Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Jay-Z

Public opinion and media debates around Jay-Z—discover key moments of controversy.

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.

Sections (5)

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

1982: Shot His Older Brother

In 1982, at age 12, Jay-Z claims he shot his older brother Eric in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry.

1994: Stopped by NYPD

According to his second verse on "99 Problems" released in 2003, Jay-Z was allegedly stopped by an NYPD detective in 1994 while en route to I-95, possibly for a search of drugs in his car.

1997: Mentioned Shooting Brother in Song

In 1997, Jay-Z's album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. included the song "You Must Love Me", in which he claimed he shot his older brother Eric in 1982, at age 12.

December 2, 1999: Alleged stabbing at Kit Kat Klub

On December 2, 1999, Jay-Z allegedly stabbed record executive Lance "Un" Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City during a release party for Q-Tip's album Amplified, believing Rivera was responsible for bootlegging Vol. 3...

1999: Stabbing Incident at Kit Kat Klub

Jay-Z stabbed record producer Lance Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City in 1999.

January 2000: Indictment in Manhattan Criminal Court

In late January 2000, Jay-Z was indicted in Manhattan Criminal Court, pleading not guilty to charges related to the alleged stabbing incident; he later pleaded guilty to third-degree assault.

2000: Alleged sexual assault at MTV Video Music Awards after-party

In 2000, an alleged sexual assault took place at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party, which later led to a lawsuit in October 2024 where Jay-Z was named as a defendant.

October 2001: Pleaded Guilty to Aggravated Assault

In October 2001, Jay-Z pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for stabbing record producer Lance Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City in 1999.

2001: Feud with Prodigy and Nas

In 2001, Jay-Z spoke out against Prodigy and performed "Takeover" at Summer Jam 2001, starting a feud with Nas and Prodigy.

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2001: Nas's claim in "Ether"

In 2001, rapper Nas claimed in his diss track "Ether" that Jay-Z was not the one who stabbed Lance Rivera.

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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.

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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.

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January 2015: Funkmaster Flex's Allegation Regarding Magna Carta Samsung App

In January 2015, Funkmaster Flex alleged that information he provided for a story about a digital app he made in 2013 was used to help launch the Magna Carta Samsung app for the release of Jay-Z's album of the same name.

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.

2023: Lance Rivera Recanted Allegations

In 2023, Lance Rivera recanted the allegations regarding the stabbing incident, despite Jay-Z's sentence of three years probation for the crime in 2001.

2023: Rivera's statement on stabbing

In 2023, Lance Rivera stated that Jay-Z was not the person who stabbed him in 1999, contradicting previous accounts.

October 2024: Sexual assault lawsuit filed

In October 2024, an anonymous woman, Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit accusing two celebrities of sexual assault at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000, which was later amended to name Jay-Z as a defendant.

December 2024: Accuser acknowledges "mistakes" in recollection

In December 2024, the accuser in the sexual assault lawsuit participated in an interview with NBC News, acknowledging "mistakes" in her recollection of certain details surrounding the alleged events while maintaining that the core of her accusation was true.