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 acclaimed American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Celebrated for his intricate lyricism, use of double entendres, and boastful style, his music often chronicles a journey from poverty to success. Billboard and Vibe recognized him as the greatest rapper of all time in 2023. Beyond his musical achievements, Jay-Z held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007 and subsequently established the entertainment company Roc Nation in 2008.
1998: Released Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
In 1998, Jay-Z released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life', featuring the hit "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)", becoming his most commercially successful album at the time and winning a Grammy Award.
2004: Collaborated with Linkin Park and Planned Retirement
In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with Linkin Park on the remix EP 'Collision Course', which won a Grammy Award, and also planned to retire, which was a major part of his public image that year.
2006: Jay-Z enstooled as Sarkin Waka of Kwara
In 2006, Jay-Z was enstooled as the Sarkin Waka of Kwara in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.
June 2008: Start of Top-Earning Period
June 2008 marks the start of Forbes' tracking period of the top-earning couple which ended in June 2009, highlighting the start of their recognition as Hollywood's top-earning couple.
2008: Headlined Glastonbury Festival
In 2008, Jay-Z became the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival, sparking controversy and debate about the festival's traditional guitar-driven music focus.
January 2009: Ranked as Hollywood's Top-Earning Couple
In January 2009, Forbes ranked Beyoncé and Jay-Z as Hollywood's top-earning couple, with a combined total of $162 million, showcasing their financial success.
June 2009: Continued Reign as Top-Earning Couple
By June 2009, Beyoncé and Jay-Z remained at the top of Forbes' list of Hollywood's top-earning couples, with a combined total of US$122 million earned between June 2008 and June 2009.
December 2013: Received Nine Grammy Nominations
In December 2013, Jay-Z received nine nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards, leading all other artists that year, recognizing the success and impact of his recent work.
2013: One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2013, Time named Jay-Z one of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing his cultural impact.
2015: Won Grammy Awards for "Drunk in Love"
In 2015, Jay-Z and Beyonce won three Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Performance, for the song "Drunk in Love" and its accompanying album.
2016: Won Lawsuit for "Made in America"
In 2016, Jay-Z, along with Kanye West and Frank Ocean, won a lawsuit for the song "Made in America" against Joel McDonald, protecting their creative rights.
2019: 'The Blueprint' Added to National Recording Registry
In 2019, 'The Blueprint' was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
2021: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2021, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy and impact on music culture.
2022: Awarded Primetime Emmy Award
In 2022, Jay-Z was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, showcasing his diverse contributions to the entertainment industry.
2023: Greatest Rapper of All Time
In 2023, Jay-Z was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe, recognizing his significant impact on hip-hop.
February 14, 2025: Lawsuit against Jay-Z dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser
On February 14, 2025, the lawsuit against Jay-Z was officially dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser. The case was dismissed with prejudice, and Jay-Z described the outcome as 'a victory'.
2025: Wealthiest Musical Artist
As of 2025, Jay-Z is the wealthiest musical artist in the world with a net worth of US$2.5 billion.
