History of Jay-Z in Timeline
Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is a highly influential figure in American hip-hop, business, and the music industry. Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, his music is characterized by intricate wordplay, double entendres, and a narrative of overcoming adversity. In addition to his musical career, Jay-Z has held significant leadership roles, including president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. He also founded Roc Nation, an entertainment company. His impact spans music, business, and popular culture.
September 11, 2001: Release of The Blueprint
On September 11, 2001, Jay-Z released his critically acclaimed sixth studio album, "The Blueprint". The album, written in just two days, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, achieving double platinum certification and featuring collaborations with Eminem and Kanye West.
October 2001: Guilty Plea in Assault Case
In October 2001, Jay-Z pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for the 1999 stabbing of record producer Lance Rivera, receiving a sentence of three years probation. Rivera later recanted the allegations in 2023.
2001: Jay-Z's Feud with Prodigy and Nas
In 2001, Jay-Z's Summer Jam performance of "Takeover" ignited feuds with both Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Nas. The initial target, Prodigy, was attacked with lyrics and revealing photographs. A line aimed at Nas in the same song sparked a separate feud that lasted until 2005, eventually resolved with the help of producer Mark Pitts.
March 2002: The Best of Both Worlds Release
In March 2002, Jay-Z and R. Kelly released their collaborative studio album, "The Best of Both Worlds".
2002: Collaboration with Beyoncé on "'03 Bonnie & Clyde"
Jay-Z and Beyoncé collaborated on the song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" in 2002.
November 25, 2003: Jay-Z's "Retirement" Concert
On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a "retirement" concert at Madison Square Garden, featuring numerous collaborators and benefiting charity. This event was later documented in the 2004 film "Fade to Black".
2003: Collaboration with Beyoncé on "Crazy in Love"
Jay-Z appeared on Beyoncé's hit single "Crazy in Love" in 2003.
2004: Fade to Black Documentary Release
In 2004, the documentary "Fade to Black", centered around Jay-Z's 2003 "retirement" concert at Madison Square Garden, was released.
2004: President of Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella Changes
In 2004, Jay-Z became president of Def Jam Records, which led to the sale of remaining interests in Roc-A-Fella Records, giving Jay-Z control of both companies. This move was reportedly influenced by disagreements with Dash over Roc-A-Fella's future direction.
2004: Collaboration with Linkin Park and Executive Production
In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with Linkin Park on the "Collision Course" EP, winning a Grammy for "Numb/Encore". He also served as executive producer for Fort Minor's debut album, "The Rising Tied".
October 2005: Interest in Arsenal F.C.
In October 2005, reports surfaced in English media about Jay-Z's interest in acquiring a stake in Arsenal F.C., a prominent English soccer team.
October 27, 2005: "I Declare War" Concert
On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined the "I Declare War" concert at New York's Power 105.1's annual Powerhouse event. The concert fueled speculation about Jay-Z's targets, given his past lyrical attacks on rivals. The event showcased his role as president and CEO of Def Jam.
2005: Resolution with Nas
In 2005, Jay-Z and Nas ended their feud that had begun in 2001, facilitated by record producer Mark Pitts.
2005: Investment in Carol's Daughter
In 2005, Jay-Z invested in Carol's Daughter, a beauty products company.
October 2006: "Show Me What You Got" Leak and FBI Investigation
In October 2006, Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got," was leaked online, prompting an FBI investigation due to the extensive airplay it received before its official release.
November 21, 2006: Kingdom Come Release
On November 21, 2006, Jay-Z released his comeback album, "Kingdom Come," featuring production from artists such as Just Blaze, Pharrell, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, and Chris Martin. The album achieved significant first-week sales.
2006: Most Powerful Couple in Time Magazine
Jay-Z and Beyoncé were listed as the most powerful couple in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2006.
November 6, 2007: American Gangster Release
On November 6, 2007, Jay-Z released his concept album "American Gangster," inspired by the Ridley Scott film of the same name. The album explored Jay-Z's experiences as a street hustler and featured the single "Blue Magic".
January 1, 2008: Resignation from Def Jam
On January 1, 2008, Jay-Z resigned from his position as president of Def Jam Records.
April 4, 2008: Marriage to Beyoncé
Jay-Z and Beyoncé were married in a private ceremony on April 4, 2008.
April 22, 2008: Public Announcement of Marriage
Jay-Z and Beyoncé's marriage became public knowledge on April 22, 2008.
June 2008: Top-Earning Couple (June 2008 - June 2009)
Between June 2008 and June 2009, Jay-Z and Beyoncé earned a combined total that placed them at the top of Forbes' list of top-earning couples.
September 5, 2008: Beyoncé Debuts Wedding Ring
Beyoncé publicly debuted her wedding ring at the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008.
2008: Closure of 40/40 Club in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas branch of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club closed in 2008 after experiencing declining attendance.
January 2009: Ranked Hollywood's Top-Earning Couple
Forbes ranked Jay-Z and Beyoncé as Hollywood's top-earning couple in January 2009.
June 2009: Top-Earning Couple (June 2008 - June 2009)
Between June 2008 and June 2009, Jay-Z and Beyoncé earned a combined total that placed them at the top of Forbes' list of top-earning couples.
January 2010: Aqueduct Entertainment Group Contract
In January 2010, the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) consortium, which Jay-Z had a stake in, secured a contract to operate a racino at the Aqueduct Race Track.
March 9, 2010: Withdrawal from Aqueduct Racino Project
On March 9, 2010, Jay-Z and Flake withdrew from the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) consortium, ending their involvement in the Aqueduct Race Track racino project. This followed New York Governor David Paterson's recusal from the project.
November 16, 2010: Publication of "Decoded" Memoir
On November 16, 2010, Jay-Z published his memoir, "Decoded," co-written with Dream Hampton.
2010: 40/40 Club Airport Expansion Plans
In 2010, Jay-Z announced plans to expand his 40/40 Club sports bar chain into various airports.
April 5, 2011: Launch of Life + Times Magazine
Jay-Z launched the online magazine "Life + Times" on April 5, 2011, focusing on popular culture and lifestyle, including fashion, design, music, and sports.
2011: Beyoncé Announces Pregnancy
Beyoncé announced her pregnancy at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
January 7, 2012: Birth of Blue Ivy Carter
Jay-Z and Beyoncé's daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, was born on January 7, 2012.
January 9, 2012: Release of "Glory"
Jay-Z released "Glory," a song dedicated to his daughter, Blue Ivy, on January 9, 2012.
February 2012: The Blueprint Sales Milestone
By February 2012, "The Blueprint" had sold 2.7 million copies worldwide, further solidifying its commercial success.
April 2, 2013: Launch of Roc Nation Sports
On April 2, 2013, Jay-Z launched Roc Nation Sports, a sports agency partnering with Creative Artists Agency. Robinson Canó was the first major signing, leaving his previous agent to join Jay-Z's venture. Jay-Z also planned to become a certified sports agent himself.
2013: Development of Magna Carta App
In 2013, the Magna Carta app was developed for the release of Jay-Z's album of the same name.
January 2015: Funkmaster Flex's Magna Carta App Allegations
In January 2015, Funkmaster Flex alleged that information he provided for a story in 2013 was used to develop the Magna Carta app for Jay-Z's album release.
2016: Weinstein Company Deal and Kalief Browder Documentary
In 2016, Jay-Z signed a deal with The Weinstein Company, leading to the production of a documentary series about Kalief Browder and projects addressing social issues.
June 18, 2017: Birth of Twins Rumi and Sir Carter
Beyoncé gave birth to twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, with Jay-Z on June 18, 2017.
2019: The Blueprint Enters National Recording Registry
In 2019, "The Blueprint" was recognized for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance by being inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry.
August 2020: Establishment of Roc Nation School
In August 2020, Jay-Z partnered with Long Island University to establish the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment.
November 2020: TPCO Holding Corp. Appointment
Jay-Z was appointed Chief Visionary Officer of TPCO Holding Corp., a cannabis products company, in November 2020.
December 5, 2022: Caesars Entertainment Partnership for Times Square Casino
On December 5, 2022, Jay-Z and Roc Nation partnered with Caesars Entertainment to develop a casino in Times Square.
2023: Purchase of Malibu Home
Jay-Z and Beyoncé purchased a $200 million home in Malibu, California, in 2023, setting a record for the most expensive residence sold in California.