Early Life
Shawn Corey Carter was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City. He grew up in the Marcy Houses, a public housing project in the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood. His father left the family when Jay-Z was 11 years old, and he and his three siblings were raised by their mother, Gloria Carter.
Rise to Success
Jay-Z began his music career in the late 1980s, mentored by rapper Jaz-O. He co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994, which allowed him to release his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. Although it only reached number 23 on the Billboard 200, it is considered a classic hip-hop album. Jay-Z's subsequent albums consistently topped the charts. Jay-Z has amassed 14 number-one albums, tied with Drake for the second-most for a solo artist. In 2004, he became the president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings.
Key Business Strategies
Jay-Z built his empire by creating his own brands rather than promoting others'. He founded Rocawear clothing in 1999, which he later sold. He co-owns the cognac brand D'Ussé. He invested in the champagne brand Armand de Brignac and sold a 50% stake to LVMH. He also founded Roc Nation, an entertainment agency and has stakes in companies like Uber.
Philanthropy
Jay-Z's philanthropic efforts include the Shawn Carter Foundation, established in 2003, which provides educational access and support to individuals facing socio-economic hardships. He has also supported various charities and causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement, the American Red Cross, and global water shortage initiatives.
