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. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he's celebrated for his intricate lyricism, wordplay, and the 'rags-to-riches' story woven throughout his music. He held executive roles at Def Jam Recordings and later founded Roc Nation, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen within the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

December 2, 1999: Stabbing Incident at Kit Kat Klub

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

1999: Stabbing Incident at Kit Kat Klub

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

January 2000: Indictment and Plea of Not Guilty

In late January 2000, Jay-Z was indicted in Manhattan Criminal Court, pleading not guilty to the stabbing of Lance Rivera; he and his lawyers claimed to have evidence proving he was not near Rivera during the incident.

2000: Alleged Incident at MTV Video Music Awards After-Party

In 2000, Jay-Z was accused, along with Sean "Diddy" Combs, in a civil lawsuit, of an incident at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party.

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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", a diss track. This led to a feud with Nas after Nas criticized Jay-Z, escalating with further diss tracks and performances.

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2001: Nas Claims Jay-Z Was Not Rivera's Stabber

In 2001, Rapper Nas, who feuded with Jay-Z in the early 2000s, had also claimed in his 2001 diss track "Ether" that Jay-Z was not Rivera's stabber.

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2008: Headlined Glastonbury Festival

In 2008, Jay-Z became the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival, sparking controversy with Noel Gallagher. Jay-Z responded by opening his set with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and delivering a well-received performance.

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2013: Information Used to Launch Magna Carta Samsung App

In 2013, information Funkmaster Flex provided for a story about his digital app was allegedly used to help launch the Magna Carta Samsung app for Jay-Z's album in January 2015.

January 2015: Funkmaster Flex Reveals Information Use for Magna Carta Samsung App

In January 2015, Funkmaster Flex revealed that in 2013, information he provided for a story about his digital app was allegedly used to help launch the Magna Carta Samsung app for Jay-Z's album.

2023: Rivera Claims Jay-Z Did Not Stab Him

In 2023, Rivera stated that Jay-Z lied, and was not the one that stabbed him: "No. Jay-Z was not the guy that actually stabbed me that night (...) it's never been his history".

December 2024: Accusation of Rape in Civil Lawsuit

In December 2024, Jay-Z, along with Sean "Diddy" Combs, was accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. Jay-Z denied the allegations.

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