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 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.
December 4, 1969: Shawn Corey Carter Born
On December 4, 1969, Shawn Corey Carter, later known as Jay-Z, was born in Brooklyn, New York City.
1982: Shot His 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 referenced later in his music.
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."
1997: Referenced Shooting Brother
In 1997, Jay-Z referenced shooting his older brother Eric in the shoulder on his album 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'.
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.
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.
2003: Father's Death
In 2003, Jay-Z's father, Adnis Reeves, passed away. The two had reconciled before his death.
2003: Jay-Z founds the Shawn Carter Foundation
In 2003, Jay-Z, along with his mother, founded the Shawn Carter Foundation to assist students facing socio-economic hardships in attending and completing college.
2005: Feud with Nas Ended
In 2005, the feud between Jay-Z and Nas ended, with record producer Mark Pitts helping them to settle their differences.
August 2006: Jay-Z pledges to raise awareness of global water shortage
In August 2006, Jay-Z met with Kofi Annan at the United Nations and pledged to use his upcoming world tour to raise awareness of the global water shortage.
November 2006: Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life airs
In November 2006, MTV produced a documentary entitled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, which first aired as part of Jay-Z's efforts to raise awareness of the global water shortage.
2006: Jay-Z and Russell Simmons denounce 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: Jay-Z enstooled as Sarkin Waka of Kwara
In 2006, Jay-Z was enstooled as the Sarkin Waka of Kwara in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.
April 4, 2008: Jay-Z and Beyoncé Get Married
On April 4, 2008, Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles were married in a private ceremony in Tribeca, New York City, solidifying their long-term relationship.
April 22, 2008: Relationship Becomes Public Record
On April 22, 2008, the relationship between Jay-Z and Beyoncé became a matter of public record, following their private wedding earlier in the month.
June 2008: Obama praises Jay-Z's intellect and potential influence
In June 2008, Barack Obama praised Jay-Z's intellect and potential to positively shape attitudes, acknowledging him as a brilliant talent.
September 5, 2008: Beyoncé Debuts Wedding Ring
On September 5, 2008, Beyoncé publicly debuted her wedding ring at the Fashion Rocks concert, further confirming her marriage to Jay-Z to the public.
2010: Jay-Z urges voters to register and vote in 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: Beyoncé Announces Pregnancy at MTV Video Music Awards
At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Beyoncé revealed that she was pregnant with her and Jay-Z's first child, Blue Ivy Carter, generating significant media attention and excitement.
January 7, 2012: Blue Ivy Carter Born
On January 7, 2012, Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, was born at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital, marking a significant personal milestone for the couple.
January 9, 2012: Jay-Z Releases 'Glory' Dedicated to Blue Ivy
On January 9, 2012, Jay-Z released "Glory", a song dedicated to his daughter Blue Ivy, detailing the couple's pregnancy struggles and including Blue Ivy's cries at the end. She became the youngest person in Billboard history to have a chart entry.
May 2012: Jay-Z endorses Obama's support 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: Took the Subway to Barclays Center Show
On October 6, 2012, Jay-Z took the subway to his sold-out show at The Barclays Center, showcasing a down-to-earth side.
2015: Jay-Z donates to bail out protestors arrested during activism against police brutality
In 2015, Jay-Z donated to bail out protestors who were arrested during activism against police brutality.
2016: Jay-Z and Beyoncé appear at Hillary Clinton rally
In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Jay-Z and Beyoncé appeared at a Hillary Clinton rally in Cleveland. Jay-Z condemned remarks he perceived as racist.
June 18, 2017: Beyoncé Gives Birth to Twins
On June 18, 2017, Beyoncé gave birth to twins with Jay-Z, a daughter named Rumi and a son named Sir, as confirmed by her father Mathew Knowles, expanding their family.
March 2020: Jay-Z donates $1 million for COVID-19 relief in New York
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: Jay-Z and Meek Mill donate face masks to U.S. prisons
In April 2020, Jay-Z, along with Meek Mill, donated over 100,000 face masks to U.S. prisons to protect inmates from COVID-19.
2023: Purchase of House in Malibu
In 2023, Beyoncé and Jay-Z bought a house in Malibu, California, designed by Tadao Ando, for $200 million, setting a record for the most expensive residence sold in California.
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.
