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. Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, his music is characterized by intricate lyrics, wordplay, and a prevalent rags-to-riches theme. He held the position of president and CEO at Def Jam Recordings and subsequently founded Roc Nation, a prominent entertainment company, further solidifying his influence in both the music and business worlds.

Sections (5)

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

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

In 1998, Jay-Z released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life' which became his most commercially successful album and spawned the hit "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)".

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1999: Collaborated with Mariah Carey and Released 'Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter'

In 1999, Jay-Z collaborated with Mariah Carey on "Heartbreaker" which became his first chart-topper in the U.S.. In the same year, he also released his album 'Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter'.

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September 11, 2001: Released 'The Blueprint' Album

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

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 was announced as the first major hip hop artist to headline Britain's Glastonbury Festival. This sparked controversy, with Noel Gallagher of Oasis criticizing the choice. Jay-Z responded by covering Oasis's "Wonderwall" at the festival, delivering a performance that was seen as a successful response to the criticism.

September 8, 2009: Release of "The Blueprint 3" Album

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

2009: Peaked Billboard Hot 100 with 'Empire State of Mind'

In 2009, Jay-Z's single "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys, reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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2011: Release and Success of "Watch the Throne" Album

In 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye West released "Watch the Throne". The album was first released on iTunes, debuting at No. 1 in 23 countries and breaking Coldplay's record for most albums sold in one week on the platform. It then debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 436,000 copies in its first week. Jay-Z and West performed "Otis" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

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December 2013: Nine Grammy Nominations

In December 2013, JAY-Z 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 magazine 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 56th Annual Grammy Awards opening

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: Became Hip-Hop Billionaire

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

2019: 'The Blueprint' Added to National Recording Registry

In 2019, Jay-Z's album, The Blueprint, was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.