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. Recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time, his lyrical style is marked by complexity, wordplay, and a rags-to-riches narrative. He has achieved significant commercial success in music and business, accumulating a net worth of $2.8 billion as of 2026, making him the wealthiest musical artist in history.

Sections (5)

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

November 21, 2006: Release of 'Kingdom Come' Album

On November 21, 2006, Jay-Z released his comeback album, 'Kingdom Come.' The album sold 680,000 copies in its first week, becoming his biggest sales week ever, as reported by Billboard. The album eventually sold 2 million copies in the U.S. and was certified double platinum.

2006: Enstoolment as Sarkin Waka of Kwara

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

2008: Glastonbury Festival Headliner

In 2008, Jay-Z became the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival, sparking controversy. He responded to criticism by opening his set with a cover of Oasis's 'Wonderwall' and delivered a successful performance.

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September 8, 2009: Release of 'The Blueprint 3'

Due to increasing anticipation, 'The Blueprint 3', Jay-Z's 11th studio album, was released in North America on September 8, 2009. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking his 11th album to do so and surpassing Elvis Presley's record.

2011: Surprise Performance at MTV Video Music Awards

In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West gave a surprise performance of 'Otis' at the MTV Video Music Awards.

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July 4, 2013: Release of Magna Carta Holy Grail

During the fifth game of the 2013 NBA Finals, Jay-Z announced his twelfth studio album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, and released it on July 4, 2013. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold 528,000 copies in its first week.

December 2013: Nine Grammy Nominations

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

2013: One of the 100 Most Influential People

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

2014: Appearance on Beyoncé's Album and Grammy Performance

In 2014, Jay-Z appeared on his wife Beyoncé's self-titled fifth studio album, Beyoncé, with a feature on the song "Drunk in Love." They performed this song together at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards opening.

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2015: Grammy Win for Drunk in Love

In 2015, the song "Drunk in Love" and its accompanying album won three Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Performance.

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2016: Lawsuit Win for '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.

2019: The Blueprint Selected for Preservation

In 2019, The Blueprint was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

2019: Became First Hip-Hop Billionaire

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

2021: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and collaborations with Kanye West and Drake

In 2021, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and he appeared on Kanye West's song "Jail" from the album Donda, which later won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song. He was also featured on Drake's "Love All" from the album Certified Lover Boy.

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2022: Collaboration with Pusha T and DJ Khaled, 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". Also in 2022, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.

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2023: Greatest Rapper of All Time

In 2023, Jay-Z was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe.

February 14, 2025: Lawsuit against Jay-Z dropped

On February 14, 2025, the sexual assault lawsuit against Jay-Z was officially dropped in federal court in Manhattan, with the case being voluntarily dismissed with prejudice and without settlement. Jay-Z described the outcome as "a victory."