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. Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, his music is characterized by intricate lyrics, wordplay, and a prevalent rags-to-riches theme. He held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings and subsequently founded Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company, further solidifying his influence in both the music and business worlds.

Sections (5)

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

December 4, 1969: Shawn Corey Carter was born

On December 4, 1969, Shawn Corey Carter, who would later become known as Jay-Z, was born.

1982: Shot his brother Eric

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

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.

1997: Referenced shooting his brother in "You Must Love Me"

On his 1997 album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, Jay-Z referenced shooting his older brother in the shoulder in 1982 in his song "You Must Love Me".

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1999: Stabbing Incident at Kit Kat Klub

In 1999, Jay-Z was involved in an incident where he stabbed record producer Lance Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City.

October 2001: Pleaded Guilty to Aggravated Assault

In October 2001, Jay-Z pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for stabbing record producer Lance Rivera at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City in 1999, receiving a sentence of three years probation.

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 proceeds going to charity; the concert was later the focus of his 2004 documentary, Fade to Black.

2003: Reconciled with his father before his death

In 2003, Jay-Z reconciled with his father, Adnis Reeves, before his death.

2003: Referenced NYPD Stop in '99 Problems'

In 2003, Jay-Z referenced a 1994 incident in his song "99 Problems" where he was allegedly stopped by an NYPD detective.

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2003: Founding of the Shawn Carter Foundation

In 2003, Jay-Z, along with his mother, founded the Shawn Carter Foundation to assist eligible students facing socio-economic hardships in attending and completing college.

October 27, 2005: "I Declare War" Concert

On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse. The concert was entitled the "I Declare War" concert, leading to speculation about whom Jay-Z would declare war on. The concert featured a mock-up of the Oval Office, symbolizing Jay-Z's position as president and CEO of Def Jam, and included appearances from artists such as Ne-Yo, Teairra Marí, T.I., Young Jeezy, Akon, Kanye West, Paul Wall, The LOX, and Diddy.

2005: Feud with Nas Ended

In 2005, Jay-Z's feud with Nas ended with the help of record producer Mark Pitts, settling their differences.

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.

2006: Public service announcement denouncing racism

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.

June 2008: Obama Praises Jay-Z

In June 2008, Barack Obama said, "Every time I talk to Jay-Z, who is a brilliant talent and a good guy, I enjoy how he thinks. That's somebody who is going to start branching out and can help shape attitudes in a real positive way."

2010: HeadCount advertisement appearance

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.

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. He condemned remarks he perceived as racist.

March 2020: Donation to 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.

2023: Purchase of Malibu house

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