Early Life and Education of Jay-Z: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jay-Z. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

December 4, 1969: Shawn Corey Carter Born

On December 4, 1969, Shawn Corey Carter, known as Jay-Z, was born in Brooklyn, New York.

1982: Shot His Older Brother

In 1982, at the age of 12, Jay-Z shot his older brother Eric in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry, an event he later referenced in his music.

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".

1997: Referenced Shooting Brother in "You Must Love Me"

In 1997, Jay-Z referenced shooting his older brother Eric in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry in his lyrics to "You Must Love Me", the closing track on his album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.

November 25, 2003: Held "Retirement Party" Concert

On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, billed as a "retirement party," with proceeds going to charity.

2003: Founding the Shawn Carter Foundation

In 2003, Jay-Z and his mother founded the Shawn Carter Foundation, which assists eligible students facing socio-economic hardships attend and get through college.

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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2003: Reconciled With His Father Before Death

In 2003, Jay-Z's father, Adnis Reeves, with whom he had been estranged, met and reconciled with Jay-Z before his death.

2005: Feud with Nas Ended

In 2005, Jay-Z's feud with Nas ended, with record producer Mark Pitts facilitating the settlement of their differences, resolving a significant conflict in the hip-hop community.

August 2006: Meeting with Kofi Annan

In August 2006, Jay-Z met with Kofi Annan at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, pledging to raise awareness of the global water shortage during his upcoming world tour.

November 2006: Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life documentary

In November 2006, MTV aired the documentary "Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life," highlighting Jay-Z's efforts to raise awareness of the global water shortage in partnership with the UN.

2006: Public Service Announcement Denouncing Racism and Anti-Semitism

In 2006, Jay-Z appeared with Russell Simmons in a public service announcement denouncing racism and anti-Semitism, sponsored by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.

2006: Enstoolment as Sarkin Waka of Kwara

In 2006, Jay-Z was enstooled as the Sarkin Waka of Kwara in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.

2006: Jay-Z Takes Over Rocawear

In early 2006, Jay-Z took over the urban clothing brand Rocawear, originally co-founded with Damon Dash, following a falling out with Dash.

April 4, 2008: Marriage to Beyoncé Knowles

On April 4, 2008, Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles were married in a private ceremony in Tribeca, New York City.

April 22, 2008: Public Record of Relationship

On April 22, 2008, Jay-Z and Beyoncé's relationship became a matter of public record.

June 2008: Obama's Praise for Jay-Z

In June 2008, Barack Obama praised Jay-Z for his talent and thinking, highlighting his potential to positively shape attitudes.

September 5, 2008: Beyoncé Debuts Wedding Ring

On September 5, 2008, Beyoncé publicly debuted her wedding ring at the Fashion Rocks concert.

2010: HeadCount Advertisement

During the 2010 mid-term elections, Jay-Z appeared with other artists in a HeadCount advertisement, urging voters, especially younger ones, to register and vote.

2011: Pregnancy Reveal

At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Beyoncé revealed that she was pregnant with their first child.

January 7, 2012: Birth of Blue Ivy Carter

On January 7, 2012, Jay-Z and Beyoncé's daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, was born at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital.

January 9, 2012: Release of "Glory"

On January 9, 2012, Jay-Z released "Glory", a song dedicated to Blue Ivy, through his Life+Times website.

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May 2012: Endorsement of Same-Sex Marriage

In May 2012, Jay-Z endorsed President Obama's support of same-sex marriage and participated in his re-election campaign.

October 6, 2012: Jay-Z takes the subway to Barclays Center show

On October 6, 2012, Jay-Z traveled by subway to his sold-out show at The Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

2013: Trust fund for Sean Bell's children

In 2013, it was revealed that Jay-Z had established a trust fund for Sean Bell's children.

2015: Donation to bail out protestors

In 2015, Jay-Z donated to bail out protestors arrested during activism against police brutality.

2016: Appearance at Hillary Clinton Rally

In 2016, Jay-Z and Beyoncé appeared at a Hillary Clinton rally in Cleveland, where Clinton praised Jay-Z for addressing racism, oppression, and the criminal justice system. He described Donald Trump as a "superbug" and condemned remarks he perceived as racist.

June 18, 2017: Birth of Twins Rumi and Sir

On June 18, 2017, Beyoncé's father Mathew Knowles confirmed that she had given birth to twins with Jay-Z, a daughter named Rumi and a son named Sir.

March 2020: $1 Million Donation for COVID-19 Relief

In March 2020, Jay-Z donated $1 million through the Shawn Carter Foundation to aid in relief during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York.

April 2020: Face Mask Donation to U.S. Prisons

In April 2020, Jay-Z, along with Meek Mill, donated over 100,000 face masks to U.S. prisons to assist in protecting prison inmates from COVID-19.

August 2020: Partnership with Long Island University for Roc Nation School

In August 2020, Jay-Z's Roc Nation partnered with Brooklyn's Long Island University to establish the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment.

2023: House purchase in Malibu

In 2023, Jay-Z and Beyoncé bought a house in Malibu, California, designed by Tadao Ando, for $200 million, setting a record for the most expensive residence sold in California.

2025: Plans to relocate to the United Kingdom

In 2025, Beyoncé and Jay-Z reportedly began plans to relocate permanently to the United Kingdom, seeking a residence in the Cotswolds, following Beyoncé’s transition into country music and the UK leg of her Cowboy Carter World Tour.