Generally, when I focus a spotlight on an artist, they are someone that has had a successful musical career over several decades but Jay-Z is a unique talent and deserves special attention. Born Shawn Corey Carter, Jay-Z is one of the most popular Rappers in the world. He has brilliantly expanded his financial interests into fashion, record producing, sports, real estate and sports bars. He was raised in the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn, NY and struggled in school and with the law. His father left him and his siblings, and in 1982, he shot his brother in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry. His mother has spoken about Sean banging beats on the kitchen table as a kid late night and keeping his brothers awake.
Jay-Z has been known for his support of President Barack Obama, global water shortages, same sex marriage, Hurricane Katrina and young voter turn-out. He has been criticized along with his wife Beyonce Knowles, for not being more politically active at times, most notably by Harry Belefonte who said they, “have turned their back on social responsibility”.
Jay-Z has Collected Fourteen Grammy Awards
Jay-Z has collected fourteen Grammy Awards, he holds the record for most number one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard Top 200 with eleven, four number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Many consider him one, if the not the greatest Rapper of all time. He is a favorite by any professional DJ who specializes with music from R&B, Hip Hop, Rap and Pop.
“Shawn Corey Knowles-Carter(né Carter; born December 4, 1969),[2] better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. In 2012, Forbes estimated Carter’s net worth at nearly $500 million.” Wikipedia
