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. He is recognized for his intricate lyricism, characterized by double entendres and wordplay, and his compelling rags-to-riches story. He held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, he founded Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company, further solidifying his influence in the music industry and business world.

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 the hit "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)".

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

On November 21, 2006, Jay-Z released his comeback album, Kingdom Come. The album's first week sales were 680,000 copies, marking his biggest sales week ever, eventually selling 2 million copies in the U.S.

2006: Listed as the most powerful couple by Time magazine

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 as Hollywood's top-earning couple by Forbes

Between June 2008 and June 2009, Forbes ranked Beyoncé and Jay-Z 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, leading to controversy. Noel Gallagher of Oasis criticized the choice, prompting Jay-Z to defend hip hop's place in music. He opened his set with a cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall" and delivered a well-received performance.

January 2009: Ranked as Hollywood's top-earning couple by Forbes

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 by Forbes

Between June 2008 and June 2009, Forbes ranked Beyoncé and Jay-Z as Hollywood's top-earning couple.

September 8, 2009: Release of "The Blueprint 3" Album 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 as a solo artist.

December 2013: Nine Grammy Nominations

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

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.

2015: Grammy Award for "Drunk in Love"

In 2015, The song and its accompanying album would later win three Grammy Awards including Best R&B Performance at the ceremony.

2016: Lawsuit win for "Made in America"

In 2016, he 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: "The Blueprint" Selected for Preservation

In 2019, Jay-Z's "The Blueprint" was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry.

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. He also appeared on Kanye West's song "Jail" from the album Donda, which won a Grammy. Additionally, he featured on Drake's song "Love All" from the album Certified Lover Boy.

2022: Collaboration with Pusha T and DJ Khaled and Emmy Award

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

2023: Named 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 Dropped

On February 14, 2025, the lawsuit against Jay-Z was officially dropped by Tony Buzbee and the accuser, Jane Doe. The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled in the future. Jay-Z described the outcome as "a victory."