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. 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

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.

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. He surrendered to police the following evening and was later released on bail.

1999: Stabbing Incident at Kit Kat Klub

In 1999, Jay-Z was involved in an incident where he stabbed record producer Lance Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City.

2000: Alleged incident at MTV Video Music Awards after-party

In 2000, at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party, an incident allegedly occurred where Jay-Z, along with Sean "Diddy" Combs, was later accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl.

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, receiving a sentence of three years probation.

2001: Feud with Prodigy and Nas

In 2001, Jay-Z initiated a feud with Prodigy and Nas after they took offense to some of his lyrics, which started after Jay-Z performed 'Takeover' at Summer Jam 2001. This marked the beginning of a well-known rivalry in the hip-hop community.

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2001: Nas Claims Jay-Z was not Rivera's stabber 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 NYPD Stop in '99 Problems'

In 2003, Jay-Z referenced a 1994 incident in his song "99 Problems" where he was allegedly stopped by an NYPD detective.

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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.

2023: Rivera claims Jay-Z lied about Stabbing

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 and described it as a blackmail attempt.