Jay-Z's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Jay-Z. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is a highly influential American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Celebrated for his intricate lyrical style, characterized by double entendres and wordplay, his music often chronicles a rags-to-riches journey. Billboard and Vibe named him the greatest rapper of all time in 2023. He held the position of president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, he established Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company.

Sections (5)

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

1998: Release of 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'

In 1998, Jay-Z released Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, which spawned his biggest hit at the time, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)".

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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: Most Powerful Couple Listing

In 2006, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were listed as the most powerful couple for Time magazine's 100 most influential people.

2006: Enstoolment as Sarkin Waka of Kwara

In 2006, Jay-Z was enstooled as the Sarkin Waka of Kwara in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.

June 2008: Earning Period Start

In June 2008, the period began for calculating Beyoncé and Jay-Z's combined earnings as Hollywood's top-earning couple.

2008: Glastonbury Festival Headliner

In 2008, Jay-Z was announced as the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival. Amid controversy and criticism from figures like Noel Gallagher, Jay-Z opened his set with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and delivered a well-received performance.

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January 2009: Forbes Top-Earning Couple Ranking

In January 2009, Forbes ranked Beyoncé and Jay-Z as Hollywood's top-earning couple, with a combined total of $162 million.

June 2009: Forbes Top-Earning Couple Ranking

Between June 2008 and June 2009, Forbes determined that Beyoncé and Jay-Z had a combined total of US$122 million, making them the top-earning couple.

September 8, 2009: Release of The Blueprint 3 in North America

On September 8, 2009, Jay-Z's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3, was released in North America due to increasing anticipation. It became his 11th album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200, surpassing Elvis Presley's record for a solo artist.

December 2013: Nominated for nine Grammy Awards

In December 2013, Jay-Z received nine nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards, which was more than any other artist that year.

2013: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2013, Time magazine named Jay-Z one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2015: Won Grammy Awards for Drunk in Love and the Beyoncé Album

In 2015, Jay-Z and Beyoncé won three Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Performance for "Drunk in Love" and recognition for the album "Beyoncé."

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2016: Won lawsuit for the song Made in America

In 2016, Jay-Z won a lawsuit for the song "Made in America" with Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean against Joel McDonald.

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2019: Became Hip-Hop Billionaire

In 2019, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop billionaire through his business ventures.

2019: Preservation of 'The Blueprint' in National Recording Registry

In 2019, The Blueprint was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry.

2021: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction and Album Appearances

In 2021, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also appeared on "Jail" from Kanye West's Donda album and "Love All" from Drake's Certified Lover Boy album, both released in 2021.

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2022: Collaborations and Emmy Award

In 2022, Jay-Z collaborated with Pusha T on "Neck & Wrist" featuring Pharrell Williams from the album It's Almost Dry, and made a guest appearance on DJ Khaled's "God Did". Additionally, he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022.

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