Jay-Z, Biography of the SuperStar Rapper

Jay-Z was born and raised in Marcy Projects, a rough area of Brooklyn, NY, on December 4, 1969. He was born with the name Shawn Carter. Jay-Z suffered through some tough times after his father left his mother before he was a teen. Without a man in the house, Jay-Z supported himself. He turned to the streets where he became a rapper.

Jay-Z was known as "Hova" and "Jazzy" in his neighborhood, but he shortened it all to call himself "Jay-Z". All he strove to be was a rapper. Jay-Z also became a street hustler to make money, as stated many times in his lyrics. He hung around with Jaz-O (also known as Big Jaz) who was a small New York rapper with a record deal but slow sales. Big Jaz taught Jay-Z about the rap industry and how to make it in.

Jay-Z was in a group called Original Flavor for awhile, but decided to break out and start his own label. With his friends Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, Jay-Z created Roc-A-Fella Records. They did this to eliminate the middleman and make all the money for themselves.

Priority Records agreed to distribute his music, so Jay-Z finally had everything set. His debut album Reasonable Doubt was released in 1996. It didn't do as well as hoped, but it did place in the top 30 on Billboard charts.

His next album, In My Lifetime, was more successful than his first album. It reached Number 3 on the Billboard album chart. This album featured many popular contributors such as Puff Daddy. With this album, Jay-Z took a more pop-rap approach instead of gangster-rap of the previous album. Sales doubled.

From there, Jay-Z stuck with pop-rap and worked with several other big rap names to produce many other successful albums and singles. He has sold more than seventeen million albums and won a few music awards. His newest release "Show Me What You Got" is definitely headed toward success. The video for the single features Dale Earnhardt, Jr as well as girl friend Beyonce.

In addition to music, Roc-A-Fella has a few films to its name. Roc-A-Fella has released films like "Streets is Watching", "Backstage" and "State Property". Three other films - "Paid in Full," "Paper Soldiers" and "Death of a Dynasty" are on their way.

Jay-Z started his own clothing line called Rocawear in 1999. Rocawear grossed millions in its first year. The clothing line is available in outlets in Europe, Japan, and Canada. Rocawear includes loungewear, hats, and belts for all men, women, and children. Jay-Z also endorsed a line of Reebok shoes. The S. Carter shoe collection is the first time a non-athlete has ever had a signature shoe.

Roc-A-Fella also sold Armadale Premium, a two grain, triple distilled Scottish vodka. Jay-Z then opened the 40/40 Club Elite sports bar in New York City.

Jay-Z has gotten involved in many activities in New York City. The Team Roc charitable organization helps underprivileged children in the city. The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund pays for the college tuition of deserving Marcy area high school students. During the annual Jay-Z Santa Claus Toy Drive, Jay-Z provides toys to children of the Marcy projects area in Brooklyn.