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 successful American rapper, businessman, and record executive. Celebrated for his intricate lyricism and rags-to-riches story, he's considered one of hip-hop's greatest. He held executive positions at Def Jam Recordings and later founded Roc Nation, demonstrating his entrepreneurial prowess and influence within the music industry.

Sections (5)

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

1994: Co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records

In 1994, Jay-Z co-founded the record label Roc-A-Fella Records, marking a pivotal step in his career and paving the way for his debut album.

1995: Created Roc-A-Fella Records

In 1995, after facing difficulty securing a record deal, Jay-Z, along with Damon "Dame" Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, created Roc-A-Fella Records as an independent label, a pivotal move in his career.

1996: Released Debut Album 'Reasonable Doubt'

In 1996, Jay-Z released his debut album 'Reasonable Doubt' with beats from acclaimed producers such as DJ Premier and Super DJ Clark Kent, marking a significant milestone in his career.

1997: Released 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'

In 1997, Jay-Z released his second studio album, 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1', which was met with critical acclaim, further solidifying his position in the music industry.

1997: Released 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1' After Distribution Deal with Def Jam

In 1997, following a new distribution deal with Def Jam, Jay-Z released his follow-up album 'In My Lifetime, Vol. 1', featuring production by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, DJ Premier, and Ski.

1998: Released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'

In 1998, Jay-Z released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life', featuring the hit song "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)", which became the biggest hit of his career at the time.

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September 11, 2001: Released 'The Blueprint'

On September 11, 2001, Jay-Z released his sixth studio album, 'The Blueprint', which received a five-mic review from The Source, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and eventually reached double platinum certification.

2001: Released 'The Blueprint'

In 2001, Jay-Z released 'The Blueprint', which debuted atop the Billboard 200 and garnered critical acclaim. The album showcased Jay-Z's lyrical prowess and solidified his status as a hip-hop icon.

2003: Part-Ownership of Brooklyn Nets

In 2003, Jay-Z became a part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team, paying a reported $1 million for his share.

2003: Endorsement Deal and S. Carter Collection with Reebok

In 2003, Jay-Z became the first rapper to endorse Reebok, signing a three-year deal, and later appeared in a Reebok collection advertising his S. Carter Collection. He also appeared in a commercial alongside 50 Cent to promote their respective footwear lines.

2003: Released 'The Black Album'

In 2003, Jay-Z released 'The Black Album', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album was initially touted as his final solo album before a brief retirement.

2005: Inauguration as President of Def Jam Recordings

In 2005, Jay-Z became the president of Def Jam Recordings.

2005: Feud with Nas Ended

In 2005, Jay-Z's feud with Nas ended, with record producer Mark Pitts facilitating the settlement of their differences, resolving a significant conflict in the hip-hop community.

2006: Listed as Most Powerful Couple

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.

March 2007: Sale of Rocawear Brand Rights

In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million, retaining his stake in the company and continuing to oversee marketing, licensing, and product development.

2007: Released 'American Gangster'

In 2007, Jay-Z released 'American Gangster', which debuted atop the Billboard 200. Inspired by the film of the same name, the album showcased Jay-Z's storytelling abilities.

June 2008: Earning as Hollywood's Top-Earning Couple

From June 2008 to June 2009, Beyoncé and Jay-Z earned a combined total of US$122 million.

2008: Glastonbury Festival headliner

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

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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.

June 2009: Earning as Hollywood's Top-Earning Couple

From June 2008 to June 2009, Beyoncé and Jay-Z earned a combined total of US$122 million.

2009: Reached Number One with 'Empire State of Mind'

In 2009, Jay-Z's single "Empire State of Mind" (featuring Alicia Keys) reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first time as a lead artist to achieve this milestone.

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April 5, 2011: Launch of Life + Times Online Magazine

On April 5, 2011, Jay-Z launched the popular culture and lifestyle online magazine Life + Times, featuring content showcasing his tastes in clothing, appliances, and cars.

April 2011: Acquisition of Block Starz Music

In April 2011, Jay-Z reportedly outbid executives at Universal Music and Jive Records to acquire independent record label Block Starz Music.

2011: Release and success of "Watch the Throne" album

In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West released their collaborative album "Watch the Throne", which achieved significant success. It debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Store in 23 countries, selling 290,000 copies on iTunes alone in its first week. The album also topped the Billboard 200 chart, selling 436,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week. The album was promoted with a surprise performance of "Otis" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

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February 2012: 'The Blueprint' Sales Milestone

As of February 2012, Jay-Z's album "The Blueprint", released September 11, 2001, had sold 2.7 million copies worldwide, highlighting its enduring popularity and impact.

April 2, 2013: Launch of Roc Nation Sports

On April 2, 2013, ESPN reported Jay-Z's plans to launch his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, in partnership with Creative Artists Agency, focusing on the representation of various professional athletes. In conjunction with the agency's launch, New York Yankees's second baseman Robinson Canó signed with the company.

December 2013: Nine nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards

In December 2013, it was announced that Jay-Z had received nine nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards, the most of any artist that year.

2013: Named 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 impact on music, culture, and business.

2014: Acquisition of Armand de Brignac Champagne

In 2014, Jay-Z invested $200 million to acquire a 100% stake in Armand de Brignac champagne, making it the second alcoholic product acquisition in his financial investment portfolio.

March 2015: Acquisition of Aspiro and Tidal Music Streaming Service

In March 2015, Jay-Z completed the $56 million acquisition of Aspiro, a Norwegian media technology company that operates the subscription-based music streaming service Tidal.

2015: Grammy Award for "Drunk in Love" and Beyoncé album

In 2015, "Drunk in Love" and the accompanying album Beyoncé, both featuring Jay-Z, won three Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Performance at the 2015 ceremony.

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2016: Lawsuit victory for "Made in America"

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

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2017: Released '4:44'

In 2017, Jay-Z released '4:44', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album features introspective and personal themes, garnering widespread critical acclaim.

2019: 'The Blueprint' Selected for Preservation in National Recording Registry

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", solidifying its legacy.

2019: Became First Hip-Hop Billionaire

In 2019, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop billionaire, marking a significant milestone in his career and business ventures.

2021: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and appearances on "Jail" and "Love All"

In 2021, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside LL Cool J. He also featured on Kanye West's song "Jail" from the album Donda and on Drake's song "Love All" from the album Certified Lover Boy.

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2022: Collaboration on "Neck & Wrist" and "God Did", Emmy Award for Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show

In 2022, Jay-Z collaborated with Pusha T on the song "Neck & Wrist" and made a guest appearance on DJ Khaled's "God Did". He also received a Primetime Emmy Award as a producer for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show.

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2023: Named Greatest Rapper of All Time

In 2023, Jay-Z was named the greatest rapper of all time by Billboard and Vibe, recognizing his impact on East Coast hip-hop.

February 14, 2025: Lawsuit Dropped

On February 14, 2025, the lawsuit against Jay-Z was officially dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser. Jay-Z described the outcome as "a victory." The suit was dismissed without settlement.