Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969),[1] better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper and businessman. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America[2] having had a net worth of over $500 million in 2009.[3] He has sold 40 million albums worldwide[4] while receiving ten Grammy Awards for his musical work.[5]

Jay-Z co-owns The 40/40 Club, is part-owner of the NBA's New Jersey Nets and is also the creator of the clothing line Rocawear. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings,[6] one of the three founders of Roc-A-Fella Records and recently, the founder of his new venture Roc Nation. As an artist, he holds the record for most number one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200.[7] Jay-Z also has had 4 number ones on the Billboard Hot 100, one as lead artist; they are: "Heartbreaker" with Mariah Carey, "Crazy in Love" with Beyoncé, "Umbrella" with Rihanna and "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys.

Along with his financial and musical success, Jay-Z is known for quarrelling with other artists in the rap industry, the most famous feud being between him and fellow New York rapper Nas, which was eventually settled in 2005.[8] He married American R&B superstar Beyoncé Knowles on April 4, 2008.[9] On December 11, 2009, Jay Z was ranked as the 10th best overall artist of the 2000-2009 decade by Billboard Magazine. (Ranking as the 5th top solo male artist and as the 4th top rapper behind Eminem, Nelly, and 50 Cent)