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. Celebrated for his intricate lyrical style, characterized by double entendres and wordplay, his music often chronicles a rags-to-riches journey. Billboard and Vibe named him the greatest rapper of all time in 2023. He held the position of president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, he established Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company.

Sections (5)

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

1994: Alleged Stop by NYPD

According to his song "99 Problems", in 1994, Jay-Z was allegedly stopped by an NYPD detective while en route to I-95.

December 2, 1999: Jay-Z Allegedly Stabs Lance "Un" Rivera

On December 2, 1999, Jay-Z allegedly stabbed record executive Lance "Un" Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in Times Square during a release party for Q-Tip's album, Amplified. He was later arrested and released on bail.

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, leading to an aggravated assault charge.

2000: Accusation of Rape at MTV Video Music Awards After-Party

In 2000, 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.

2000: Lawsuit Allegations and Inconsistencies

In 2000, following allegations of rape from the previous year, a lawsuit emerged. In December 2024, the accuser admitted to inconsistencies in her allegation, as images from the night show that Carter and Combs had verifiably been in separate locations that night.

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

In 2001, Jay-Z engaged in a feud with Prodigy and Nas, stemming from lyrical disputes and culminating in the song "Takeover" at Summer Jam 2001.

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2001: Nas claims Jay-Z was not Rivera's stabber

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

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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. Amid controversy and criticism from figures like Noel Gallagher, Jay-Z opened his set with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and delivered a well-received performance.

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2013: Contact for App Story

In 2013, DJ Funkmaster Flex was contacted for a story about a digital app he created, but 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.

January 2015: Funkmaster Flex's Revelation

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

2023: Rivera Recants Allegations

In 2023, Lance Rivera recanted his allegations regarding the 1999 stabbing incident, despite Jay-Z's previous conviction.

December 2024: Jay-Z Denies Rape Allegations

In December 2024, Jay-Z denied allegations of rape from an alleged incident in 2000, describing the accusations as a blackmail attempt. He also responded to the plaintiff's lawyer on social media.

February 10, 2025: Jay-Z Files 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 of sexual assault from the previous year.