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 acclaimed American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Celebrated for his intricate lyricism, use of double entendres, and boastful style, his music often chronicles a journey from poverty to success. Billboard and Vibe recognized him as the greatest rapper of all time in 2023. Beyond his musical achievements, Jay-Z held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007 and subsequently established the entertainment company Roc Nation in 2008.
1988: Worked on Album with Jaz-O
In 1988, Jay-Z worked on the album 'Word to the Jaz' in London with Jaz-O and Irv Gotti, developing his relationship with Gotti.
1994: Co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records
In 1994, Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records to release his music.
1994: Appeared on "Show and Prove"
In 1994, Jay-Z gained wider recognition on Big Daddy Kane's "Show and Prove" on the album 'Daddy's Home'.
1995: Released First Official Rap Single
In 1995, Jay-Z released his first official rap single, "In My Lifetime", along with a music video.
1995: Founded 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 after struggling to get a record deal.
1996: Released 'Reasonable Doubt'
In 1996, Jay-Z released his debut album 'Reasonable Doubt' with beats from acclaimed producers, reaching number 23 on the Billboard 200.
1997: New Distribution Deal with Def Jam and Released 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'
In 1997, Jay-Z reached a new label distribution deal with Def Jam and released his follow-up album 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'.
1997: Released 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'
In 1997, Jay-Z released 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1', his second studio album, which was met with critical acclaim.
1998: Released Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
In 1998, Jay-Z released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life', featuring the hit "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)", becoming his most commercially successful album at the time and winning a Grammy Award.
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", and released 'Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter'.
2000: Released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
In 2000, Jay-Z released 'The Dynasty: Roc La Familia', an album that was originally intended as a compilation album for Roc-A-Fella artists, introducing producers like 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 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.
2002: Collaboration on "'03 Bonnie & Clyde"
In 2002, Jay-Z and singer Beyoncé Knowles collaborated on the song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde", marking an early musical partnership between the two artists.
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 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 all proceeds going to charity, which was later the focus of his 2004 documentary, Fade to Black.
2003: Collaboration on "Crazy in Love" and "That's How You Like It"
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. These collaborations solidified their musical partnership.
2003: Jay-Z Becomes Part-Owner of Brooklyn Nets
In 2003, Jay-Z became a part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team, paying a reported $1 million for his share. This marked his entry into the world of professional sports ownership.
2003: Jay-Z Endorses Reebok
In 2003, Jay-Z became the first rapper to endorse Reebok, signing a three-year deal and later appearing in a collection advertising his S. Carter Collection. He also appeared in a commercial with 50 Cent to promote their footwear lines.
2003: Founded 40/40 Club
In 2003, Jay-Z founded the 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain.
2003: "99 Problems" Released
In 2003, Jay-Z released "99 Problems", which references an alleged encounter with the NYPD in 1994.
2003: Released 'The Black Album'
In 2003, Jay-Z released 'The Black Album', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
2003: Jay-Z founds the Shawn Carter Foundation
In 2003, Jay-Z, along with his mother, founded the Shawn Carter Foundation to assist students facing socio-economic hardships in attending and completing college.
2004: President and CEO of Def Jam
In 2004, Jay-Z became the president and chief executive officer of Def Jam Recordings, marking a significant move in his career.
2004: Collaborated with Linkin Park and Planned Retirement
In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with Linkin Park on the remix EP 'Collision Course', which won a Grammy Award, and also planned to retire, which was a major part of his public image that year.
2004: Released 'Unfinished Business' with R. Kelly and 'Collision Course' with Linkin Park
In 2004, Jay-Z released 'Unfinished Business' with R. Kelly and 'Collision Course' with Linkin Park, both collaborative albums.
2004: Release of Fade to Black
In 2004, the documentary 'Fade to Black', which focused on Jay-Z's retirement concert in 2003, was released.
2004: Named President of Def Jam Records
Later in 2004, Jay-Z was named president of Def Jam Records, leading to the sale of his remaining interests in Roc-A-Fella Records and taking control of both companies.
October 2005: Consideration of Buying Stake in Arsenal F.C.
In October 2005, English media reported that Jay-Z was considering buying a stake in Arsenal F.C., an English soccer team, indicating his interest in expanding his investments into European sports.
October 27, 2005: Headlined Power 105.1 "I Declare War" concert
On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse, entitled the "I Declare War" concert, leading to speculation about whom he would declare war on. The concert featured a mock-up of the Oval Office, highlighting his role as president and CEO of Def Jam, and included appearances from various artists.
2005: Jay-Z Invests 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. This investment diversified his portfolio into the beauty and personal care industry.
2005: Jay-Z Becomes President of Def Jam Recordings
In 2005, Jay-Z was inaugurated as the president of Def Jam Recordings. This marked a significant leadership role in the music industry and allowed him to influence the careers of emerging artists.
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 and pledged to use his upcoming world tour to raise awareness of the global water shortage.
October 2006: Comeback Single "Show Me What You Got" Leaked
In October 2006, Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got", from the album "Kingdom Come", was leaked on the Internet. The leak received heavy airplay, prompting an FBI investigation.
November 2006: Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life airs
In November 2006, MTV produced a documentary entitled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, which first aired as part of Jay-Z's efforts to raise awareness of the global water shortage.
November 21, 2006: Released "Kingdom Come" Album
On November 21, 2006, Jay-Z released his comeback album "Kingdom Come". The album sold 680,000 copies in the first week, marking his biggest sales week ever.
2006: Jay-Z and Russell Simmons denounce 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: Jay-Z Takes Over Rocawear
In 2006, Jay-Z took over the urban clothing brand Rocawear following a falling out with Damon Dash, who was the co-founder. This marked a significant shift in the brand's leadership and direction.
2006: Jay-Z's Deal with Reebok Expires
In 2006, Jay-Z's endorsement deal with Reebok expired and was not renewed, marking the end of his collaboration with the footwear company.
2006: Association with Armand de Brignac
In 2006, Jay-Z's ties to Armand de Brignac began. Before fully acquiring the company in 2014, he received millions of dollars per year for his association with Armand de Brignac. This connection highlights his early involvement with the brand.
March 2007: Jay-Z Sells Rocawear Rights to Iconix Brand Group
In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to his Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million. Despite the sale, he retained a stake in the company and continued to oversee marketing, licensing, and product development.
November 6, 2007: Released "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 reflected his experiences as a street hustler and sold 1 million copies in the U.S.
2007: Jay-Z Steps Down as President of Def Jam
At the end of 2007, after releasing his album American Gangster, Jay-Z decided not to renew his contract as the president and CEO of Def Jam. Shortly after, he started his Roc Nation venture.
2007: Leaves Def Jam
In 2007, Jay-Z left his position as president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings.
2007: Released 'American Gangster'
In 2007, Jay-Z released '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 Recordings, marking a significant shift in his career and business ventures.
August 6, 2008: Performed New Song at Madison Square Garden
On August 6, 2008, Jay-Z joined Kanye West at Madison Square Garden and performed a new song, announcing its inclusion on "The Blueprint 3" album.
2008: Headlined Glastonbury Festival
In 2008, Jay-Z became the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival, sparking controversy and debate about the festival's traditional guitar-driven music focus.
2008: Launched Roc Nation
In 2008, Jay-Z launched Roc Nation, a multi-disciplinary entertainment agency.
2008: 40/40 Club in Las Vegas Closes
In 2008, the 40/40 Club in Las Vegas was closed down and bought back by the hotel after attendance steadily declined. This marked a setback for the sports bar chain's expansion efforts.
May 21, 2009: Parted Ways with Def Jam and Signed 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 to start his Roc Nation imprint, encompassing a record label, talent agency, and music publishing company.
September 8, 2009: Released "The Blueprint 3" Album in North America
On September 8, 2009, Jay-Z released his 11th studio album, "The Blueprint 3", in North America, which became his 11th album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
September 11, 2009: "The Blueprint 3" Originally Scheduled Release Date
Originally, Jay-Z's album "The Blueprint 3" was scheduled to be released on September 11, 2009, but the release date was moved forward due to anticipation.
October 9, 2009: Kicked Off "The Blueprint 3" Tour
On October 9, 2009, Jay-Z launched his tour for "The Blueprint 3", commencing in North America to support his new album.
November 8, 2009: Rihanna Joins Jay-Z On Stage At UCLA
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 "Run This Town" together.
November 22, 2009: "The Blueprint 3" North American Tour End Date
On November 22, 2009, Jay-Z concluded his North American tour for "The Blueprint 3", marking the end of a successful promotional run for the album.
2009: "Empire State of Mind" Peaked Billboard Hot 100
In 2009, Jay-Z's single "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys) peaked on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first time as lead artist.
January 2010: Awarded Contract for Aqueduct Race Track Racino
In January 2010, Through his conglomerate company Gain Global Investments Network LLC, Jay-Z had an interest in the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) consortium, which was awarded a contract to operate a 4,500-slot-machine racino at the Aqueduct Race Track.
March 9, 2010: Jay-Z Withdraws from Aqueduct Racino Project
On March 9, 2010, Jay-Z and Flake withdrew from the Aqueduct racino project, and Governor Paterson recused himself from further involvement, ending Jay-Z's potential involvement in the casino venture.
September 23, 2010: Q-Tip Confirmed 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: Supported U2 on Australian and New Zealand Tour
Beginning in November 2010, Jay-Z was the supporting act for U2 on the Australian and New Zealand leg of their U2 360° Tour, including performances in Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
November 2010: Started Recording "Watch the Throne" with Kanye West
In November 2010, Jay-Z and Kanye West began recording sessions for a five-track EP entitled "Watch the Throne", which later evolved into a full-length LP.
November 16, 2010: Jay-Z Publishes Memoir 'Decoded'
On November 16, 2010, Jay-Z published his memoir entitled Decoded, co-signed by Dream Hampton. The book provided insights into his life, lyrics, and the cultural context of his music.
2010: Jay-Z urges voters to register and vote 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 into 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 in a deal with Delaware North. This aimed to bring the upscale sports bar experience to travelers.
April 5, 2011: Jay-Z Launches 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 and targeting upwardly mobile young males with content on fashion, design, sports, and music.
April 2011: Jay-Z Acquires Block Starz Music
In April 2011, it was reported that Jay-Z had outbid executives at Universal Music and Jive Records to acquire the independent record label Block Starz Music, expanding his influence in the music industry.
2011: Surprise Performance of "Otis" at MTV Video Music Awards
In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West gave a surprise performance of their song "Otis" from the album "Watch the Throne" at the MTV Video Music Awards.
2011: Released 'Watch the Throne' with Kanye West
In 2011, Jay-Z released 'Watch the Throne' with Kanye West, a collaborative album.
2011: Follow-up Album Anticipation
In 2011, Q-Tip confirmed working on Jay-Z's follow-up album to The Blueprint 3, generating anticipation for the upcoming release.
January 9, 2012: Jay-Z Releases 'Glory' Dedicated to Blue Ivy
On January 9, 2012, Jay-Z released "Glory", a song dedicated to his daughter Blue Ivy, detailing the couple's pregnancy struggles and including Blue Ivy's cries at the end. She became the youngest person in Billboard history to have a chart entry.
February 2012: 'The Blueprint' Sales Milestone
By February 2012, 'The Blueprint' had sold 2.7 million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as a successful album.
May 2012: Curated "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 in Philadelphia.
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: Worked on New Music with Jahlil Beats
In May 2012, it was reported that Jay-Z would be working on new music with Roc Nation producer Jahlil Beats, who sent Jay-Z some of his favorite beats.
November 12, 2012: Announced Performance with Coldplay at Barclays Center
On November 12, 2012, Coldplay announced that they would be playing with Jay-Z at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on December 31, creating anticipation for a collaborative performance.
2012: Brooklyn Nets Relocation to Barclays Center
In the 2012-2013 season, Jay-Z encouraged the Brooklyn Nets' relocation to Brooklyn's Barclays Center from New Jersey, marking a significant moment for the team and its identity.
April 2, 2013: Jay-Z Announces Roc Nation Sports
On April 2, 2013, ESPN reported Jay-Z's plans to launch his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, in partnership with Creative Artists Agency, focusing on representing professional athletes. In order to represent clients in basketball, he would have to give up his small share of the Brooklyn Nets.
April 18, 2013: Jay-Z Relinquishes Ownership in Brooklyn Nets
On April 18, 2013, Jay-Z officially announced that he would be relinquishing his ownership in the Brooklyn Nets. His shares were sold to Will Pan, making Pan the first American of Taiwanese descent to own a U.S. professional sports franchise.
July 4, 2013: Released "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, selling 528,000 copies in its first week.
September 2013: Jay-Z Sells Stake in Barclays Center
In September 2013, Jay-Z's stake in Barclays Center was sold for $1.5 million, marking the end of his financial involvement with the arena.
2013: Most Anticipated Album of 2013
In 2013, Jay-Z's upcoming album was named one of the most anticipated albums by Complex Magazine, MTV, and XXL, with production from notable names like Jahlil Beats, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.
2013: Jay-Z establishes a trust fund for Sean Bell's children
In 2013, author dream hampton revealed that Jay-Z had anonymously established a trust fund for Sean Bell's children.
October 2014: Tidal in Operation
In October 2014, Tidal, the subscription-based music streaming service, was already in operation. In March 2015 it was acquired by Jay-Z's company Project Panther Bidco Ltd.
2014: Performed with Beyonce at the Grammy Awards Opening
In 2014, Jay-Z appeared on Beyonce's self-titled album and performed "Drunk in Love" together at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards opening.
2014: Jay-Z Invests in Armand de Brignac Champagne
In 2014, Jay-Z invested $200 million to acquire a 100% stake in Armand de Brignac champagne. This marked the second alcoholic product acquisition in his financial portfolio, expanding his business ventures.
March 2015: Jay-Z Acquires Aspiro and Tidal
In March 2015, Jay-Z completed the $56 million acquisition of Aspiro, a Norwegian media technology company that operates the music streaming service Tidal. This was aimed to restore value to music by creating an artist-owned platform.
July 2015: Jay-Z Invests in JetSmarter
In July 2015, Jay-Z made a significant investment in JetSmarter, an app that helps people book private executive plane flights, further diversifying his business portfolio.
2015: Acquired Aspiro/Tidal
In 2015, Jay-Z acquired the technology company Aspiro and led the expansion of Tidal, the company's media streaming service.
2015: Jay-Z donates to bail out protestors arrested during activism against police brutality
In 2015, Jay-Z donated to bail out protestors who were arrested during activism against police brutality.
2016: Jay-Z Signs 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 to create scripted and unscripted projects. He produced a documentary series on Kalief Browder and addressed racial profiling.
2016: Jay-Z and Beyoncé appear at Hillary Clinton rally
In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Jay-Z and Beyoncé appeared at a Hillary Clinton rally in Cleveland. Jay-Z condemned remarks he perceived as racist.
June 2017: Promoted Tidal-Related Project "4:44"
In early June 2017, posters and ads appeared promoting a Tidal-related project titled "4:44", with a teaser aired during the NBA Finals on June 7 featuring actors Mahershala Ali, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danny Glover.
2017: Released '4:44'
In 2017, Jay-Z released '4:44', which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
June 6, 2018: Kicked Off On the Run II Tour
On June 6, 2018, Jay-Z and Beyoncé kicked off the On the Run II Tour in Cardiff, United Kingdom, marking another successful collaborative venture.
2018: Released 'Everything Is Love' with Beyoncé
In 2018, Jay-Z released 'Everything Is Love' with his wife Beyoncé.
2019: First Hip-Hop Billionaire
In 2019, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop billionaire, marking a major milestone in his business career.
March 2020: Jay-Z donates $1 million for COVID-19 relief in New York
In March 2020, Jay-Z donated $1 million through the Shawn Carter Foundation to aid in relief during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York.
April 2020: Jay-Z and Meek Mill donate 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 protect inmates from COVID-19.
August 2020: Roc Nation Partners 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, providing educational opportunities in these fields.
November 2020: Jay-Z Joins TPCO Holding Corp.
In November 2020, it was announced that Jay-Z would join TPCO Holding Corp., a newly formed cannabis products company, as "Chief Visionary Officer", entering the cannabis industry with a leadership role.
December 5, 2022: Roc Nation Partners 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, expanding their presence in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
2022: Awarded Primetime Emmy Award
In 2022, Jay-Z was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, showcasing his diverse contributions to the entertainment industry.
