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. Celebrated for his intricate lyrical style, characterized by double entendres and wordplay, his music often chronicles a rags-to-riches journey. Billboard and Vibe named him the greatest rapper of all time in 2023. He held the position of president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, he established Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company.
1988: Working 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.
1994: Co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records
In 1994, Jay-Z co-founded the record label Roc-A-Fella Records to release his music.
1994: Appearance on 'Show and Prove'
In 1994, Jay-Z gained wider recognition for his appearance on the posse cut "Show and Prove" on Big Daddy Kane's album Daddy's Home.
1995: Early Career Appearances and First Rap Single
In 1995, Jay-Z appeared on Big L's "Da Graveyard" and Mic Geronimo's "Time to Build", and he released his first official rap single, "In My Lifetime".
1995: Creation of Roc-A-Fella Records
In 1995, Jay-Z, along with Damon "Dame" Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, created Roc-A-Fella Records as an independent label.
1996: Release of 'Reasonable Doubt' album
In 1996, Jay-Z released his debut album Reasonable Doubt through Roc-A-Fella Records, which reached number 23 on the Billboard 200.
1997: Distribution deal with Def Jam and Release of 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'
After reaching a new label distribution deal with Def Jam, Jay-Z released his follow-up In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 album in 1997.
1997: Release of 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'
In 1997, Jay-Z released his second studio album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, which was also met with critical acclaim.
1998: Release of 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'
In 1998, Jay-Z released Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, which spawned his biggest hit at the time, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)".
1999: Co-founded Rocawear
In 1999, Jay-Z co-founded the clothing retailer Rocawear.
1999: Collaboration with Mariah Carey and Release of 'Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter'
In 1999, Jay-Z collaborated with Mariah Carey on "Heartbreaker" and released his album Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter.
2000: Release of 'The Dynasty: Roc La Familia'
In 2000, Jay-Z released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, originally intended as a compilation for Roc-A-Fella artists, which introduced producers such as The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Kanye West, and Bink.
September 11, 2001: Release of 'The Blueprint'
On September 11, 2001, Jay-Z released his sixth studio album, The Blueprint, which received a five-mic review from The Source magazine.
2001: Release of 'The Blueprint'
In 2001, Jay-Z released The Blueprint, which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
2002: Collaboration on "'03 Bonnie & Clyde"
In 2002, Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles collaborated on the song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde".
2002: Release of 'The Best of Both Worlds'
In 2002, Jay-Z and R. Kelly released their collaborative album, The Best of Both Worlds.
November 25, 2003: Retirement Concert at Madison Square Garden
On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which was later the focus of his 2004 documentary, Fade to Black.
2003: Part-Ownership of Brooklyn Nets
From 2003, Jay-Z became a part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team, paying a reported $1 million for his share.
2003: Collaborations on Beyoncé's Debut Album
In 2003, Jay-Z appeared on Beyoncé's hit single, "Crazy in Love", and the song "That's How You Like It" from her debut album Dangerously in Love.
2003: Reebok Endorsement and S. Carter Collection
In 2003, Jay-Z became the first rapper to endorse Reebok footwear, signing a three-year deal and appearing in an advertisement for his S. Carter Collection. He also appeared in a commercial with 50 Cent to promote their respective footwear lines for the company.
2003: Founded 40/40 Club
In 2003, Jay-Z founded the 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain.
2003: Release of "99 Problems"
In 2003, Jay-Z released "99 Problems", which recounts an alleged encounter with an NYPD detective in 1994.
2003: Release of 'The Black Album'
In 2003, Jay-Z released The Black Album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
2003: Establishment of the Shawn Carter Foundation
In 2003, Jay-Z, along with his mother, founded the Shawn Carter Foundation, which assists eligible students facing socio-economic hardships attend and get through college.
2004: President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings
In 2004, Jay-Z became president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings.
2004: Collaboration with Linkin Park and Executive Producer Role
In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with Linkin Park, releasing the remix EP Collision Course and serving as executive producer for Fort Minor's debut album, The Rising Tied. Jay-Z also planned to retire in 2004.
2004: Release of 'Unfinished Business' and 'Collision Course'
In 2004, Jay-Z released two collaborative albums: Unfinished Business with R. Kelly and Collision Course with Linkin Park.
2004: Named President of Def Jam Records
In 2004, Jay-Z was appointed as the president of Def Jam Records, leading to the sale of his remaining stake in Roc-A-Fella Records along with Dash and Biggs. Jay-Z then assumed control of both companies. This decision was reportedly influenced by disagreements between Jay-Z and Dash regarding the future direction of Roc-A-Fella.
2004: Release of 'Fade to Black' Documentary
In 2004, Jay-Z's "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 25, 2003 became the focus of his documentary, Fade to Black.
October 2005: Consideration of Arsenal F.C. Stake
In October 2005, it was reported in English media that Jay-Z was considering buying a stake in Arsenal F.C., an English soccer team.
October 27, 2005: Headlined Power 105.1 Powerhouse Concert
On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual Powerhouse concert, named the "I Declare War" concert. The show, featuring an Oval Office mock-up, included appearances from Roc-A-Fella artists, Ne-Yo, Teairra Marí, T.I., Young Jeezy, Akon, Kanye West, Paul Wall, The LOX, and Diddy, emphasizing Jay-Z's role as Def Jam's president and CEO.
2005: Investment in Carol's Daughter
In 2005, Jay-Z became an investor in Carol's Daughter, a line of beauty products.
2005: President of Def Jam Recordings
In 2005, Jay-Z became the president of Def Jam Recordings.
August 2006: Jay-Z Pledges to Raise Awareness of Global Water Shortage
In August 2006, Jay-Z met with Kofi Annan at the United Nations headquarters in New York City and pledged to use his upcoming world tour to raise awareness of the global water shortage.
October 2006: Leak of "Show Me What You Got"
In early October 2006, Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got", from the album "Kingdom Come", was leaked online, leading to an FBI investigation due to its heavy airplay. The music video was directed by F. Gary Gray in collaboration with video director Hype Williams.
November 2006: MTV Airs Documentary Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life
In November 2006, MTV aired the documentary Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, which highlighted Jay-Z's efforts 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, marking his biggest sales week ever, and has sold 2 million copies in the U.S.
2006: Public Service Announcement Denouncing Racism and Anti-Semitism
In 2006, Jay-Z appeared with Russell Simmons in a public service announcement denouncing racism and anti-Semitism, sponsored by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
2006: Rocawear Transition
In 2006, Jay-Z took over the Rocawear clothing brand following a disagreement with Damon Dash.
2006: Reebok Deal Expiration
In 2006, Jay-Z's endorsement deal with Reebok expired and was not renewed.
2006: Association with Armand de Brignac
In 2006, Jay-Z's ties to Armand de Brignac began, and he received millions of dollars annually for his association with the champagne brand before acquiring the entire company later.
March 2007: Sale of Rocawear Rights
In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million, while retaining a stake and overseeing marketing 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, which depicts his experiences as a street hustler, sold 1 million copies in the U.S.
2007: Departure from Def Jam
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 and shortly after, he started his Live Nation venture, Roc Nation.
2007: Release of 'American Gangster'
In 2007, Jay-Z released the album American Gangster, which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
January 1, 2008: Resigned as President of Def Jam
On January 1, 2008, Jay-Z resigned from his position as president of Def Jam Records.
August 6, 2008: Performance with Kanye West at Madison Square Garden
During Kanye West's concert on August 6, 2008, at Madison Square Garden, Jay-Z joined West on stage to perform a new song, announcing it would be featured on The Blueprint 3.
2008: Launched Roc Nation
In 2008, Jay-Z launched Roc Nation, a multi-disciplinary entertainment agency.
2008: Glastonbury Festival Headliner
In 2008, Jay-Z was announced as the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival. Amid controversy and criticism from figures like Noel Gallagher, Jay-Z opened his set with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and delivered a well-received performance.
2008: 40/40 Club in Las Vegas Closure
In 2008, the 40/40 Club in Las Vegas closed down and was bought back by the hotel after attendance declined.
May 21, 2009: Parting ways with Def Jam and signing 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 involved the creation of Roc Nation, a record label, talent/management agency, and music publishing company, along with a partnership with Stargate to launch StarRoc.
September 8, 2009: Release of The Blueprint 3 in North America
On September 8, 2009, Jay-Z's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3, was released in North America due to increasing anticipation. It became his 11th album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200, surpassing Elvis Presley's record for a solo artist.
September 11, 2009: Original Release Date of The Blueprint 3
September 11, 2009, was the original release date for Jay-Z's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3, but it was later released earlier, on September 8, 2009 in North America.
October 9, 2009: Kicking off The Blueprint 3 Tour
On October 9, 2009, Jay-Z began his North American tour in support of The Blueprint 3.
November 8, 2009: Rihanna joins Jay-Z on stage at UCLA
At his concert on November 8, 2009, at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, Rihanna joined Jay-Z onstage to perform "Hard" for the first time and "Run This Town."
November 22, 2009: End of The Blueprint 3 North American Tour
On November 22, 2009, Jay-Z concluded The Blueprint 3 North American tour.
2009: Jay-Z's Number One Hit
In 2009, Jay-Z peaked the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist with his single "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys.
January 2010: Interest in Aqueduct Entertainment Group
In January 2010, Jay-Z, through his company Gain Global Investments Network LLC, held an interest estimated between 2 and 7% in the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) consortium, which was awarded a contract to operate a racino at the Aqueduct Race Track.
March 9, 2010: Withdrawal from Aqueduct Project
On March 9, 2010, Jay-Z and Flake withdrew from the Aqueduct project.
September 23, 2010: Q-Tip confirms working on Jay-Z's follow-up album
On September 23, 2010, Q-Tip confirmed that he was working on Jay-Z's follow-up album to The Blueprint 3, with an expected release in Spring 2011.
November 2010: Started recording Watch the Throne
In November 2010, recording sessions began at various locations for a project by Jay-Z and Kanye West, initially planned as a five-track EP entitled Watch the Throne, but later evolved into a full-length LP.
November 2010: Supporting U2 on their Australian and New Zealand tour
Starting in November 2010, Jay-Z was the supporting act for U2 on the Australian and New Zealand leg of their U2 360° Tour, beginning in Auckland, New Zealand.
November 16, 2010: Publication of Decoded
On November 16, 2010, Jay-Z published his memoir entitled Decoded, co-signed by Dream Hampton.
2010: Jay-Z Appears in HeadCount Advertisement
During the 2010 mid-term elections, Jay-Z appeared with other artists in a HeadCount advertisement, urging voters, especially younger ones, to register and vote.
2010: Plans to Expand 40/40 Club
In 2010, Jay-Z announced plans to expand his 40/40 Club sports bar chain into as many as 20 airports in a deal with 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, showcasing his high-end tastes in clothing, appliances, and cars.
April 2011: Acquisition of Block Starz Music
In April 2011, Jay-Z reportedly outbid Universal Music and Jive Records to acquire the independent record label Block Starz Music.
2011: Surprise performance of "Otis" at the MTV Video Music Awards
In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West gave a surprise performance of "Otis" from their album "Watch the Throne" at the MTV Video Music Awards.
2011: Release of 'Watch the Throne'
In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West released their collaborative album, Watch the Throne.
2011: Expected release of Jay-Z's follow-up album to The Blueprint 3
In 2011, Jay-Z was expected to release the follow-up album to The Blueprint 3, after Q-Tip confirmed working on it on September 23, 2010.
February 2012: Sales of 'The Blueprint'
By February 2012, Jay-Z's album "The Blueprint" had sold 2.7 million copies worldwide.
May 2012: Jay-Z Endorses 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: Working on new music with Jahlil Beats
In May 2012, Jay-Z was reported to be working on new music with Roc Nation producer Jahlil Beats.
May 2012: Curating the first annual "Budweiser Made in America" festival
In May 2012, Jay-Z, in collaboration with former Philadelphia mayor Michael A. Nutter, announced that he would curate and headline the first annual "Budweiser Made in America" festival at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia on September 1 and 2, 2012.
November 12, 2012: Coldplay Announces Performance with Jay-Z
On November 12, 2012, Coldplay announced that they will be playing with Jay-Z at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on December 31.
2012: Relocation of Nets to Brooklyn
In the 2012-2013 season, Jay-Z encouraged the team's relocation from New Jersey 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 launched his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, in partnership with Creative Artists Agency, focusing on the representation of professional athletes. Robinson Canó signed with the company.
April 2013: Value Decline of Nets Share
In April 2013, Forbes magazine valued Jay-Z's share in the Brooklyn Nets at $350,000.
April 18, 2013: Relinquishing Ownership in Brooklyn Nets
On April 18, 2013, Jay-Z officially announced his relinquishment of ownership in the Brooklyn Nets through his Life + Times website. The shares were eventually sold to Will Pan.
July 4, 2013: Release of Magna Carta Holy Grail
On July 4, 2013, Jay-Z released his twelfth studio album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 528,000 copies in its first week. He also confirmed that the hyphen in his stage name would be removed and styled in all capital letters.
September 2013: Sale of Barclays Center Stake
In September 2013, Jay-Z's stake in Barclays Center was sold for $1.5 million.
2013: Most anticipated album of 2013
In 2013, Jay-Z was planning his new album, which Complex Magazine, MTV, and XXL named one of the most anticipated albums of the year.
October 2014: Tidal in operation
In October 2014, Aspiro's subscription-based music streaming service, Tidal, had been in operation.
2014: Performed Drunk in Love with Beyoncé at the Grammy Awards
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: Acquisition of Armand de Brignac
In 2014, Jay-Z invested $200 million to acquire a 100% stake in Armand de Brignac champagne, marking his second alcoholic product acquisition.
March 2015: Acquisition of Aspiro/Tidal
In March 2015, Jay-Z completed the $56 million acquisition of Aspiro, a Norwegian media technology company that operates the subscription-based music streaming service Tidal, through his company Project Panther Bidco Ltd. The aim was to restore value to music by creating an artist-owned platform.
July 2015: Investment in JetSmarter
In July 2015, Jay-Z made a significant investment in JetSmarter, an app developed by Sergey Petrossov for booking private executive plane flights.
2015: Acquired Aspiro and Led Tidal Expansion
In 2015, Jay-Z acquired the technology company Aspiro and led the expansion of Tidal, its media streaming service.
2016: Film and TV Deal with Weinstein Company
In 2016, Jay-Z signed a two-year exclusive film and TV deal with Weinstein Company, giving them first-look options on scripted and unscripted projects. He also produced a documentary series on Kalief Browder and addressed racial profiling and police brutality.
2016: Won lawsuit for the song 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 of 4:44 album
In early June 2017, a Tidal-related project titled 4:44 was promoted with posters in New York City and Los Angeles, as well as banner ads on the Internet. A teaser ad aired during the NBA Finals on June 7, and the project was confirmed to be a new Jay-Z album on June 18.
2017: Release of '4:44'
In 2017, Jay-Z released the album 4:44, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
June 6, 2018: Jay-Z and Beyoncé Kick-Off On the Run II Tour
On June 6, 2018, Jay-Z and Beyoncé started their On the Run II Tour in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
2018: Release of 'Everything Is Love'
In 2018, Jay-Z and Beyoncé released their collaborative album, Everything Is Love.
2019: Became Hip-Hop Billionaire
In 2019, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop billionaire through his business ventures.
August 2020: Partnership with Long Island University
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: Chief Visionary Officer of TPCO Holding Corp
In November 2020, Jay-Z joined TPCO Holding Corp., a newly formed cannabis products company, as "Chief Visionary Officer".
2021: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction and Album Appearances
In 2021, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also appeared on "Jail" from Kanye West's Donda album and "Love All" from Drake's Certified Lover Boy album, both released in 2021.
December 5, 2022: Partnership with Caesars Entertainment
On December 5, 2022, Jay-Z and Roc Nation announced their partnership with Caesars Entertainment to build and operate a casino property at Times Square.
2022: Collaborations and 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". Additionally, he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022.
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