Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay-Z, is an influential American rapper, entrepreneur, and record executive born in 1969. Emerging from New York’s hip-hop scene in the late 1980s, he quickly became a defining figure in East Coast rap, praised for his intricate lyrics and storytelling rooted in his rise from humble beginnings. Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records, releasing acclaimed albums like Reasonable Doubt and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, setting the stage for a string of chart-topping projects including The Blueprint, The Black Album, and 4:44. With a record 14 number-one albums on the Billboard 200, he has also delivered hit collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé, Kanye West, Rihanna, and Linkin Park. Beyond music, Jay-Z has built a business empire, becoming hip-hop's first billionaire through ventures like Rocawear, the 40/40 Club, Roc Nation, and the streaming service Tidal. He served as president of Def Jam Recordings and continues to shape the entertainment industry as founder of Roc Nation. Jay-Z is one of the best-selling artists of all time with over 140 million records sold and 25 Grammy Awards. He is recognized as one of the greatest and most influential artists in music history, with honors that include induction into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.