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 successful American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, his music is characterized by intricate lyrics, wordplay, and a prevalent rags-to-riches theme. He held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings and subsequently founded Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company, further solidifying his influence in both the music and business worlds.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1988: Worked on 'Word to the Jaz' in London

In 1988, Jay-Z worked on the album 'Word to the Jaz' in London, building a relationship with Irv Gotti during the trip.

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: Featured on Big Daddy Kane's album

In 1994, Jay-Z gained wider recognition on the posse cut "Show and Prove" on Big Daddy Kane's album Daddy's Home.

1995: Created Roc-A-Fella Records

In 1995, Jay-Z created Roc-A-Fella Records as an independent label with Damon "Dame" Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, selling burned CDs out of his car.

1995: Released 'In My Lifetime'

In 1995, Jay-Z released his first official rap single, "In My Lifetime", with a music video.

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1996: Released 'Reasonable Doubt' Album

In 1996, Jay-Z released his debut album 'Reasonable Doubt' with beats from acclaimed producers after striking a distribution deal with Priority.

1997: Released 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'

In 1997, Jay-Z released his second studio album, 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1', which was met with critical acclaim.

1997: Released 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1' After Def Jam Deal

In 1997, after reaching a distribution deal with Def Jam, Jay-Z released his follow-up album 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'.

1998: Released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'

In 1998, Jay-Z released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life' which became his most commercially successful album and spawned the hit "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)".

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1999: Co-founded Rocawear

In 1999, Jay-Z co-founded the clothing retailer Rocawear.

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" which became his first chart-topper in the U.S.. In the same year, he also released his album 'Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter'.

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2000: Released 'The Dynasty: Roc La Familia'

In 2000, Jay-Z released 'The Dynasty: Roc La Familia', which was originally planned as a Roc-A-Fella compilation but turned into a Jay-Z album, introducing producers like The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Kanye West, and Bink.

September 11, 2001: Released 'The Blueprint' Album

On September 11, 2001, Jay-Z released his sixth studio album, The Blueprint, which received a five-mic review from The Source and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

2001: Released 'The Blueprint'

In 2001, Jay-Z released 'The Blueprint', which debuted atop the Billboard 200.

March 2002: Released 'The Best of Both Worlds' with R. Kelly

In March 2002, Jay-Z released the collaborative studio album, The Best of Both Worlds, with Chicago singer R. Kelly.

2002: Released 'The Best of Both Worlds' with R. Kelly

In 2002, Jay-Z released the collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds' with R. Kelly.

November 25, 2003: "Retirement Party" Concert at Madison Square Garden

On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a concert, billed as a "retirement party", 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: Founded the 40/40 Club

In 2003, Jay-Z founded the 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain.

2003: Released 'The Black Album'

In 2003, Jay-Z released 'The Black Album', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

2003: Founding of the Shawn Carter Foundation

In 2003, Jay-Z, along with his mother, founded the Shawn Carter Foundation to assist eligible students facing socio-economic hardships in attending and completing college.

2004: Became President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings

In 2004, Jay-Z became the president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings.

2004: Released 'Collision Course' and Executive Produced Fort Minor's Album

In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with Linkin Park to release 'Collision Course' and served as the executive producer for Fort Minor's debut album, The Rising Tied. He also planned to retire in 2004, though side projects and appearances continued.

2004: Released 'Unfinished Business' and 'Collision Course'

In 2004, Jay-Z released 'Unfinished Business' with R. Kelly and 'Collision Course' with Linkin Park.

2004: Named President of Def Jam Records

In 2004, Jay-Z was named president of Def Jam Records. This led to Jay-Z, Dash, and Biggs selling their remaining interests in Roc-A-Fella Records, giving Jay-Z control of both companies. The move was reportedly prompted by disagreements between Jay-Z and Dash regarding the future direction of Roc-A-Fella.

2004: Fade to Black Documentary Release

In 2004, the documentary 'Fade to Black' was released, focusing on Jay-Z's "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden held on November 25, 2003.

October 27, 2005: "I Declare War" Concert

On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse. The concert was entitled the "I Declare War" concert, leading to speculation about whom Jay-Z would declare war on. The concert featured a mock-up of the Oval Office, symbolizing Jay-Z's position as president and CEO of Def Jam, and included appearances from artists such as Ne-Yo, Teairra Marí, T.I., Young Jeezy, Akon, Kanye West, Paul Wall, The LOX, and Diddy.

August 2006: Meeting with Kofi Annan

In August 2006, Jay-Z met with Kofi Annan at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, pledging to raise awareness of the global water shortage during his upcoming world tour.

October 2006: "Show Me What You Got" Leak and Investigation

In early October 2006, Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got", was leaked online. The song received heavy airplay after its leak, leading the FBI to investigate.

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November 2006: Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life airs

In November 2006, MTV aired the documentary Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, which highlighted Jay-Z's efforts to raise awareness about the global water shortage in partnership with the UN.

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, and has sold 2 million copies in the U.S.

2006: Public service announcement denouncing racism

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.

November 6, 2007: Release of "American Gangster" Album

On November 6, 2007, Jay-Z released his tenth album, "American Gangster". The album was inspired by the Ridley Scott film of the same name and depicts his experiences as a street hustler. The album has sold 1 million copies in the U.S.

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2007: Released 'American Gangster'

In 2007, Jay-Z released 'American Gangster', which debuted atop the Billboard 200.

2007: Left Def Jam Recordings

In 2007, Jay-Z stepped down from his role as president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings.

January 1, 2008: Resignation as President of Def Jam

On January 1, 2008, Jay-Z resigned as president of Def Jam Recordings, marking the end of his tenure in the role.

August 6, 2008: Performance at Madison Square Garden

On August 6, 2008, During Kanye West's concert at Madison Square Garden, Jay-Z appeared to perform a new song, heralding its inclusion on The Blueprint 3 album.

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. This sparked controversy, with Noel Gallagher of Oasis criticizing the choice. Jay-Z responded by covering Oasis's "Wonderwall" at the festival, delivering a performance that was seen as a successful response to the criticism.

May 21, 2009: Departure from 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 included the creation of Roc Nation, a record label, talent/management agency, and music publishing company. He also partnered with Stargate to start StarRoc, a record label.

September 8, 2009: Release of "The Blueprint 3" Album

On September 8, 2009, "The Blueprint 3", Jay-Z's 11th studio album, was released in North America due to high anticipation. It is his 11th album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200, surpassing Elvis Presley's record.

September 11, 2009: Original Release Date of "The Blueprint 3"

On September 11, 2009, the original planned release date for Jay-Z's album, "The Blueprint 3", which was moved forward due to growing anticipation.

October 9, 2009: "The Blueprint 3" Tour Kickoff

On October 9, 2009, Jay-Z began his tour for "The Blueprint 3" in North America, supporting his new album.

November 8, 2009: Performance with Rihanna at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion

On November 8, 2009, at a concert at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, Rihanna joined Jay-Z on stage to perform "Hard" for the first time, and then performed "Run This Town" with Jay-Z.

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November 22, 2009: End of North American Tour

On November 22, 2009, Jay-Z concluded his North American tour for "The Blueprint 3".

2009: Peaked Billboard Hot 100 with 'Empire State of Mind'

In 2009, Jay-Z's single "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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January 23, 2010: Release of "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)"

On January 23, 2010, Jay-Z released the song "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" with Rihanna, Bono, and The Edge. The song was also performed at the Hope For Haiti Now telethon.

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June 2010: The Home & Home Tour Announcement

In June 2010, Eminem and Jay-Z announced "The Home & Home Tour", a pair of concerts in Detroit and New York. Due to high demand, additional shows were added at each venue.

September 23, 2010: Q-Tip Confirms Work 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 the album expected to be released by spring 2011.

November 2010: Supporting U2 on the U2 360° Tour

In November 2010, Jay-Z was the supporting act for U2 on the Australian and New Zealand leg of their U2 360° Tour, starting in Auckland, New Zealand.

November 2010: Start of "Watch the Throne" Recording Sessions

In November 2010, recording sessions began for what was initially planned as a five-track EP called "Watch the Throne", although the project later evolved into a full-length LP with Kanye West. Recording sessions took place at various locations.

2010: HeadCount advertisement appearance

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.

2011: Expected album release

In 2011, It was expected that Jay-Z's follow-up album to The Blueprint 3, would hit stores by spring.

2011: Release and Success of "Watch the Throne" Album

In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West released "Watch the Throne". The album was first released on iTunes, debuting at No. 1 in 23 countries and breaking Coldplay's record for most albums sold in one week on the platform. It then debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 436,000 copies in its first week. Jay-Z and West performed "Otis" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

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2011: Released 'Watch the Throne' with Kanye West

In 2011, Jay-Z released the collaborative album 'Watch the Throne' with Kanye West.

February 2012: 'The Blueprint' Sales Milestone

As of February 2012, Jay-Z's album "The Blueprint" had sold 2.7 million copies worldwide.

May 2012: Curator and Headliner for "Budweiser Made in America" Festival

In May 2012, Jay-Z and former Philadelphia mayor Michael A. Nutter announced Jay-Z as the curator and headliner for the first annual "Budweiser Made in America" festival at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia on September 1 and 2, 2012.

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: Collaboration with Jahlil Beats on New Music

In May 2012, it was reported that Jay-Z would be working on new music with Roc Nation producer Jahlil Beats. Beats mentioned sending Jay-Z his favorite beats, and Jay-Z responded positively, indicating he would work on them.

November 12, 2012: Announcement of Coldplay Performance with Jay-Z

On November 12, 2012, Coldplay announced that they would be playing with Jay-Z at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on December 31.

July 4, 2013: Release of "Magna Carta Holy Grail" and Name Change

During the fifth game of the 2013 NBA Finals, Jay-Z announced his twelfth studio album, "Magna Carta Holy Grail", which was released on July 4, 2013. Around the same time, he confirmed that he would be dropping the hyphen from his stage name, officially stylizing it in all capital letters as JAY-Z.

2013: Most Anticipated Albums of 2013

In 2013, Jay-Z's upcoming album was named one of the most anticipated albums by Complex Magazine, MTV, and XXL. Production was expected from Jahlil Beats, Kanye West, Rick Rubin, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams.

2014: Appearance on Beyoncé's Self-Titled Album

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".

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.

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.

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. He condemned remarks he perceived as racist.

June 2017: Promotion of "4:44" Album

In early June 2017, posters and banner ads promoting a Tidal-related project titled 4:44 appeared in New York City and Los Angeles. A teaser ad aired during the NBA Finals on June 7, featuring actors Mahershala Ali, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danny Glover, ending with "4:44 – 6.30.17, Exclusively on Tidal". On June 18, the project was confirmed to be a new JAY-Z album.