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 successful American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Celebrated for his intricate lyricism and rags-to-riches story, he's considered one of hip-hop's greatest. He held executive positions at Def Jam Recordings and later founded Roc Nation, demonstrating his entrepreneurial prowess and influence within the music industry.

Sections (5)

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

1994: Allegedly Stopped by NYPD

In 1994, Jay-Z was allegedly stopped by an NYPD detective while en route to I-95, possibly for a search of drugs in his car, an event he later referenced in his song "99 Problems".

December 2, 1999: Stabbing Incident at Kit Kat Klub

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

1999: Stabbed Lance Rivera

In 1999, Jay-Z stabbed record producer Lance Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City, leading to an aggravated assault charge.

January 2000: Indictment in Manhattan Criminal Court

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

2000: Rape accusation in lawsuit.

In December 2024, Jay-Z and Sean Combs were accused of rape that allegedly occurred in 2000 after the MTV Music Awards. Jay-Z denied these allegations.

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, resulting in a sentence of three years probation.

2001: Feud with Prodigy and Nas Began

In 2001, Jay-Z's feud with Prodigy and Nas began. He spoke out against Prodigy and performed "Takeover", which dissed both Prodigy and Nas.

2001: Nas' claim in "Ether"

In 2001, Rapper Nas claimed in his diss track "Ether" that Jay-Z was not Rivera's stabber.

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2003: Referenced Police Stop in "99 Problems"

In 2003, Jay-Z released the song "99 Problems" in which the second verse refers to him allegedly being stopped by an NYPD detective in 1994, possibly for a search of drugs in his car.

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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, which led to controversy. He responded to criticism by opening his set with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and delivering a successful performance.

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2013: Alleged Misuse of Information for Magna Carta Samsung App

In 2013, Funkmaster Flex claimed information shared was used for the launch of the Magna Carta Samsung app. This information emerged in January 2015.

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

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

2023: Lance Rivera Recanted Allegations

In 2023, Lance Rivera recanted the allegations from the 1999 stabbing incident, despite Jay-Z's prior guilty plea and sentence of three years probation.

2023: Rivera states Jay-Z lied

In 2023, Rivera stated that Jay-Z lied, and was not the one that stabbed him.

December 2024: Civil lawsuit accusing rape

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.

February 10, 2025: Lawsuit against Tony Buzbee

On February 10, 2025, Jay-Z filed a lawsuit against Tony Buzbee, stating he lost $20 million in contracts due to the allegations.

February 14, 2025: Lawsuit Dropped

On February 14, 2025, the lawsuit against Jay-Z was officially dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser. Jay-Z described the outcome as "a victory." The suit was dismissed without settlement.