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. 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 4, 1969: Shawn Corey Carter Born in Brooklyn

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

1982: Shooting of His Older Brother

In 1982, at age 12, Jay-Z shot his older brother Eric in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry.

1997: Release of "You Must Love Me"

Jay-Z's 1997 album "In My Lifetime, Vol. 1" includes the track "You Must Love Me", where he shares he shot his older brother in 1982.

Loading Video...

2003: Release of "99 Problems"

According to his second verse on "99 Problems", released in 2003, Jay-Z was allegedly stopped by an NYPD detective in 1994 while en route to I-95.

Loading Video...

2003: Reconciliation with Father Before Death

Adnis Reeves, Jay-Z's father, reconciled with Jay-Z prior to his death in 2003.

2005: End of Feud with Nas

The feud between Jay-Z and Nas ended by 2005, with record producer Mark Pitts facilitating the settlement of their differences.

2006: Enstoolment 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: 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 recognition of relationship

On April 22, 2008, the marriage of Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles became a matter of public record.

September 5, 2008: Beyoncé debuts wedding ring at Fashion Rocks concert

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

2011: Pregnancy announcement at MTV Video Music Awards

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, Beyoncé and Jay-Z'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. Blue Ivy's cries were included at the end of the song, and she was officially credited on the song as "B.I.C".

October 6, 2012: Subway Ride to Barclays Center Show

On October 6, 2012, Jay-Z took the subway to his sold-out show at The Barclays Center.

June 18, 2017: Birth of twins Rumi and Sir

On June 18, 2017, Beyoncé gave 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: Donation of 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 assist in protecting prison inmates from COVID-19.

2023: Rivera Recants Allegations

Despite Jay-Z's sentence of three years probation for the crime, in 2023, Rivera recanted the allegations.

2023: Purchase of Malibu House

In 2023, Jay-Z and Beyoncé purchased 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.