Career Timeline of Jay-Z: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Jay-Z, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is a highly influential American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time, his lyrical style is marked by complexity, wordplay, and a rags-to-riches narrative. He has achieved significant commercial success in music and business, accumulating a net worth of $2.8 billion as of 2026, making him the wealthiest musical artist in history.
1988: Worked on Album Word to the Jaz in London
While working on the album Word to the Jaz in London in 1988, Jay-Z and Irv Gotti began to build their relationship on the trip.
1994: Co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records
In 1994, Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records to release his first two studio albums.
1994: Appeared on "Show and Prove"
In 1994, Jay-Z first became known to a wide audience on the posse cut "Show and Prove" on the Big Daddy Kane album Daddy's Home.
1995: Early Appearances and First Rap Single
In 1995, Jay-Z appeared on "Da Graveyard" by Big L, and on "Time to Build" by Mic Geronimo, and his first official rap single "In My Lifetime" was released.
1995: Created Roc-A-Fella Records
In 1995, Jay-Z, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke created Roc-A-Fella Records as an independent label, selling burned CDs out of his car.
1996: Released Reasonable Doubt
In 1996, Jay-Z released his debut album Reasonable Doubt with beats from acclaimed producers such as DJ Premier and Super DJ Clark Kent and an appearance by The Notorious B.I.G. The album reached number 23 on the Billboard 200 and went gold that year.
1997: Released In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
In 1997, Jay-Z released his second album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, which received acclaim.
1997: Released In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 After Def Jam Deal
In 1997, after reaching a new label distribution deal with Def Jam, Jay-Z released his follow-up In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Featuring production by Sean Combs, DJ Premier, and Ski, it earned platinum status in the United States.
1998: Released Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
In 1998, Jay-Z released Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, which spawned the hit "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" and eventually became his most commercially successful album.
1999: Co-founded Rocawear
In 1999, Jay-Z co-founded Rocawear, a clothing retailer.
1999: Collaborated with Mariah Carey and Released Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter
In 1999, Jay-Z collaborated with Mariah Carey on "Heartbreaker" and released Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter, which sold over 3 million copies.
2000: Released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
In 2000, Jay-Z released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, which was originally intended as a compilation album but became a Jay-Z album that introduced The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Kanye West, and Bink.
September 11, 2001: Released The Blueprint
On September 11, 2001, Jay-Z released his sixth studio album, The Blueprint, which received a five-mic review from hip-hop magazine The Source.
2001: Released The Blueprint
In 2001, Jay-Z released his album The Blueprint, which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
March 2002: Released The Best of Both Worlds
In March 2002, Jay-Z collaborated with R. Kelly to release the album The Best of Both Worlds.
2002: Collaboration on "'03 Bonnie & Clyde"
In 2002, Jay-Z and singer Beyoncé Knowles collaborated on the song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde".
November 25, 2003: "Retirement Party" Concert at Madison Square Garden
On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with proceeds going to charity. The concert was later the focus of his 2004 documentary, Fade to Black.
2003: Appearances on Beyoncé's debut album
In 2003, Jay-Z appeared on Beyoncé's hit single, "Crazy in Love" as well as "That's How You Like It" from her debut album Dangerously in Love.
2003: Part-Ownership of the Brooklyn Nets
In 2003, Jay-Z became a part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team, paying a reported $1 million for his share.
2003: Endorsement deal with Reebok and S. Carter Collection
In 2003, Jay-Z became the first rapper to endorse Reebok's footwear, signing a three-year deal. He appeared in a Reebok collection advertising his S. Carter Collection. He also appeared in a commercial with 50 Cent promoting their respective footwear lines.
2003: Founded the 40/40 Club
In 2003, Jay-Z founded the 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain.
2003: Released The Black Album and Featured on "Crazy in Love"
In 2003, Jay-Z released The Black Album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured on Beyoncé's single "Crazy in Love" which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
2003: Founding of the Shawn Carter Foundation
In 2003, Jay-Z, along with his mother, founded the Shawn Carter Foundation, aimed at assisting eligible students facing socio-economic hardships to attend and complete college.
2004: President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings
From 2004 to 2007, Jay-Z served as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings.
2004: Collaborated with Linkin Park on Collision Course
In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with Linkin Park, releasing the remix EP Collision Course, which featured mashups and a concert DVD. The single "Numb/Encore" won a Grammy Award.
2004: Named President of Def Jam Records
In 2004, Jay-Z was named president of Def Jam Records and sold his interests in Roc-A-Fella Records, taking control of both companies.
2004: Release of Fade to Black Documentary
Jay-Z's 2003 "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was later the focus of his 2004 documentary, Fade to Black.
October 2005: Consideration of Buying Stake in Arsenal F.C.
In October 2005, Jay-Z was reported to be considering buying a stake in Arsenal F.C., an English soccer team.
October 27, 2005: Jay-Z Headlined Powerhouse Concert
On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse, titled "I Declare War." The concert featured appearances by various artists and a mock-up of the Oval Office, symbolizing Jay-Z's role as president and CEO of Def Jam.
2005: Investment in Carol's Daughter
In 2005, Jay-Z became an investor in Carol's Daughter, a line of beauty products for hair, skin, and hands.
2005: Inauguration as President of Def Jam Recordings
In 2005, Jay-Z was inaugurated as the president of Def Jam Recordings.
August 2006: Meeting with Kofi Annan
In August 2006, Jay-Z met with Kofi Annan, then Secretary-General of the United Nations, pledging to raise awareness of the global water shortage during his upcoming world tour.
October 2006: 'Show Me What You Got' Leaks Online
In early October 2006, Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got", leaked on the Internet. The leak led to heavy airplay and an FBI investigation.
November 2006: Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life airs
In November 2006, MTV aired the documentary "Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life", highlighting his partnership with the UN to raise awareness of the global water shortage.
November 21, 2006: Release of 'Kingdom Come' Album
On November 21, 2006, Jay-Z released his comeback album, 'Kingdom Come.' The album sold 680,000 copies in its first week, becoming his biggest sales week ever, as reported by Billboard. The album eventually sold 2 million copies in the U.S. and was certified double platinum.
2006: Public service announcement against racism and antisemitism
In 2006, Jay-Z appeared with Russell Simmons in a public service announcement denouncing racism and antisemitism, sponsored by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
2006: Association with Armand de Brignac
In 2006, Jay-Z began his association with Armand de Brignac, receiving millions of dollars per year for his endorsement before eventually buying the company in 2014.
2006: Jay-Z's deal with Reebok expires
In 2006, Jay-Z's endorsement deal with Reebok expired and was not renewed.
2006: Jay-Z Takes Over Rocawear
In early 2006, Jay-Z took over the urban clothing brand Rocawear following a falling out with Damon Dash.
March 2007: Sale of Rocawear to Iconix Brand Group
In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to Rocawear to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million, retaining a stake and continuing to oversee marketing, licensing, and product development.
November 6, 2007: Release of 'American Gangster' Album
On November 6, 2007, Jay-Z released his tenth album, 'American Gangster,' inspired by the Ridley Scott film of the same name. The album, depicting his experiences as a street hustler, sold 1 million copies in the U.S.
2007: Departure from Def Jam and venture into Roc Nation
At the end of 2007, after releasing American Gangster, Jay-Z decided not to renew his contract as the president and CEO of Def Jam. Shortly after, he started his Live Nation venture, Roc Nation.
2007: End of Tenure at Def Jam Recordings
From 2004 to 2007, Jay-Z served as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings.
2007: Released American Gangster and Featured on "Umbrella"
In 2007, Jay-Z released the album American Gangster, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 and featured on Rihanna's single "Umbrella" which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
January 1, 2008: Resignation from Def Jam
On January 1, 2008, Jay-Z resigned as president of Def Jam.
June 2008: Obama's remarks on Jay-Z
In June 2008, Barack Obama praised Jay-Z as a "brilliant talent" who could help shape attitudes in a positive way.
August 6, 2008: Performance at Madison Square Garden
On August 6, 2008, Jay-Z joined Kanye West during West's concert at Madison Square Garden to perform a new song, announcing it would be on 'The Blueprint 3'.
2008: Glastonbury Festival Headliner
In 2008, Jay-Z became the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival, sparking controversy. He responded to criticism by opening his set with a cover of Oasis's 'Wonderwall' and delivered a successful performance.
2008: Launched Roc Nation
In 2008, Jay-Z launched Roc Nation, a multi-disciplinary entertainment agency.
May 21, 2009: Departure from Def Jam and Deal with Live Nation
On May 21, 2009, Jay-Z announced his departure from Def Jam and signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Live Nation. This deal included starting his Roc Nation imprint as a record label, talent/management agency, and music publishing company, as well as partnering with Stargate to create StarRoc.
September 8, 2009: Release of 'The Blueprint 3'
Due to increasing anticipation, 'The Blueprint 3', Jay-Z's 11th studio album, was released in North America on September 8, 2009. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking his 11th album to do so and surpassing Elvis Presley's record.
September 11, 2009: Original Release Date of 'The Blueprint 3'
September 11, 2009, was the originally scheduled release date for 'The Blueprint 3', Jay-Z's 11th studio album, but it was released earlier on September 8, 2009, due to increasing anticipation.
October 9, 2009: The Blueprint 3 Tour Kickoff
On October 9, 2009, Jay-Z kicked off his tour for 'The Blueprint 3' in North America, supporting his new album. The tour started at Rexall Place in Edmonton.
November 8, 2009: Performance at UCLA with Rihanna
On November 8, 2009, at his concert at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, Rihanna joined Jay-Z on stage to perform 'Hard' for the first time, followed by 'Run This Town'.
November 22, 2009: End of North American Tour for The Blueprint 3
On November 22, 2009, Jay-Z concluded his North American tour for The Blueprint 3.
2009: Released "Empire State of Mind"
In 2009, Jay-Z released the single "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys), which topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first time as a lead artist to do so.
January 2010: AEG Consortium Awarded Contract
In January 2010, the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) consortium, in which Jay-Z's company Gain Global Investments Network LLC had an interest, was awarded a contract to operate a racino at the Aqueduct Race Track.
March 9, 2010: Withdrawal from Aqueduct Entertainment Group
On March 9, 2010, Jay-Z and Flake withdrew from the Aqueduct Entertainment Group project.
September 23, 2010: Q-Tip Confirmed Work on New Album
On September 23, 2010, Q-Tip confirmed that he was working on Jay-Z's follow-up album to The Blueprint 3, stating that the album was expected to be released by spring 2011.
November 2010: U2 360° Tour Support
Beginning in November 2010, Jay-Z supported U2 on the Australian and New Zealand leg of their U2 360° Tour, starting in Auckland, New Zealand.
November 2010: Recording Sessions for Watch the Throne Began
In November 2010, Recording sessions began for Watch the Throne, a full-length LP with Kanye West, originating from a five-track EP.
November 16, 2010: Publication of Memoir "Decoded"
On November 16, 2010, Jay-Z published his memoir entitled Decoded, co-written by Dream Hampton.
2010: HeadCount advertisement appearance
During the 2010 mid-term elections, Jay-Z appeared with other artists in a HeadCount advertisement, urging voters to register and vote.
2010: Plans to Expand 40/40 Club to Airports
In 2010, Jay-Z announced plans to expand his 40/40 Club sports bar chain into as many as 20 airports, partnering with Juan and Desiree Perez and Delaware North.
April 5, 2011: Launch of Life + Times Online Magazine
On April 5, 2011, Jay-Z launched the popular culture and lifestyle online magazine Life + Times. It features content that showcases his high-end tastes in clothing, appliances, and cars. The site design is aesthetically aimed at the upwardly mobile young male demographic, with sports and music-related posts accompanying those about fashion and design.
April 2011: Attempted Acquisition of Block Starz Music
In April 2011, it was reported that Jay-Z had outbid executives at Universal Music and Jive Records to acquire independent record label Block Starz Music.
2011: Surprise Performance at MTV Video Music Awards
In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West gave a surprise performance of 'Otis' at the MTV Video Music Awards.
2011: Expected Album Release
In 2011, Jay-Z's follow up album to The Blueprint 3 was expected to be released, with Q-Tip confirming work on the album.
January 9, 2012: Release of "Glory"
On January 9, 2012, Jay-Z released the song "Glory," dedicated to his daughter Blue Ivy, via his Life+Times website. The song detailed the couple's pregnancy struggles and featured Blue Ivy's cries at the end, crediting her as "B.I.C".
February 2012: The Blueprint Sales
As of February 2012, The Blueprint album had sold 2.7 million copies worldwide.
May 2012: Endorsement of Obama's support of same-sex marriage
In May 2012, Jay-Z endorsed President Obama's support of same-sex marriage and participated in his re-election campaign.
May 2012: Curator of Budweiser Made in America Festival
In May 2012, Jay-Z was announced as the curator and headliner for the first annual 'Budweiser Made in America' festival at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.
May 2012: Collaboration with Jahlil Beats
In May 2012, reports surfaced that Jay-Z would be collaborating with Roc Nation producer Jahlil Beats on new music.
October 6, 2012: Subway Ride to Barclays Center Show
On October 6, 2012, Jay-Z took the subway to his sold-out show at The Barclays Center.
December 2012: Performance with Coldplay at Barclays Center
In December 2012, Coldplay performed with Jay-Z at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
2012: Relocation of the Nets to Brooklyn
During the 2012-2013 season, Jay-Z encouraged the Brooklyn Nets NBA team's relocation to Brooklyn's Barclays Center, at which point the team took on the Brooklyn Nets moniker.
April 2, 2013: Launch of Roc Nation Sports
On April 2, 2013, Jay-Z planned to launch his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, with a focus on the representation of professional athletes in partnership with Creative Artists Agency. As part of the launch, Robinson Canó signed with the company. In order to represent clients in basketball, he would have to give up his small share of the Brooklyn Nets.
April 18, 2013: Announcement of Relinquishing Ownership in the Brooklyn Nets
On April 18, 2013, Jay-Z officially announced that he would be relinquishing his ownership in the Brooklyn Nets, with the shares eventually being sold to Will Pan.
July 4, 2013: Release of Magna Carta Holy Grail
During the fifth game of the 2013 NBA Finals, Jay-Z announced his twelfth studio album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, and released it on July 4, 2013. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 528,000 copies in its first week.
July 2013: Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour
In July 2013, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake embarked on the co-headlining Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour.
September 2013: Sale of Stake in Barclays Center
In September 2013, Jay-Z's stake in Barclays Center was sold for $1.5 million.
December 2013: Nine Grammy Nominations
In December 2013, Jay-Z received nine nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards, more than any other artist.
2013: Trust fund for Sean Bell's children
In 2013, author dream hampton revealed that Jay-Z had established a trust fund for Sean Bell's children.
October 2014: Tidal music streaming service in operation
In October 2014, Aspiro operated the subscription-based music streaming service Tidal.
2014: Appearance on Beyoncé's Album and Grammy Performance
In 2014, Jay-Z appeared on his wife Beyoncé's self-titled fifth studio album, Beyoncé, with a feature on the song "Drunk in Love." They performed this song together at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards opening.
2014: Investment in Armand de Brignac Champagne
In 2014, Jay-Z invested $200 million to acquire a 100% stake in Armand de Brignac champagne, making it his second alcoholic product acquisition. He had ties to the company dating back to 2006.
March 2015: Acquisition of Aspiro/Tidal
In March 2015, Jay-Z completed the $56 million acquisition of Aspiro, a Norwegian media technology company operating the music streaming service Tidal, through his company Project Panther Bidco Ltd. Tidal combines audio, music videos, and curated editorial with the aim of restoring value to music for artists.
July 2015: Investment in JetSmarter
In July 2015, Jay-Z made a significant investment in JetSmarter, an app created by Sergey Petrossov for booking private plane flights.
2015: Acquired Aspiro and Expanded Tidal
In 2015, Jay-Z acquired the technology company Aspiro and led the expansion of its media streaming service Tidal.
2015: Donation to bail out protestors
In 2015, Jay-Z donated to bail out protestors arrested during activism against police brutality.
2015: Grammy Win for Drunk in Love
In 2015, the song "Drunk in Love" and its accompanying album won three Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Performance.
2016: Appearance at Hillary Clinton rally
In 2016, Jay-Z and Beyoncé appeared at a Hillary Clinton rally in Cleveland, where Clinton praised Jay-Z for addressing racism, oppression, and the criminal justice system.
2016: Exclusive Film and TV Deal with Weinstein Company
In 2016, Jay-Z signed a two-year exclusive film and TV Deal with Weinstein Company, providing them with first-look options to create scripted and unscripted TV and film projects. As part of the deal, he produced a documentary series on the life of Kalief Browder.
2016: Lawsuit Win for 'Made in America'
In 2016, Jay-Z won a lawsuit for the song 'Made in America' with Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean against Joel McDonald.
June 2017: Promotion and Release of '4:44' Album
In June 2017, promotion began for Jay-Z's album '4:44' with posters and ads appearing in New York City and Los Angeles. A teaser ad aired during the NBA Finals on June 7. The album was confirmed on June 18 and released on June 30 exclusively for Sprint and Tidal customers. A physical edition was released on July 7.
2017: Released 4:44
In 2017, Jay-Z released his album 4:44, which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
June 6, 2018: On the Run II Tour Kick-off
On June 6, 2018, Jay-Z and Beyoncé kicked off the On the Run II Tour in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
2019: Became First Hip-Hop Billionaire
In 2019, through his business ventures, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop billionaire.
March 2020: $1 million donation for COVID-19 relief
In March 2020, Jay-Z donated $1 million through the Shawn Carter Foundation to aid in COVID-19 relief efforts in New York.
April 2020: Donation of face masks to U.S. prisons
In April 2020, Jay-Z, along with Meek Mill, donated over 100,000 face masks to U.S. prisons to help protect inmates from COVID-19.
August 2020: Partnership with Long Island University to Establish Roc Nation School
In August 2020, Jay-Z's Roc Nation partnered with Brooklyn's Long Island University to establish the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment.
November 2020: Appointment as Chief Visionary Officer of TPCO Holding Corp.
In November 2020, it was announced that Jay-Z would join TPCO Holding Corp., a newly formed cannabis products company, in the role of "Chief Visionary Officer".
2021: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and collaborations with Kanye West and Drake
In 2021, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and he appeared on Kanye West's song "Jail" from the album Donda, which later won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song. He was also featured on Drake's "Love All" from the album Certified Lover Boy.
December 5, 2022: Partnership with Caesars Entertainment to Build Casino Hotel
On December 5, 2022, Jay-Z and Roc Nation announced their partnership with Caesars Entertainment to build and operate a casino hotel in Times Square.
2022: Collaboration with Pusha T and DJ Khaled, Emmy Award
In 2022, Jay-Z collaborated with Pusha T on "Neck & Wrist" featuring Pharrell Williams from the album It's Almost Dry and made a guest appearance on DJ Khaled's "God Did". Also in 2022, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.
2023: Purchase of Malibu house
In 2023, Jay-Z and Beyoncé bought a house in Malibu, California, designed by Tadao Ando, for $200 million, setting a record for the most expensive residence sold in California.
2023: Book of HOV Exhibit at the Brooklyn Library
In 2023, the Brooklyn Library featured the Book of HOV exhibit, which showcased artifacts commemorating Jay-Z's career.
2026: Wealthiest Musical Artist
As of 2026, Jay-Z is the wealthiest musical artist in history, with a net worth of US$2.8 billion.
2026: Release of "Dead Presidents" and addition of umlaut to stage name
In 2026, Jay-Z released "Dead Presidents" on streaming services and a limited-edition physical release, celebrating the 30th anniversary of his album Reasonable Doubt. He also added the umlaut to his stage name.
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