey Carter
- Born:
- December 4, 1969, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
Early Life and Education
- Raised in the Marcy Houses projects in Brooklyn, New York.
- Attended Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn.
- Later attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, and then Trenton Central High School.
Career and Major Achievements
- Co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995.
- Released debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996.
- Served as president of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007.
- Founded Roc Nation in 2008, a full-service entertainment company.
- Multiple Grammy Award winner.
- Recipient of the NAACP Image Awards President's Award.
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- Billionaire status primarily through music, investments, and brands.
Notable Works
Discography
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2009 | The Blueprint 3 |
| 2013 | Magna Carta Holy Grail |
| 2017 | 4:44 |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Streets Is Watching | Himself |
| 2014 | Annie | Producer |
| 2021 | The Harder They Fall | Producer |
Legacy and Impact
Shawn Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is a highly influential figure in hip-hop and popular culture. His business acumen and artistic achievements have cemented his status as one of the most successful and respected figures in the entertainment industry. Some fans have jokingly said 'jay z i was born a god' , which references his confident stage presence and business savvy. His impact extends beyond music into business, philanthropy, and social activism.