Jay-Z

$2.81 B

Ranked #1461 in World

About Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter, widely known as Jay-Z, has etched an indelible mark on both the music and business worlds. Born in Brooklyn in 1969, Carter ascended from a challenging upbringing to become a defining figure in hip-hop. With 14 Billboard 200 number-one albums, Jay-Z stands as the most commercially successful solo artist in the genre. His entrepreneurial spirit manifested in ventures like Rocawear and the music streaming service Tidal, contributing to him becoming the first hip-hop billionaire in 2019. A recipient of 24 Grammy Awards, Jay-Z's influence extends beyond music; he's a major philanthropist and a political activist. His marriage to Beyoncé and their three children, alongside recent legal issues like a paternity lawsuit in 2023, keep him in the public eye. Billboard and Vibe crowned him the greatest rapper of all time in 2023, a testament to his profound impact on music and culture.

Born

December 04, 1969

Age

56 years

Source Of Wealth

Music

Industries

Media & Entertainment

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Los Angeles, California

Spouse

Beyoncé (Married: 2008)

Children

3, including Blue Ivy

Shawn Corey Carter, known globally as Jay-Z, entered the world on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City. Growing up in Marcy Houses, a public housing project in Brooklyn's Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood, his early life was shaped by adversity, including his father abandoning the family. Raised chiefly by his mother, Gloria Carter, Jay-Z's formal education included time at Eli Whitney High School, George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, and Trenton Central High School, although he dropped out during his sophomore year. During this turbulent period, Jay-Z sold crack cocaine and survived three shooting incidents, experiences that would later influence his music.

Jay-Z: Family

Though details about his extended family are less public, Jay-Z's immediate family is well-known thanks to his marriage to superstar Beyoncé in 2008. The couple shares three children: Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir, forming one of the music industry's most influential families.

Jay-Z: Career Highlights

Jay-Z's music career began in the late 1980s, culminating in the co-founding of Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994. His debut album, "Reasonable Doubt," was released in 1996, marking the start of a groundbreaking career that includes 14 number-one albums on the Billboard 200—a record for a solo artist. Additionally, Jay-Z has been named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023, highlighting his indelible impact on music.

Jay-Z: Companies

Apart from music, Jay-Z has established a significant presence in various business ventures, including Rocawear, the 40/40 Club, and Roc Nation, an entertainment company he founded and serves as chairman. His ventures extend into real estate, sports teams, and technology, most notably with his acquisition of Aspiro and its media streaming service Tidal in 2015.

Jay-Z: Major Achievements

Jay-Z's achievements are not limited to music, with his business acumen solidifying his status as the first hip-hop billionaire in 2019. However, his musical accomplishments remain monumental, holding the record for the most Grammy wins (24) by a rap artist, a feat that ties him with Kanye West.

Jay-Z: Awards & Achievements

Among his numerous accolades, Jay-Z has received the NAACP's President's Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Sports Emmy Award, cementing his position as a significant cultural figure.

His induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are historic, making him one of the most honored musicians of his time.

Jay-Z: Personal Life & Legacy

Jay-Z's personal life, particularly his marriage to Beyoncé, has been a focal point of media attention, while his legacy extends beyond music into social activism and philanthropy. Through the Shawn Carter Foundation, he has assisted students facing socio-economic hardships and contributed to various relief efforts, including those for Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic. His support for Barack Obama's presidential campaigns and same-sex marriage underscores his political engagement.

Jay-Z: Trivia

In a unique blend of honor and cultural recognition, Jay-Z was enstooled as the Sarkin Waka of Kwara in the Nigerian chieftaincy system in 2006, reflecting the global influence and respect he commands beyond his music and business achievements.

Wealth History

Timeline

December 4, 1969

Shawn Corey Carter (Jay-Z) is born in Brooklyn, New York City.

Late 1980s

Jay-Z starts rapping.

1994

Jay-Z co-founds Roc-A-Fella Records.

1996

Jay-Z releases his debut studio album, Reasonable Doubt.

1999

Jay-Z founds Rocawear, a clothing retailer.

2003

Jay-Z founds 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain.

2004

Jay-Z becomes president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings.

2006

Jay-Z is enstooled as the Sarkin Waka of Kwara in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.

2007

Jay-Z steps down as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings.

2008

Jay-Z launches Roc Nation, a multi-disciplinary entertainment agency.

2010

Jay-Z publishes his memoir, Decoded.

2013

Jay-Z is named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time.

2014

Jay-Z receives nine Grammy nominations, more than any other artist.

2015

Jay-Z acquires technology company Aspiro and leads the expansion of Tidal, the company's media streaming service.

2017

Jay-Z releases 4:44, an exclusive to Sprint and Tidal customers.

2018

Jay-Z becomes the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2019

Jay-Z becomes the first hip-hop billionaire.

2023

Jay-Z is named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe.

Jay-Z : FAQs

What is Jay-Z's current net worth?

Jay-Z's current net worth is $2.81 billion.

What is Jay-Z's current global rank among billionaires?

Jay-Z holds the 1461st position globally among billionaires.

What is Jay-Z's current ranking within the United States?

Jay-Z holds the 518th position in United States.

What was the change in Jay-Z's net worth compared to the previous year?

Jay-Z's net worth increased by 275.95 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.53 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Jay-Z's net worth?

Jay-Z's net worth increased by 2.55 million dollars recently, a 0.09% increase, with his net worth standing at 2.81 billion dollars.

What are Jay-Z's main sources of wealth?

Jay-Z's main source of income comes from Music.

In which industry does Jay-Z primarily operate?

Jay-Z is primarily involved in the Media & Entertainment industry.

How old is Jay-Z?

Jay-Z is 56 years old.

How many children does Jay-Z have?

Jay-Z has 3 children.

Who is Shawn Corey Carter better known as in the music industry?

Shawn Corey Carter is better known as Jay-Z in the music industry, an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur.

What achievements mark Jay-Z as a distinguished figure in the entertainment world?

Jay-Z's distinguished achievements include being named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe in 2023, founding and chairing Roc Nation, and becoming the first hip-hop billionaire in 2019.

How did Jay-Z's early life shape his music career?

Raised in Marcy Houses and experiencing a tough upbringing, including selling crack cocaine and surviving shootings, Jay-Z's early life shaped his music with themes of struggle, resilience, and ambition.

What are some of Jay-Z's most significant contributions to the music industry?

Jay-Z's significant contributions to the music industry include his debut album Reasonable Doubt, founding Roc-A-Fella Records, and holding the record for the most number-one albums of any solo artist on the Billboard 200.

How has Jay-Z expanded his influence beyond music?

Beyond music, Jay-Z expanded his influence through successful business ventures like Rocawear and Tidal, philanthropy with the Shawn Carter Foundation, and political involvement, supporting Barack Obama and same-sex marriage.