Jay-Z

Jay-Z is a rapper, entrepreneur, and record executive recognized as a leading figure in hip-hop and popular music. Carter's early life in Brooklyn influenced his music, which has played a significant role in shaping the East Coast hip-hop scene and the broader music industry.

Carter's debut album, "Reasonable Doubt," marked the beginning of a career that includes multiple chart-topping albums such as "The Blueprint," "The Black Album," "American Gangster," and "4:44." His collaborative album with Kanye West, "Watch the Throne," produced several singles that earned Grammy Awards. Carter is also the author of the memoir "Decoded." With more than 125 million records sold, he has received 25 Grammy Awards, ranking among the most awarded hip-hop artists.

Carter was the first hip-hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the first living solo rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He has received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Grammy Awards for his contributions to hip-hop and support for Black artists. "Reasonable Doubt" has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Carter has won two Emmy Awards for his work on Super Bowl halftime shows and was nominated for a Tony Award as co-producer of the Broadway musical Fela!

Beyond music, Carter has built a diverse business portfolio, including ventures in fashion, beverages, real estate, sports, and record labels. He served as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings, where he contributed to the success of artists such as Kanye West, Rihanna, and Ne-Yo. As co-founder and chairman of Roc Nation, Carter has overseen the growth of a global entertainment company and established partnerships with organizations such as the National Football League. He is also a founding partner of Marcy Venture Partners, a venture capital firm named after his Brooklyn neighborhood. Forbes has recognized Carter as the wealthiest music artist in history. In 2026, he was featured in an eight-part HBO documentary series titled "Jay-Z in 8."

Carter has produced documentaries addressing social issues, including "TIME: The Kalief Browder Story," "Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story," "Free Meek," and "Exposing Parchman." He co-founded The Shawn Carter Foundation with his mother, Dr. Gloria Carter, to provide educational opportunities for underserved communities. Carter is a founding member of REFORM Alliance and serves on the advisory board of United Justice Coalition, organizations focused on criminal justice reform and social justice advocacy.