JAY-Z

About

Also known as: Hova, Hova da God, JAY Z, JAY:Z, Jay - Z, Jay-Hova, Jayz, Jay‐Z, Jaÿ‐Z, Jigga, S. Carter, Shawn C Carter, Shawn Carter, Shawn Corey Carter

Billboard and Vibe both ranked JAY Z the greatest rapper of all time in 2023, and it's hard to argue with the résumé. The Brooklyn MC built his catalog on sharp, layered lyricism full of wordplay and double entendres, and his rags to riches narrative runs through almost everything he's made. From the raw, street level storytelling of Reasonable Doubt to the sweeping ambition of The Blueprint and the introspective 4:44, he's landed 14 number one albums on the Billboard 200, the third most in history. His lone chart topping single as lead artist, Empire State of Mind with Alicia Keys, became one of the defining New York anthems of its era. Beyond the music, JAY Z co founded Roc A Fella Records and later launched Roc Nation, served as president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, and helped break Kanye West, Rihanna, and Ne Yo along the way. He picked up 25 Grammy Awards, became the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2019 crossed into billionaire territory, making him the wealthiest musical artist Forbes has ever tracked. Lately he's been sharing some classic cuts on YouTube, including It's Alright featuring Memphis Bleek.