Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects and rose from poverty to become one of the most influential rappers and entrepreneurs in hip-hop history. After early appearances on Yo! MTV Raps and selling CDs from his car, he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995, releasing his debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996, followed by massive hits like Hard Knock Life and The Blueprint. A 24-time Grammy winner, billionaire businessman, and husband to Beyoncé since 2008, Jay-Z has shaped hip-hop through music, Rocawear, Roc Nation, and more.