Biography
One of the most respected and influential musical artists of any genre, Jay-Z set the gold standard in rap music with his thought-provoking lyrics, powerful freestyle delivery, and entrepreneurial swagger. The rapper's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt was considered an undisputed classic by music fans and critics. Throughout his career, Jay-Z released more No. 1 albums than Elvis Presley, discovered hit-making artists and producers, and …
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Career Milestones
2011 | Reteamed with Kanye West for their album Watch The Throne | |
2010 | Released his first book Decoded, a narrative of the rapper's most famous lyrics | |
2010 | Featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's "Forbes 400 Summit" issue next to billionaire Warren Buffett | |
2009 | Surpassed Elvis Presley's record when he released The Blueprint 3 - his 11th album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart | |
2008 | Became the first hip-hop artist to headline the Glastonbury Festival in England | |
2006 | Released comeback album Kingdom Come after a headlining performance at the Power 105.1's annual Powerhouse concert that marked his coming out of retirement | |
2003 | Announced his retirement following the release of The Black Album; assumed the role of president at Def Jam Records | |
2002 | Feature acting debut, "State Property" | |
2002 | Recorded the duet "03 Bonnie & Clyde" with R&B and pop singer Beyoncé Knowles | |
2001 | Reteamed with West to produce landmark album The Blueprint; released on Sept. 11, 2001, but still went on to sell more than three million copies | |
2000 | Made his debut musical appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" | |
1999 | Collaborated with then-undiscovered yet talented producers the Neptunes and Kanye West on his album Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter | |
1998 | Crossed over to more mainstream radio with Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life ; won Best Rap Album at the 1999 Grammy Awards, making it Jay-Z's first Grammy | |
1997 | Had more success with his sophomore album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.; worked with producers Puff Daddy and Teddy Riley | |
1996 | Released his debut album Reasonable Doubt | |
1995 | Co-founded the independent label Roc-A-Fella Records with Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs | |
1994 | Released his first official single and music video "I Can't Get Wit That" | |
| Competed in local rap battles in the early 1990s | ||
Awards
2012 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance |
2012 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Song |
2012 | Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration |
2011 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Album |
2011 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance |
2011 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Song |
2009 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance |
2009 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Song |
2009 | Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration |
2008 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group |
2007 | Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration |
2005 | Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration |
2004 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance |
2003 | Grammy Award for Best R&B Song |
2003 | Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration |
1999 | MTV Movie Award for Best Song From a Movie in Rush Hour |
1998 | Grammy Award for Best Rap Album |