Shawn Corey Carter or better known as Jay-Z is one of the most dynamic rappers in the music industry who not reigned in the music scenes but also helps other emerging artists to grow even more. This American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and the founder of the entertainment agency Roc Nation; Jay-Z is one of the most influential hip-hop artists currently worth $1.4 billion. Beyoncé and Jay-Z have made some of the most iconic musical contributions in the industry. Let’s check some of the unknown facts about this rapper that even the fans are aware of.
Top 13 unknown facts about Jay-Z
1/13.
The Brit Jay:
Jay-Z used to live in London in 1989 where he was deeply influenced by the amalgamation of different musical cultures. He even recorded music with Monie Love and later on came back to the States to embark on his musical journey.
2/13.
MJ secretly sang on Jay-Z’s track?
Yes, that’s right. Micheal Jackson has performed on Jay’s track ‘Girls Girls Girls’. The rapper once said in an interview that “He was on my song ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’, singing these background vocals and I didn’t even put his name on it.”
3/13.
His father never returned:
Jay-Z’s father Adnes Reeves left the house when he was only 11-12 years old and he never returned. Due to this twisted situation, Jay-Z was forced to become the man of the house at a very young and it put him through a fair share of struggle. However, they briefly reunited in 2003 but soon his father passed away as he was suffering from liver damage.
4/13.
Nomenclature:
Jay-Z or Carter was mostly known as Jazzy in his neighborhood. Later on, he developed the stage name Jay-Z to pay homage to his musical mentor Jaz-O who helped him to pursue his passion.
5/13.
Schoolmate rappers:
Jay spent a few years in high school. He attended Technical Education High School and George Westinghouse Career where his friends were fellow rappers Busta Rhymes and the Notorious B.I.G. Other than hustling, they used to battle and rap together often.
Read More: Beyoncé and Jay-Z have finally come up with their altogether family photograph
6/13.
NY Hustler Style:
Gaining more exposure at the beginning of his career was not a very easy task and so, Jay-Z tried the NY Hustler Style to gain more steam. He started selling CDs out of his car trunk and soon enough his hustle turned into independent label Roc-A-Fella Records along with Kareem Biggs and Damon Dash. Its annual revenue is $700 million.
7/13.
The first success:
Jay-Z’s first album was ‘Reasonable Doubt’ which is now considered a timeless classic creation. By striking a deal with Priority Records, the rapper was able to make a wide release of the album. It reached #23 on the Billboard 200 and soon became one of the most hit hip-hop projects.
8/13.
Friend’s death:
As mentioned before, Jay-Z was one of the closest friends of Notorious B.I.G. His death affected Jay-Z very much and he went through a depressive phase. It is being told that Jay-Z was the last person to talk to B.I.G before he was shot to death.
9/13.
Helping others grow:
One of the main reasons why Jay-Z is respected by all kinds of music is not because he is Beyoncé’s husband but someone who can help their careers nourish. Through years of his prolific career, he has introduced many rappers and music producers to a wider audience; offering a chance to grow more. On this album titled ‘The Dynasty: Roc La Familia’, he featured some newcomers who later on reigned in the industry and still progressing. They were Just Blaze, Kanye West, and The Neptunes.
10/13.
Born Freestyler:
Just like any freestyle rapper, Jay-Z has the capability to rap instantly. He does not write, instead, he likes to keep his thoughts in his head and let them flow freely during his performance.
Read More: 7 Interesting Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Queen of the Music Industry: Beyoncé
11/13.
The Power Couple:
Beyoncé and Jay-Z dated for some time together and got married in 2008. Till now there is no conspiracy or gossip regarding this couple as they are famously private about their lives. The couple has also agreed that this privacy has helped them maintain their high-profile relationship throughout all these years regardless of their music career.
12/13.
Princess Blue:
In 2012, Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter was born and the rapper released a track named ‘ Glory’ dedicated to his daughter. Ivy was only two days old back then. She is officially the youngest person to be credited with a track that hit the Billboard charts.
13/13.
The Philanthropist:
Jay-Z is well revered for making huge donations as well as investments in many sectors, whether it is regarding sports development or hospital. He donated $1 million to the Red Cross after hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.
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