JAY-Z

Jay-Z is a hip-hop icon who has reigned supreme for over two decades. Born Shawn Carter, the Brooklyn-born rapper burst onto the scene with his debut album "Reasonable Doubt" in 1996, showcasing his gritty lyricism and entrepreneurial spirit. As his career progressed, Jay-Z's signature style solidified, characterized by his confident flow, clever wordplay, and unapologetic honesty about his experiences growing up in poverty-stricken Marcy Houses. Classics like "The Blueprint," "The Black Album," and "Watch the Throne" (his collaborative masterpiece with Kanye West) cemented his status as a hip-hop legend, while hits like "99 Problems" and "Empire State of Mind" remain earworms to this day. What sets Jay-Z apart is his unwavering dedication to his craft and his parallel rise as a shrewd businessman. He co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records, signed other notable artists, and launched the successful Brooklyn Nets basketball team. His entrepreneurial ventures, including the streaming service Tidal and the champagne brand Armand de Brignac (known as Ace of Spades), have further solidified his status as a mogul. Jay-Z's artistry has also transcended music, with memorable cameos in films like "Fade to Black" (2004) and "The Great Gilly Hopkins" (2015). Throughout his illustrious career, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a hip-hop icon, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.