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 influential American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he's celebrated for his intricate lyricism, wordplay, and the 'rags-to-riches' story woven throughout his music. He held executive roles at Def Jam Recordings and later founded Roc Nation, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen within the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

December 4, 1969: Jay-Z's Birth

On December 4, 1969, Shawn Corey Carter, who would later be known as Jay-Z, was born. He is an American rapper, businessman, and record executive.

1982: Shot Brother

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

1994: Alleged Police Stop

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.

1997: Reference to Shooting Brother

Jay-Z claims in his lyrics to "You Must Love Me", the closing track on his 1997 album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, that in 1982, at age 12, he shot his older brother Eric in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry.

November 25, 2003: "Retirement Party" Concert at Madison Square Garden

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

2003: Shawn Carter Foundation Founded

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: Reconciliation with Father

Prior to his death in 2003, Jay-Z met and reconciled with his father, Adnis Reeves, who had abandoned the family when Jay-Z was 11 years old.

2005: End of Feud with Nas

By 2005, Jay-Z and Nas had ended their feud, reportedly with the help of record producer Mark Pitts.

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.

April 4, 2008: Marriage to Beyoncé Knowles

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

April 22, 2008: Public Record of Marriage

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

June 2008: Obama Praises Jay-Z's Thinking

In June 2008, Barack Obama praised Jay-Z's intellect and potential to positively shape attitudes.

September 5, 2008: Beyoncé's Wedding Ring Debut

On September 5, 2008, Beyoncé publicly debuted her Lorraine Schwartz-designed 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 Announcement

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 gave birth to their first child, Blue Ivy Carter, at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital.

January 9, 2012: Release of "Glory" Dedicated to Blue Ivy

On January 9, 2012, Jay-Z released "Glory", a song dedicated to Blue Ivy, detailing the couple's pregnancy struggles and including Blue Ivy's cries at the end.

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May 2012: Endorsement of 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: Subway Ride to Barclays Center Show

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

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.

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: Donation 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: 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.

August 2020: Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Partnership

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

2023: Rivera Recanted Allegations

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

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, it was reported that Beyoncé and Jay-Z began planning 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.