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Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969)
better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper and former
president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings[1] 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.[2] Known for his flow and blending of street
and popular style, he can compose lyrics without the use of pen and
paper.[3] His critically acclaimed album The Blueprint was allegedly
written in only two days.[4] 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.[5]
Along with Damon "Dame" Dash and Kareem "Biggs"
Burke, Jay-Z was one of the founders of Roc-A-Fella Records, a hip hop record
label. Jay-Z is the richest hip hop Entertainer (followed by 50 Cent), having a
net-worth estimate of $600 million.[6]
It was announced on 2nd February 2008 that Jay Z
will headline this year's Glastonbury Festival.[7]
****
Background information
Birth name Shawn Corey Carter
Also known as Jigga
Jay Hova
Born December 4, 1971 (1971-12-04) (age 36)
Brooklyn, New York City
Genre(s) Hip hop, hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip
hop, gangsta rap, pop rap
Occupation(s) Musician
Songwriter
Record executive
CEO
President
Years active 1989 - 2003
2006 - present
Label(s) Roc-A-Fella/IDJMG/Universal
Associated
acts Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, Beyoncé Knowles,
Fort Minor, Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park, Kanye West, R. Kelly, Freeway, The
Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Young Jeezy
Website Official site
****
Biography
Early
years
Originally from Marcy Houses housing project in the
Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City[8], Jay-Z was
abandoned by his father Adnes Reeves when he was twelve years old.[9] Jay-Z
attended Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn, along with rapper AZ, until it was
closed down. After that he attended George Westinghouse Information Technology
High School in Downtown Brooklyn, with fellow rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and
Busta Rhymes, and Trenton Central High School in Trenton, New Jersey, but did
not graduate.[10] He claims to have been caught up in selling drugs, to which he
refers in his music.[9]
According to his mother Gloria Carter, a young
Jay-Z used to wake his siblings up at night banging out drum patterns on the
kitchen table. Eventually, she bought him a boom box for his birthday and thus
sparked his interest in music. He began freestyling, writing rhymes, and
followed the music of many artists popular at the time. It is stated that he
beat Busta Rhymes in a rap battle, but also has lost to DMX.
In his neighborhood, Carter was known as "Jazzy", a
nickname that eventually developed into his stage name, "Jay-Z". The moniker is
also a homage to his musical mentor Jaz-O (a.k.a. Jaz, Big Jaz) as well as to
the J/Z subway lines that have a stop at Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn.[8]
Jay-Z can be heard on several of Jaz-O's early
recordings in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including "The Originators" and
"Hawaiian Sophie". He also collaborated with Inglewood, California producer
Three-1-Zero. His career had a jump start when he battled a rapper by the name
of Zai. The battle caught the eye of many record labels, as Jay-Z was able to
hold his own against Zai. He also made an appearance on a popular song by Big L,
"Da Graveyard", and on Mic Geronimo's "Time to Build", which also featured early
appearances by DMX Q-Man and Ja Rule and Shazim Hasan in 1995. His first
official rap single was called "I Can't Get With That" which he also released a
music video for.
Music
Reasonable Doubt (1996)
Main article: Reasonable Doubt
From the beginning of his commercial recording
career, Jay-Z chose a route that many would consider untraditional. When no
major label gave him a record deal, Jay-Z created Roc-A-Fella Records as his own
independent label. After striking a deal with Priority to distribute his
material, Jay-Z released his 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt with beats from
acclaimed producers such as DJ Premier and Clark Kent and a notable appearance
by The Notorious B.I.G. Despite reaching only #23 on the Billboard 200, the
album was a critical success.[8]
In My
Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)
Main article: In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
After reaching a new distribution deal with Def Jam
in 1997, Jay-Z released his follow-up In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Executive produced
by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, 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'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 Ski. Jay-Z mentioned on the YES Network's "CenterStage with Michael Kay"
show that if he could do one thing in his career over, it would be Vol. 1,
claiming that "it [the cd] was this close to being a classic, but I put like, a
few songs on there that ruined it." Example is that he was referring to "I Know
What Girls Like" and "(Always Be My) Sunshine", both of which were produced by
Bad Boy beatmakers and criticized as a commercialization of his sound. Like its
predecessor, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 also earned Platinum status in the U.S.
Vol.
2... Hard Knock Life (1998)
Main article: Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
1998's Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life spawned the
biggest hit of his career at the time, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)". He
also relied more on flow and brilliant wordplay, and he continued his penchant
for mining beats from the popular producers of the day such as Swizz Beatz, an
upstart in-house producer for Ruff Ryders, and Timbaland. Other producers tapped
for beats include: DJ Premier, Erick Sermon, The 45 King, and Kid Capri.
Charting hits from this album included "Can I Get A..." featuring Ja Rule and
Amil and "Nigga What, Nigga Who" which featured Amil too. Vol. 2 would
eventually become Jay-Z's most commercially successful album; it was certified
5x platinum in the United States and has to date sold over 8 million worldwide.
The album went on to win a Grammy Award, although Jay-Z boycotted the ceremony
protesting DMX's failure to garner a Grammy nomination.
Vol.
3... Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
Main article: Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter
In 1999, Jay-Z released Vol. 3... Life and Times of
S. Carter. Despite continued criticism for his increasingly pop-oriented
sound,[11] the album proved to be successful and went platinum three times and
sold over 5.6 million records worldwide. Through his lyricism, he was able to
retain respect from some of his die-hard fans. Vol. 3 is remembered for its
smash hit, "Big Pimpin'" (feat. UGK). By this time, Jay-Z was seen as a hip-hop
figurehead both by hardcore fans and by the hip-hop industry due to his lyrics
and his high album sales.
The
Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
Main article: The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
The subject of much criticism, praise, popularity,
condemnation, and discussion, Jay-Z decided to begin developing other artists.
Around 2000, he and Damon Dash signed various artists (including "Dynasty"
members Amil, Beanie Sigel and Memphis Bleek) and began introducing them to the
public. He next appeared on The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, which was intended as a
compilation album to introduce these new artists, though the album had Jay-Z's
name on it to strengthen market recognition and by extension, sales. This
strategy worked to an extent - The Dynasty: Roc La Familia sold over 2 million
units in the U.S. alone.
The
Blueprint (2001)
Main article: The Blueprint
2001's The Blueprint is considered by many to be
one of hip hop's "classic" albums, receiving the coveted "5 mic" review from The
Source magazine. Released on September 11, 2001, the album managed to debut at
#1, selling more than 450,000 albums in its first week. The success of the album
was overshadowed by the terrorist attacks that same day. The Blueprint was
applauded for its production and the balance of "mainstream" and "hardcore" rap,
receiving recognition from both audiences. Eminem was the only guest artist on
the album, producing and rapping on the single "Renegade". Four of the thirteen
tracks on the album were produced by Kanye West and represents one of West's
first major breaks in the industry. The Blueprint also includes the popular
"Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" and "Takeover", a song that takes on rivals Prodigy of Mobb
Deep and Nas. The Blueprint has obtained a 2x Platinum status in the U.S. This
album was the first album not to feature Amil, who was dropped in late 2000
because of a feud between Jay-Z/Roc-A-Fella and herself, caused by her meager
album sales and her weight gain, since his breakthrough album Vol. 2... Hard
Knock Life.
The
Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse (2002)
Main article: The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse
Jay-Z's next solo album was 2002's 4 million (U.S.
only) selling The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse, a double-album. It was later
reissued in a single-disc version, The Blueprint 2.1, which retained half of the
tracks from the original and went on to sell a further 800,000 copies. The album
spawned two massive hit singles, "Excuse Me Miss" and "'03 Bonnie and Clyde"
featuring Jay-Z's girlfriend of four years Beyoncé Knowles. "Guns & Roses", a
track featuring Lenny Kravitz, and "Hovi Baby" were two successful radio singles
as well. The album also features the tracks "A Dream", featuring Faith Evans and
a recording of the late The Notorious B.I.G.; and "The Bounce", featuring Kanye
West (who, at that time, was not yet an artist). 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 Panjabi MC.
Rivalry
with Nas
Main article: Nas vs. Jay-Z
Tension between the two supposedly dates as far
back as 1996, when Nas refused to make a guest appearance on Jay-Z's debut album
Reasonable Doubt. However, the relationship between the two rappers remained
peaceful (Jay-Z even giving a shoutout to Nas in his album liner notes),[12] and
the tension did not escalate to full-blown rivalry until after the death of the
Notorious B.I.G. The position of favorite rapper in New York seemed vacant after
the death of Biggie, and fans were eager to see who would take over.
The dispute involved many of the rappers,
especially associates at Roc-a-Fella Records, who declared an all-out war
against Nas. However, the feud died down somewhat toward the end of 2002. It is
believed by most that Nas won this battle, though it is still a subject of
intense debate. New York radio station Hot 97 settled took votes matching
"Ether"/"Stillmatic" against "Takeover"/"Supa Ugly," and Nas won with 58% while
Jay-Z got 42% of the votes. The battle had the potential to destroy both
careers, but it is credited with resurrecting Nas's career and pushing Jay Z's
to new heights.[citation needed] Nas and Jay-Z have paid tribute to each other
in interviews, likening the battle to a world title boxing match that pitched
the best against the best, and pleased with the entertainment it provided fans.
After Jay-Z signed Nas to Def Jam (of which Jay-Z is president and CEO), he also
featured on Nas's first Def Jam album - "Hip Hop Is Dead" where he does a song
with Nas called "Black Republican." The rivalry also impacted their careers
critically and commercially. The battle was significant in that it revived the
trend of using 'beefs' as a source for publicity and promotion for hip hop
artists, originally unpopular following the tragic deaths of Tupac Shakur and
The Notorious B.I.G., now prevalent within the hip hop community.
The
Black Album (2003)
Main article: The Black Album (Jay-Z album)
Jay-Z toured with 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Sean
Paul while finishing work on what was announced as his final album, The Black
Album. He worked with several producers including Just Blaze, The Neptunes,
Kanye West, Timbaland, Eminem, DJ Quik, 9th Wonder and Rick Rubin. Notable songs
on the album included "What More Can I Say", "Dirt Off Your Shoulder", "Change
Clothes", and "99 Problems". The latter was a cross-over hit comparable to the
Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" which some believe pays homage to the
now-rare old-school rap style. 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. It also 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 "Ether"
and other detractors, as Jay-Z raps, "I'm not a biter I'm a writer for myself
and others/I say a Big verse I'm only biggin' up my brother." During that same
year, Jay-Z supplied new rhymes on a remix of Punjabi MC's "Mundian To Bach Ke",
a desi rap jam that Jay became enamored of after hearing it at a nightclub in
Hong Kong. Re-released as "Beware of the Boys", the East-West hip-hop fusion
track charted in North America. It was notable for Jay-Z's condemnation of the
U.S. invasion of Iraq and laying some of the blame on the 9/11 attacks on the
foreign policy of Ronald Reagan.[citation needed] The Black Album has sold 3
million copies in the US.
In 2004, there was a runaway hit remix project by
Danger Mouse called The Grey Album in which Jay-Z's Black Album vocals were
blended with instrumentals sampled exclusively from The Beatles' White Album
(which subsequently embroiled the DJ in a lawsuit that was later dropped with
EMI, the owners of the Beatles' work). This was made possible by an a cappella
version of the "Black Album" that Jay-Z released with the specific intent for
others to mix. The success of The Grey Album led to a rainbow of Black Album
remix projects including The Red Album, The Blue Album and so forth.
Collision Course (2004)
Main article: Collision Course (album)
Also in 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with rock group
Linkin Park. The project was named Collision Course, 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".
"Numb/Encore" went on to win a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and was
also performed with Linkin Park live at the Grammys, with a special appearance
by Paul McCartney, who added verses from his song Yesterday. The EP sold over
two million copies in the US alone.
Retirement
On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a concert at
Madison Square Garden, which would later be the focus of his film Fade to Black.
This concert was his "retirement party". All proceeds went to charity. Other
performers included collaborators like The Roots (in the form of his backing
band), Missy Elliott, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Siegel, Freeway, Mary J. Blige,
Beyoncé, Twista, Ghostface Killah, Foxy Brown, Pharrell and R. Kelly with
special appearances by Voletta Wallace and Afeni Shakur; the mothers of The
Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur respectively.
While Jay-Z had attested to a retirement 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 R. Kelly, Linkin Park and Phish.
Jay-Z was the executive producer of Fort Minor's
debut album The Rising Tied. Mike Shinoda got together with Jay-Z himself, as
well as his Linkin Park bandmate Brad Delson, and they went over what tracks
they thought should make the album.
"I
Declare War" concert
For more details on this topic, see Hip hop
rivalries.
Having been such a visible artist in the late 1990s
through the early 2000s, Jay-Z has been the subject of more rap-related
controversy than most artists in mainstream hip-hop. Some of these have been
resolved, some are ongoing, and some have simply dissipated.
On October 27, 2005, Jay- Z headlined New York's
Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse. The concert was entitled the "I Declare
War" Concert leading to intense speculation in the weeks preceding the event to
whom exactly Jay-Z would declare war on. 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.
However, an anticipated response to subliminal shots taken by The Game and
Cam'ron never materialized.
The theme of the concert was Jay-Z's position as
President and CEO of Def Jam, complete with an on-stage mock-up of the Oval
Office. Many artists made appearances such as the old roster of Roc-A-Fella
records artists, as well as Ne-Yo, Teairra Mari, T.I., Young Jeezy, Akon, Kanye
West, Paul Wall, The LOX, and Diddy.
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 "United Nations of this rap shit". The most significant
development in this show was closure to the infamous hip hop rivalry between
Jay-Z and Nas. 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. Nas's
verses were rapped over the "Dead Presidents" beat in the vein of a mix song
done by DJ Statik Selektah. Nas also performed songs of his own later in the
show.
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 Bad Boy Entertainment. Shortly after the concert, the altercation was fully
rectified.
The event also saw the return of Beanie Sigel 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 Jadakiss also officially ended their own argument when they, Jay-Z,
the rest of the LOX and Sauce Money (who had been thought to have some animosity
towards Jay-Z, but this was also untrue) all performed the song "Reservoir
Dogs".
Kingdom
Come (2006)
Main article: Kingdom Come (album)
Jay-Z returned with his comeback album on November
21, 2006 titled Kingdom Come.[13] Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You
Got", 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 FBI to
step in and investigate.[14] Jay-Z worked with video director Hype Williams, and
the single's video was directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, The Italian Job). The
album features producers such as Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Dr.
Dre and Coldplay's Chris Martin (single entitled "Beach Chair").[15][16] This
album has already sold 2 million copies in the U.S. alone. Jay-Z made a guest
appearance on the Fall Out Boy album Infinity On High. In June 2007, Jay-Z got
number one song on the Billboard Hot 100, Umbrella with Rihanna becoming his
first number one since Crazy in Love with Beyoncé. Umbrella was at #1 for 7
weeks on the Hot 100. Jay-Z appeared on rapper T.I.'s album T.I. vs. T.I.P. on
the song "Watch What You Say to Me".
American Gangster (2007)
Main article: American Gangster (album)
Jay-Z released his tenth album entitled American
Gangster on November 6, 2007. After viewing the film, he was heavily inspired to
create a new "concept" album that depicts his experiences as a
street-hustler.[17] This album will not be the film's official soundtrack, even
though it will be distributed by Def Jam.[18] According to the XXL Magazine,
which features Jay-Z on the cover, he gave further detail into "American
Gangster." Jay-Z's "American Gangster" depicts his life in correlation to the
movie American Gangster. Jay-Z reports, “When I saw the movie, the way Denzel
portrayed the character, you know, we never seen a black guy ascend this high in
a movie before, to being over the mob. So immediately that struck with me. Like,
the success of it all. [...] I took that emotion and pulled it into my song. So
it’s my own movie. I call it an indie film now – that’s my new shit. It’s the
indie-film version of American Gangster.”
On February 1, 2008, Jay-Z was officially confirmed
to headline the Glastonbury Festival in 2008, becoming the first major hip-hop
artist to headline the historic British festival.[19]
The
Blueprint 3 (????)
Main article: The Blueprint 3
Jay-Z has released his first single off his second
sequel to the original Blueprint, called "Ain't I", produced by DJ Clue.
Controversy
Joe
Budden
Joe Budden raised eyebrows on a remix of "Pump it
Up" featuring Jay-Z where the rappers appeared to be dissing each other. [20]
This has led to speculations of bad blood between the two being a factor in the
constant delays his second album has suffered, since Jay-Z is now the President
of Joe's parent label - Def Jam. However, both men have denied this. [21]
On the track "Talk 2 Em", which leaked December 15,
2007, Budden took stabs at Jay-Z's relevance as an artist and his abilities as
Def Jam president. He said things like "No one's buying your albums but you,"
and, "Maybe it’s time to study your understudy." [22]
Hip-Hop
entrepreneur
Apart from being President and CEO of Def Jam
Recordings, Jay-Z is also one of the owners and founders of the Roc-A-Fella
empire, which includes Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc-La-Familia, Roc-A-Fella Films
and Rocawear.
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. He redirected the hip hop culture from hooded
sweatshirts and baggy jeans to button-ups and crisp jeans, and received GQ's
International Man of the Year award.
Jay-Z announced on December 24, 2007 that he will
not remain at Def Jam as the company's President, and will vacate the position
effective January 1, 2008.[23]
Roc-A-Fella Records
Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with partners
Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Def Jam purchased a 50% stake in the
company in 1997 for a reported $1.5 million.[24]
In late 2004, Jay-Z, Dash and Biggs sold their
remaining interests in Roc-A-Fella Records and the Def Jam Recordings by Island
Def Jam chairman L. A. Reid. Reportedly this major industry move was prompted by
disagreement between Jay-Z and Dash as to what new ventures Roc-A-Fella could
undertake.
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 "Osama bin Laden"
to ensure that rappers would stay with Jay-Z and not sign with him.[25] Dash
currently operates the recently-founded Dame Dash Music Group as a joint venture
with Island Def Jam producing some former Roc-A-Fella artists.
Rocawear
In 1999, Jay-Z co-founded the urban clothing brand
Rocawear with Roc-A-Fella Records partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs"
Burke.[26] 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 of 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.[26][27]
Entertainment and lifestyle
Jay-Z co-owns The 40/40 Club, an upscale sports bar
that started in New York City and has since expanded to Atlantic City, NJ.
Future plans will see 40/40 Clubs in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Singapore.
Roc-A-Fella also distributes Armadale, a Scottish vodka, in the U.S.
On October 16, 2006, Jay-Z's new commercial spot
with Anheuser-Busch aired, featuring his latest single "Show Me What You Got".
Jay-Z will serve as co-brand director for Budweiser Select while collaborating
with the company on strategic marketing programs and creative ad development. He
will be providing direction on brand programs and ads that appear on TV, radio,
print, and high-profile events.[28]
Jay-Z is a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA
team paying a reported $4.5 million for his share. He is also interested in
relocating the team to Brooklyn. In October 2005, he was reported in English
media as considering buying a stake of Arsenal FC, an English football (soccer)
team.[29] However, at this point, this is still speculation.
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 considering on constructing a
high-end hotel or an art gallery building on the newly acquired site which has
the potential to go up about 12 stories.[30]
Personal life
Criminal charges
In 1999, Jay-Z was accused of stabbing record
executive Lance "Un" Rivera for what he perceived was Rivera's bootlegging of
Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter. The stabbing allegedly occurred at the
record release party for Q-Tip's debut solo album Amplified at the Kit Kat Klub,
a now defunct night club in Times Square, New York City, 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.[31]
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. Jay-Z makes
reference to the trial and incident on his songs "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)", on The
Blueprint, "Threat", on The Black Album, "I Did It My Way" on The Blueprint 2:
The Curse, and "Dear Summer", which was included in Memphis Bleek's 2005 release
534. Nas references this on "Ether" with the lyrics: "your man stabbed 'Un' and
made you take the blame."
Romantic life
Jay-Z's most public relationship to date has been
with Beyoncé Knowles member of Destiny's Child and solo singer & actress. In
1998, Jay-Z was featured on a song by producer Timbaland, titled "Lobster &
Scrimp", which references Destiny's Child's first single "No, No, No". His
lyrics include "She said, 'You're stressin me now,'/Said, 'No No No,' then, 'Yea
yea yea' like she Destiny's Child." In 1999, Jay-Z directed rapper Amil's video
for "I Got That", in which Beyoncé was featured. In 2001, Jay-Z was featured on
a song by Missy Elliott, titled "One Minute Man (Remix)", in which he raps "Get
your 'Independent' ass out of here - QUESTION?", a reference to the Destiny's
Child 2000 single "Independent Women Part I". Destiny's Child was also seen in
his 2001 video "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," lip-syncing some of his raps. However, some
fans mark their relationship as going public in their colloboration on "03
Bonnie & Clyde", the first single off his 2002 album The Blueprint 2 - The Gift
and the Curse. His lyrics include "Let's lock this down like it's supposed to
be/ The '03 Bonnie and Clyde, Hov and B." Jay-Z returned the favor the next year
on Beyoncé's 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
appearance on the 2006 hits, "Deja Vu" and "Upgrade U". In the video for the
latter song, she comically imitates his appearance.
The couple generally avoids discussing their
relationship. Beyoncé has stated that she believes that not publicly discussing
their relationship has helped them. Jay-Z said in a People Magazine article that
"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.
Jay-Z has been previously linked to 106 & Park
hostess Free and actress Rosario Dawson, who appears to be the subject of a
verse in "Lost One."[32]
Additionally, the rapper's sexual escapades have
been detailed in two books, Karrine Steffans' Confessions of a Video Vixen and
in Carmen Bryan's It's No Secret. In Bryan's book, she alleges having a five
year affair with Jay-Z, while in an on-off relationship with rapper Nas with
whom she had a child.
Discography
Main article: Jay-Z discography
Studio
albums
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
????: The Blueprint 3
Collaboration albums
1998: Streets Is Watching (with Various Artists)
2002: The Best of Both Worlds (with R. Kelly)
2004: Unfinished Business (with R. Kelly)
2004: Collision Course (with Linkin Park)
Compilation albums
2000: The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
2001: Jay-Z: Unplugged
2002: Chapter One: Greatest Hits
2003: Bring It On: The Best of Jay-Z
2006: Greatest Hits
Grammy
Award history
Career Wins: 7
Career Nominations: 25
Year Category Title Result
1999 Best Rap Solo Performance "Hard Knock Life"
Nominated
1999 Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group "Money
Ain't a Thang" Nominated
1999 Best Rap Album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life Won
2001 Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group "Big
Pimpin" Won
2001 Best Rap Album Vol. 3: The Life and Times of
S. Carter Nominated
2002 Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group "Change
the Game" Nominated
2002 Best Rap Solo Performance "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)"
Nominated
2003 Best Male Rap Solo Performance "Song Cry"
Nominated
2004 Best Rap Album The Blueprint 2: The Gift &
Curse Nominated
2004 Best Rap Song "Excuse Me Miss" Nominated
2004 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration "Frontin"
Nominated
2004 Best R&B Song "Crazy In Love" Won
2004 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration "Crazy In Love"
Won
2004 Record of the Year "Crazy In Love" Nominated
2005 Best Rap Solo Performance "99 Problems" Won
2005 Best Rap Album The Black Album Nominated
2005 Best Rap Song "99 Problems" Nominated
2006 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration "Numb/Encore" Won
2007 Best R&B Song "Deja Vu" Nominated
2007 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration "Deja Vu"
Nominated
2008 Record of the Year "Umbrella" Nominated
2008 Song of the Year "Umbrella" Nominated
2008 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration "Umbrella" Won
2008 Best Rap Solo Performance "Show Me What You
Got" Nominated
2008 Best Rap Album "Kingdom Come" Nominated
Filmography
Film Year
Streets Is Watching (1998)
Hard Knock Life (2000)
State Property (2002)
Paper Soldiers (2002)
Fade to Black (2004)
Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life (2006)
****
References
1.
^ http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/47700-jay-z-leaves-def-jam-presidency
2.
^ The Greatest MCs of All Time MTV.
Retrieved on 2006-12-26
3.
^ Jay-Z is said to never write rhymes
down on paper on solisstyle.com 3 October 2004
4.
^ Recounted by Jay-Z on the documentary
Collision Course DVD. Collision Course. Jay-Z and Linkin Park. Roc-A-Fella/Warner
Bros./Machine Shop Recordings. 2004.
5.
^ Jay-Z Reclaims His 'Kingdom' With No.
1 Debut. Billboard.com. Retrieved on November 29, 2006.
6.
^ 2007: Richest In Hip-Hop
7.
^ [1]
8.
^ a b c Birchmeier, Jason. Jay-Z
Biography. All Music Guide. Last accessed August 24, 2007.
9.
^ a b Adaso, Henry. How Well Do You Know
Jay-Z? About.com. Last accessed August 24, 2007.
10.
^ http://www.celebritywonder.com/html/jay-z.html
11.
^ Jay-Z biography.
12.
^ Reid, Shaheem. Nas vs. Jay-Z: Grade-A
Beef. MTV. Retrieved on 2007-02-13.
13.
^ Welte, Jim. "Jay-Z preps Kingdom
Come", MP3.com, 2006-09-13. Retrieved on 2006-09-13.
14.
^ "Legal Action to be Taken over Jay-Z
Single Leak?", World Entertainment News, 2006-10-09. Retrieved on
2006-09-13.
15.
^ Jay-Z Ends His Retirement With
Star-Studded Comeback Album. San Francisco Chronicle (2006 September 15).
Retrieved on September 16, 2006.
16.
^ Reid, Shaheem (2006-09-14). Jay-Z's
'Retirement' Is Finally Over: New Album Due In November. MTV News. Retrieved
on September 17, 2006.
17.
^ DAVID M. HALBFINGER and JEFF LEED
(2007 September 20). For Jay-Z, Inspiration Arrives in a Movie. New York
Times. Retrieved on September 19, 2007.
18.
^ Shake (2007 September 20). Jay-Z to
Release 'American Gangster'. HipHopDX. Retrieved on September 20, 2007.
19.
^ "Jay-Z confirmed for Glastonbury", BBC
News, 2008-02-01. Retrieved on 2008-02-01.
20.
^ Lyrics to the rather infamous "Pump it
Up" remix http://lyrics.astraweb.com/display/714/joe_budden..unknown..pump_it_up_remix.html
21.
^ Jay-Z interview that mentions "The
Growth" delays http://xxlmag.com/online/?p=5415
22.
^ HHWorlds.com - Joe Budden On Jay-Z,
"Stop Rapping, Hang It Up" (December 20, 2007)
23.
^ [2],AllHipHop.com, 24 December 2007
24.
^ Roc-A-Fella Sold To Island Def Jam,
AllHipHop.com, 8 December 2004
25.
^ Damon Dash Speaks About Jay-Z,
Vibe.com, 10 April 2006
26.
^ a b Iconix to Buy Rocawear, Jay-Z's
Clothing Line. The New York Times (2007-03-07). Retrieved on 2007-03-09.
27.
^ Jay-Z: Down To 98 Problems Yet?. MTV
(2007-02-07). Retrieved on 2007-03-09.
28.
^ http://www.allhiphop.com/Hiphopnews/index.asp?ID=6279
29.
^ Beyonce's Rapper Lover Is After A
Piece Of Arse: Jay-Z's Footie Bid, The Sunday Mirror, 9 October 2005
30.
^ HHWorlds.com - Jay-Z Teams Up With J
Hotels To Develop On $66 Million New York Site
31.
^ Handlin, Sam. Jay-Z pleads guilty to
stabbing record executive. Courttv.com. October 18, 2001. Retrieved June 18,
2006.
32.
^ http://www.vibe.com/blog/vc/2006/12/is_rosario_dawson_jayzs_lost_o.html
****
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