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Jay-Z Guides

Early Life

With ten albums, a record label, a clothing line, and even a basketball team to his name, it is easy to forget that Jay-Z was born in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Since getting his footing in the hip hop scene in the 90s, Jay-Z has become one of the most respected and successful MCs ever.

Born December of 1969 in Bed-Sty neighborhood of Brooklyn, Jay-Z came into this world far from the wealth he would one day obtain. He grew up in a New York City housing project alongside two sisters and his brother. He expressed an early interest in music. In his youth, he would keep his family up late while he worked out beats and drum rhythms on pots and pans. With his mothers help, he was able to parlay his early passion into rapping. By the time he was in his teens, Jay-Z was regularly free styling and composing lyrics.

As with most of his peers in Bed-Sty, Jay-Z had a troubled youth. He has admitted to selling crack cocaine during his tenure in high school. The future star was more interested in music than school, attending and barely passing a technical school.

Although he it wouldn't be until 1996, Jay-Z could often be found in the background of the New York rape scene in the late 80s and early 90s. His introduction to recording and the studio process was a bit of a fluke: a particularly successful rap battle caught the eye of producers and Jay-Z was able to make essential industry contacts.

His big break came when he was featured on a track by American rap and hip hop innovator Big Daddy Kane. Shortly afterward, he was also featured in the Big L track, “Da Graveyard.” With more and more studio experience, Jay-Z would cut his first single himself in 1995. Soon, Jay-Z was on track to release his first album.

With backing from Priority Records, Jay-Z released his first album, Reasonable Doubt in 1996. A critical success, the freshman album was also moderately successful financially, placing on Billboard charts. However, greater success would soon come as he signed a deal with Def Jam records. His next album would be produced by Sean Combs (P-Diddy, at the time). In My Lifetime vol. 1 would be a major success for Jay-Z, charting second on the Billboard and going platinum. However, some fans felt the album was overproduced and accused Jay-Z of “selling out.”

His next album, Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life would prove Jay-Z to be a true superstar. Winning multiple awards, the accolades of fans and critics alike, and selling like hot cakes, Jay-Z had hit the big time. Featuring hit songs “Hard Knock Life (Gangster Anthem)”, “Can I Get A...”, and “Money Ain't a Thing”, Jay-Z burned up the airwaves and paved the way for a career that would lead him to becoming a businessman, entrepreneur, CEO, and more.

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Partnerships and Collaborations

Like many rappers, Jay-Z has a long history of collaborative efforts throughout the years. As a music executive and businessman, he has had plenty of opportunities to meet and work with countless artists since he made it big in the 90s.

In his early days as an up-and-coming musician, Jay-Z was mentored by Jaz-O who would work several times with Jay-Z until their relationship deteriorated. In the early days, Jay-Z also had opportunities to work with several other up and coming superstars such as DMX who would also find fame in coming years. One of his earliest records was produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Never afraid to break the mold, Jay-Z would often defy expectations and and partner himself with artists outside of his comfort area. In 2004, Jay-Z would join a major tour, headlining alongside alternative rock band Linkin Park. Their partnership would lead to the two producing a collaborative album. He would also find himself the unlikely partner of The Beatles' Paul McCartney at The Grammy's, where McCartney sang “Yesterday” while Jay-Z rhymed.

His most important and well publicized collaboration, however, is to his wife Beyonce Knowles. The power couple have worked together regularly, both in and out of the studio. Possibly the biggest union between two music artists ever, this husband and wife duo are not to be underestimated.

Jay-Z's association with Def Jam Records has been among his greatest assets. Regularly producing and working with their top artists. As CEO of the company, he is responsible for signing superstars such as Rihanna to the label. Other notable partners include Kanye West acting as his producer on over a dozen tracks over Jay-Z's long career. His technical work with Jay-Z would jump start West's career.

As both a solo artist and with others, Jay-Z's work has helped change the face of modern hip hop. His unprecedented success as both an artist and businessman have paved the way for a legion of others who will follow in his footsteps. If he holds to form, there is little doubt that Jay-Z will be seen collaborating with the best and brightest of the music world for years to come.

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Jay-Z's Discography

With every single one of his 11 solo albums having gone platinum, Jay-Z's status as a successful studio musician is unquestioned. A hit maker, Jay-Z has over a dozen albums, EPs and compilations to his name.

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Reasonable Doubt - Jay-Z's debut, album, Reasonable Doubt was met with wide critical success. It was his first wide exposure and his initial foray into the public light was met with some encouraging signs. Although it wasn't a top seller at the time, today the album is hailed as a rap classic and a work of lyrical genius.

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In My Lifetime, Vol 1 - Having ditched the Prodigy Records label in favor of Def Jam, Jay-Z would have far greater financial success than on his previous album. Aiming at a wider audience, long time fans felt betrayed and accused Jay-Z of selling out. Featuring a notably “sunnier” tone, Jay-Z focused shifted his focus away from street life and onto the “superstar” lifestyle.

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Vol. 2 ... Hardknock Life - Combining the Diddy inspired tunes of his previous album with his earlier work focusing on the bleak reality of the streets, Hardknock Life would become Jay-Z's greatest success. Going platinum five times over, this brave album managed to incorporate Broadway musicals and gritty street drama.

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Vol. 3 ...Life and Times of S.Carter - Officially returning Jay-Z to the street-centric sound that made Reasonable Doubt such a success, Life and Times was also a huge commercial success. Featuring the cross over hit “Big Pimpin'” and darker fare like “There's Been a Murder”, Jay-Z was finally able to please all of his fans.

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The Blueprint - Rather than collaborating with an army of other artists, The Blueprint was accompanied entirely by samples. Featuring samples from Natalie Cole, David Bowie, and The Jackson 5, this album was a critical darling and a top seller.

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The Black Album - Reported to be Jay-Z's final solo album at the time, The Black Album was intended to take advantage of the current trends in the digital marketplace. Another street oriented album, it was positively reviewed by critics. The most remarkable facet of the album was the release of vocal tracks on a separate disc, provided with the intention of encouraging remixers to create and release their own songs over the internet.

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Collision Course - This collaboration with rock band Linkin Park was a major change of pace for Jay-Z. Having just recorded an album with R. Kelly, Jay-Z was no stranger to collaborative work. However, this was the first time he had worked extensively outside of the R&B community. Comprised of mash-ups rather than original work, this was a unique case of rap-meets-rock.

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American Gangster - Jay-Z's latest album, American Gangster fared slightly worse than his average album on the shelves. However, critics remained enamored with Jay-Z, providing it near universal praise. Digging deeper, this album features complex lyrics and was his first attempt at producing a concept album. Chronicling the rise and fall of a young drug dealer, the heady content was a first for Jay-Z.

Although no plans are currently announced for a new album, it remains likely that Jay-Z will once again step into the recording booth in the future.

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Awards

Although a financial success, Jay-Z has often found himself honoured by critics and awards bodies. With over two dozen Grammy nominations in addition to a multitude of other acknowledgments, Jay-Z remains one of the most acclaimed musicians on the scene.

The Grammy Awards have been especially kind to Jay-Z. With thirty separate nominations, he's taken home ten trophies in as many years. His very first trip to the awards earned him Best Rap Album for Hard Knock Life. Other notable victories include a trophy for his 2004 collaboration with now-wife Beyonce and Best Solo Performance for “99 Problems.”

Jay-Z has also been nominated for fifteen BET awards and won twice, both times as the Best Male Hip Hop Artist of the year. Although he hasn't been invited to the American Music Awards as often as he is to other events, Jay-Z has been nominated three times at the AMA.

In addition to his awards, every solo album Jay-Z has ever released has earned the artist a platinum record. With eleven albums to his name, Jay-Z is one of the most successful rappers alive. Other accolades include numerous MTV Video Music Awards.

Jay-Z has also been recognized for his charitable work in Africa, having participated in a campaign to solve the water crisis on the African continent.

Jay-Z Videos