JayZ

Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur. Born December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, he rose from the Marcy Houses in Brooklyn to become one of the most successful and influential figures in hip-hop and entertainment.

Early life and career: Carter began his career as a rapper in the 1980s and co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke in 1995. His debut album Reasonable Doubt (1996) received widespread critical acclaim and established him as a leading voice in the genre. He followed with a string of successful albums, including The Blueprint (2001) and The Black Album (2003), contributing to his status as a top-selling artist with a broad musical and cultural impact.

Business ventures: Beyond recording, Jay-Z expanded into management, publishing, and sports and media ventures. He founded Roc Nation in 2008, an entertainment company offering artist services across music, publishing, and touring, and Roc Nation Sports. He has held leadership roles in the music industry, including a stint as president of Def Jam Recordings in the mid-2000s. In 2015, he acquired a major stake in the streaming service Tidal and served in a leadership capacity there.

Personal life: Carter is married to musician Beyoncé Knowles; the couple has three children: Blue Ivy and twins Rumi and Sir. He participates in philanthropy through the Shawn Carter Foundation, which supports economically disadvantaged students.

Awards and legacy: Jay-Z has won numerous Grammy Awards and is recognized as a driving force in hip-hop and in the broader music business, with influence extending into fashion, sports management, and media.