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The Birth Of A Star
Shawn Carter was born December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. In his teenage years he was known in his teenage years as jazzy. He later changed it into the name known worldwide today, Jay-Z. Shawn's father left him at a very young age which made it hard on him. In result, he turned to selling cocaine, and other drugs for money. Shortly after, he dropped out of school to chase his dream as a professional rapper. -
Roc-A-Fella Records
After failing to sign to a major music industry, Jay-Z decided he was not going to wait any longer. Along with his two friends, he created his own record label. He made a deal with a distributor to get sell his first album "Reasonable Doubt". -
Early Retirement
After selling three successful albums he made the bold decision to retire and focus more on business. -
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Def Jam Records
Returning from his three year retirement, Jay-Z came back to be the new Presidet of Def Jam Record. Jay-Z was the first African American in an executve position in a major music company. On top of this major accomplisment, he started his own clothing line and developed new up-scale bars. -
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Def Jam
After returning from retirement Jay-Z became the acting president of Def Jam Records. He was declared the first African American to be in an executive postion in a Major Music Company. He then extended into making his own clothing brand called Rocawear and he began to open up high end bars with Budwiser. He also bought a share in the NBA team Brooklyn Nets. -
Success
Around this time Jay-Z was estimated to have a net worth of 300 million with an annual income of 82 million. He was asked about his business style and how he became successful. He said "Be water. If you pour water in a cup, it takes the shape of a cup. If you pour it in a teapot, it takes the shape of a teapot. Be fluid. Treat each project differently. The best style is no style. Because styles can be figured out. And when you have no style, they can't figure you out.". -
Beyonce Knowles
In this year he was among the wealthiestt and most infuential figures in music. He later announced his marraige with the very successful singer Beyonce Knowles. -
Roc Nation
Jay-Z sold his share with the Brooklyn Nets in order to start up Roc Nation Sports. He described is as "a fully-functioning 360° entertainment company . . . [that incorporates] all facets of the industry through vertical integration from a grassroots approach, we manage the development, production, administration, branding, marketing and distribution of our product." -
Holy Grail
Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake created a masterpiece in the song Holy Grail which was featured in his new album Magna Carta -
Business Man
Magna Carta: Holy Grail InterviewWhen referencing his success and power, Jay-Z stated "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man." -
Today
As of now, Jay-Z is one of the most successful and diverse artist in the music industry. He displays intelligence in various aspects ranging from music to business. He is one of the wealthiest artist right now and combine with his wife, Beyonce Knowles, they combine to an annual earning of 95 million dollars. They are known as a power couple and are paving a way for their daughter Blue Ivy. Jay-Z has accomplished things that most artist could never dream of and he thinks on a level of brilliance
