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 acclaimed American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Celebrated for his intricate lyricism, use of double entendres, and boastful style, his music often chronicles a journey from poverty to success. Billboard and Vibe recognized him as the greatest rapper of all time in 2023. Beyond his musical achievements, Jay-Z held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007 and subsequently established the entertainment company Roc Nation in 2008.
1994: Alleged NYPD Stop
In 1994, Jay-Z was allegedly stopped by an NYPD detective while en route to I-95, as referenced in his 2003 song "99 Problems."
December 2, 1999: Alleged Stabbing Incident at Kit Kat Klub
On December 2, 1999, Jay-Z allegedly stabbed record executive Lance "Un" Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub during a release party, leading to his arrest and legal proceedings.
1999: Stabbing of 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, contending that he had witnesses and videotapes proving he had been nowhere near Rivera during the incident.
2000: Alleged incident at the 2000 MTV VMAs afterparty
An amended complaint alleged a conspiracy against the plaintiff's lawyers to prevent the plaintiff from publicly naming Jay-Z for an alleged incident at the 2000 MTV VMAs afterparty.
2000: Accusations of rape at MTV Video Music Awards after-party
In December 2024, a civil lawsuit alleged that Jay-Z, along with Sean 'Diddy' Combs, raped a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000.
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 Began
In 2001, Jay-Z began a feud with Prodigy and Nas, starting after Jay-Z's performance of "Takeover" at Summer Jam 2001.
2001: Nas claims Jay-Z wasn't Rivera's stabber in 'Ether'
In 2001, rapper Nas claimed in his diss track 'Ether' that Jay-Z was not the person who stabbed Rivera. Rivera confirmed that Nas had revealed this information previously.
2003: "99 Problems" Released
In 2003, Jay-Z released "99 Problems", which references an alleged encounter with the NYPD in 1994.
October 27, 2005: Headlined Power 105.1 "I Declare War" concert
On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse, entitled the "I Declare War" concert, leading to speculation about whom he would declare war on. The concert featured a mock-up of the Oval Office, highlighting his role as president and CEO of Def Jam, and included appearances from various artists.
October 2006: Comeback Single "Show Me What You Got" Leaked
In October 2006, Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got", from the album "Kingdom Come", was leaked on the Internet. The leak received heavy airplay, prompting an FBI investigation.
2008: Headlined Glastonbury Festival
In 2008, Jay-Z became the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival, sparking controversy and debate about the festival's traditional guitar-driven music focus.
2010: Reference to Stabbing Incident in 'Decoded'
In 2010, Jay-Z addressed the 1999 stabbing case in his book Decoded, offering his perspective on the events and the context surrounding them.
2013: Contacted for Story about Digital App
In 2013, Funkmaster Flex was contacted for a story about a digital app he made at the time. He alleged that the information was instead used to help launch the Magna Carta Samsung app for Jay-Z's album. This marks the time the digital app was pitched.
January 2015: Funkmaster Flex Reveals Alleged Information Use for Magna Carta Samsung App
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 instead used to help launch the Magna Carta Samsung app for Jay-Z's album. This raised questions about intellectual property and business ethics.
2016: Won Lawsuit for "Made in America"
In 2016, Jay-Z, along with Kanye West and Frank Ocean, won a lawsuit for the song "Made in America" against Joel McDonald, protecting their creative rights.
2023: Lance Rivera Recants Allegations
In 2023, Lance Rivera recanted the allegations of the stabbing incident, despite Jay-Z having previously served three years probation for the crime.
2023: Rivera states Jay-Z was not the stabber
In 2023, Rivera stated that Jay-Z lied and was not the person who stabbed him. He clarified that Jay-Z had never been known for such behavior.
December 2024: Jay-Z accused of rape in civil lawsuit
In December 2024, Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs were 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, calling it a blackmail attempt, and vowed to expose the plaintiff's lawyer.
February 10, 2025: Jay-Z sues Tony Buzbee for $20 million in lost contracts
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 against Jay-Z dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser
On February 14, 2025, the lawsuit against Jay-Z was officially dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser. The case was dismissed with prejudice, and Jay-Z described the outcome as 'a victory'.
February 2025: Jay-Z drops request to sanction Tony Buzbee
In February 2025, Jay-Z dropped his request to have Tony Buzbee sanctioned by the court in relation to the allegations against him.
