JAY-Z BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS

From the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to the boardrooms of the music industry, Jay-Z built one of the most remarkable careers in hip-hop history. Born Shawn Carter, he became a 24-time Grammy-winning rapper, the founder of Roc Nation, and the first hip-hop artist to reach billionaire status — all while remaining one of rap’s most respected lyricists.

Image: NYS Senate Media Services, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jay-Z Age & Early Life

Jay-Z was born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York City. He is 56 years old. Raised in the Marcy Houses housing project, he turned to music as a teenager and, in 1995, co-founded the independent label Roc-A-Fella Records with Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke after struggling to secure a major-label deal.

Career Beginnings & Reasonable Doubt

Carter released his debut studio album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996 on Roc-A-Fella Records. The album earned widespread critical acclaim and is now regarded as a landmark of East Coast hip-hop. Its success launched one of the longest hit streaks in rap history.

Major Albums & Songs

Across his career, Jay-Z has released 13 studio albums, including The Blueprint (2001), The Black Album (2003), American Gangster (2007), and 4:44 (2017). His collaborative albums include Watch the Throne (2011) with Kanye West — more on his longtime collaborator in Kanye West’s biography — and Everything Is Love (2018) with Beyoncé, released as The Carters. He holds the record for the most No. 1 albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200, with 14 chart-toppers, and has sold more than 140 million records worldwide, according to Wikipedia. His best-known songs include “Empire State of Mind,” “99 Problems,” “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” “Big Pimpin’,” “Run This Town,” and his hit feature on Rihanna’s Umbrella; read Rihanna’s biography for more on the Barbadian star.

Business Empire & Billionaire Status

Beyond music, Jay-Z built a vast business portfolio. He served as CEO of Def Jam Recordings, founded the entertainment company Roc Nation in 2008, acquired the streaming service Aspiro (the parent of Tidal) in 2015, launched the Rocawear clothing line in 1999, and opened the 40/40 Club sports-bar chain in 2003. In 2019, Forbes named him hip-hop’s first billionaire. He has won 24 Grammy Awards — among the most by any rapper, a mark he shares with Kanye West, per Wikipedia’s 2026 update.

Personal Life

Jay-Z married singer Beyoncé in 2008 — see Beyoncé’s biography for her story. The couple has three children: Blue Ivy, and twins Rumi and Sir Carter. Together they rank among the most prominent couples in entertainment.

Latest News (2026: Yankee Stadium 30th-anniversary shows)

In July 2026, Jay-Z headlined two Reasonable Doubt 30th-anniversary shows at Yankee Stadium in New York, celebrating three decades since his debut album. He was joined on stage by Beyoncé, Nas, Eminem, Alicia Keys, and his daughter Blue Ivy, who played piano, according to Variety (July 11, 2026).

Watch the Official Video

Watch the official video for “JAY-Z, Alicia Keys – Empire State Of Mind [HQ]” below:

FAQs About Jay-Z

What is Jay-Z’s real name?
His real name is Shawn Corey Carter. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, he adopted the stage name Jay-Z early in his rap career.

How old is Jay-Z?
Jay-Z was born on December 4, 1969, which makes him 56 years old.

How many Grammys has Jay-Z won?
Jay-Z has won 24 Grammy Awards, placing him among the most-awarded rappers of all time, alongside Kanye West.

Is Jay-Z a billionaire?
Yes. Forbes declared Jay-Z hip-hop’s first billionaire in 2019, thanks to his music catalog, Roc Nation, and investments spanning spirits, streaming, and fashion.

Hip-hop fans may also enjoy Drake’s biography on LatestLyrics.