Since the late 1990s into the present, Jay-Z has transformed and
dominated the rap scene. Not only has he sold millions of successful
albums; he has performed in large budget Hollywood films (Paid in Full,
State Property), created a lucrative clothing company (Roca Wear), and
turned his own record label into a marketable and reputable company. Jay-Z
has not always been this established. In Fact, his story is one about
an impoverished Brooklyn rapper who managed to become a trend setter and
key player in the Hip Hop world through his catchy beats and personal
lyrics.
Jay-Z was born Shawn Corey Carter in the rough Marcy Projects of
Brooklyn, NY on December 4, 1969. Since his childhood, he has been
impacted by the harsh New York streets. When he was nine years old, he
shot his brother in the shoulder for stealing his ring. At the age of
twelve, his father divorced his mother and deserted the family. By the
time he was a teenager, Jay-Z had become a respected street rapper in
Brooklyn. In order to earn money for his rap career, he became a hustler.
Jay-Z chose his rap name due to his friends always calling him ‘Jazzy’
because of the clothes he wore.
In 1996, along with his friends Damon Dash and Kareem ‘Biggs’ Burke, Jay-Z
created Roc-A-Fella records. Unlike today, when Jay-Z did it, an artist
creating his own record label was practically unheard of. In creating
Roc-A-Fella Records, Jay-Z’s main purpose was to eliminate the middle
man. Thus, allowing for more profit.
In the mid 1990s, Jay-Z released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The
album, which was a moderate commercial success, featured the single “Ain’t
No Nigga.” “Ain’t No Nigga” reached number 50 on the U.S. Pop Singles
Chart. The song featured the then unknown rap artist, Foxy Brown.
Reasonable Doubt also contained the single, “Can’t Knock the Hustle,”
featuring vocals from Mary J. Blige. The most popular single off the
album was “Brooklyn’s First,” in which Jay-Z collaborated with high
school friend and fellow rapper, Notorious B.I.G.
Jay-Z’s second album, In My Lifetime Vol. 1, was released in 1997. The
album, although containing confessional lyrics, lacked big hits. In My
Lifetime, which was produced by DJ Premier, was released amongst the
aftermath of Notorious B.I.G.’s highly publicized murder. Although this
album is considered to be a disappointment by critics, it featured
artists such as: Puff Daddy, Lil’ Kim, Too Short, Blackstreet, and DJ
Premier. The singles, “You Must Love Me” and “Where I’m From” earned
moderate praise.
Jay-Z’s third album was met with considerable difference compared to his
second. Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life was released in 1998 and was produced
by Timbaland, Ski, and DJ Premier. Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life threw Jay-Z
from acclaimed artist into a mainstream success. This was Jay-Z’s
breakthrough album, and it sold 300,000 copies in the first week. The
album featured DMX, Too Short, and Jermaine Dupri. Hard Knock Life
contained the hit singles: “Money Ain’t A Thang,” “Can I Get A…,” “Hard
Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” and “Cash, Money, Hoes.” The single, “Hard
Knock Life,” contained the chorus from the musical Annie. It was largely
acclaimed. It reached number 2 in the U.K. in December 1998 and number
15 in the U.S. in March 1999. By the end of the 1990s, Jay-Z was
considered to be the most successful and recognized east coast rapper.
In 1999, while cementing his own career, Jay-Z launched those of the
artists belonging to his label: DJ Clue?, Beanie Steel, and Memphis
Bleek.
Jay-Z’s fourth album, Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter was released
three days after Christmas in 1999. The album, although not as popular
as Hard Knock Life, proved Jay-Z’s importance in the Hip Hop world.
In late 2000, Jay-Z released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia 2000. The
Dynasty immediately became a commercial success. It was the number one
album on the U.S. Charts for five weeks until the release of Alanis
Morrisette’s debut album, Jagged Little Pill.
In 2001, Jay-Z released The Blue Print. He was also convicted, in
December of that year for stabbing record producer Lance ‘Un” Rivera at
a New York nightclub in 1999. He was sentenced to three years probation.
Jay-Z continues to be a leading force in the Rap scene as he
continuously comes out with more material.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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