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You'd be hard pressed to find a better example of a rags-to-riches hip-hop story than Jay-Z's. From a rough childhood in one of the poorest neighborhoods in America to his place atop the hip-hop industry throne, Jay-Z has climbed his way out of adversity to grab hold of the rap mogul crown.
Born Shawn Carter, on December 4, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z was a musical prodigy from a young age. Writing lyrics from the young age of 9, he possessed a musical talent that only grew with age. Using only a kitchen table, Jay's early raps involved drumming out simple beats on the table-top to rap his verses over. As a young up and coming rapper, his skills were known throughout the neighborhood. It seemed only a matter of time before Jay-Z's goal of making it as a hip-hop artist turned into a reality. However, this goal would prove to be more difficult to achieve than originally expected.
After struggling to get into the industry at a young age, no label was willing to sign Jay to an entry-level deal. Like many other young people in his community, Jay fell into the violent drug culture of his neighborhood. Struggling to make the decision whether or not to continue his hip-hop dreams or give up, Jay's friends helped him make the choice to pursue his dreams.
After failing to find a record deal, Jay and two childhood friends, Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs Burke, would make the decision to release the records without the help of a major label. They began the Roc-A-Fella Records music label to release their own material, a move that would signal the beginning of an empire. After releasing his first and most acclaimed album, Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z was well on his way to becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
Along the way, Jay-Z has released 15 albums, with a total sales estimated at $50 million, while working with some of the biggest artists in the world. In April of 2008, Jay-Z married his long time sweetheart, Beyonce Knowles, forming one of the most powerful couples in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his musical projects, Jay has a number of other business ventures, including the Roca Wear fashion line and an ownership stake in the New Jersey Nets NBA basketball franchise. With an estimated worth of over $500 million, Jay-Z remains one of the most successful artists of all time. And if his most recent release, The Blueprint 3 is any indication, he has no plans to slow down any time soon. |
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