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. He is recognized for his intricate lyricism, characterized by double entendres and wordplay, and his compelling rags-to-riches story. He held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, he founded Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company, further solidifying his influence in the music industry and business world.

Sections (5)

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

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 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 in Manhattan Criminal Court

In late January 2000, Jay-Z was indicted in Manhattan Criminal Court and pleaded 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

According to a lawsuit filed in December 2024, Jay-Z was accused of being involved in an incident that allegedly occurred at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000.

2000: Accusations of an incident at MTV VMAs afterparty

In 2000, there were accusations that an incident took place at the MTV VMAs afterparty involving Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs.

October 2001: Pleaded Guilty to Aggravated Assault

In October 2001, Jay-Z pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for stabbing record producer Lance Rivera in 1999.

2001: Feud with Prodigy and Nas Begins

In 2001, Jay-Z spoke out against Prodigy, leading to the song "Takeover" and a subsequent feud with Nas.

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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 Rivera's stabber.

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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, leading to controversy. Noel Gallagher of Oasis criticized the choice, prompting Jay-Z to defend hip hop's place in music. He opened his set with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and delivered a well-received performance.

2013: Funkmaster Flex contacted for app story in 2013

In 2013, the DJ and radio host Funkmaster Flex revealed that he had been contacted for a story about a digital app he made at the time, which he alleged was instead used to help launch the Magna Carta Samsung app in January 2015.

January 2015: Funkmaster Flex alleges information theft for Magna Carta app

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

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: Civil Lawsuit Accusation

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.

February 10, 2025: Lawsuit Against Tony Buzbee

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

February 14, 2025: Lawsuit Dropped

On February 14, 2025, the lawsuit against Jay-Z was officially dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser, Jane Doe. The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled in the future. Jay-Z described the outcome as "a victory."