Jay-Z, Shawn Carter, Hova, “The Mogul”
By: Qween$Ching
“Hard knock life rapper” Jay-Z born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1968 is the definition of the word “mogul” as one of the top East Coast acts of the 21st century with many universal accomplishments. Jay-Z is CEO of Roc-A-fella Records, Rocawear, and former CEO of Def Jam Recordings. The business magnate is a Brooklyn born entrepreneur having sold over 26 million units in the United States and 50 million world wide. As amazing as it seems Jay-Z’s critically acclaimed album “The Blueprint” was written by Jay-Z in only two days!
Jay-Z is known for dropping an album a year. Jay-Z’s solo albums include “Reasonable Doubt” (1996), “In My Lifetime Volume I” (1997), “Volume II Hard Knock Life” (1998), “Life and Times of S.Carter” (1999), “The Dynasty Roc La Familia” (2000), “The Blueprint” (2001), “The Blueprint: The Gift and the Curse” (2002), “The Black Album” (2003). Although Jay-z announced retirement in 2003 he burst back on the scene after realizing the game needed him in 2006 selling 680,000 copies of “Kingdom Come” in only the first week! The albums mentioned above do not include his collaboration and compilation albums.
Jay-Z has been nominated for over 20 Grammy’s in his career. In 1999 “Hard Knock Life” was nominated for “Best Rap Solo Performance,” “Money ain’t a thing” was nominated for “Best Rap Performance by duo or group,” and Volume II of “Hard Knock Life” won a Grammy for best rap album. In 2001 “The Life and Times of S. Carter” was nominated for “Best Rap Album” and “Big Pimpin” featuring Bun B and Pimp C won “Best Rap Performance by a duo or group.” Other Grammies and nominations include the 2002 nominations for “Change the Game” and “Izzo H.O.V.A.,” the 2003 nominations for “Song Cry,” and “The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse,” 2004 nominations for “Excuse Me Miss,” “Frontin,” and “Crazy In Love.” In 2005 “99 Problems” won a Grammy for “Best Rap Solo Performance.” In 2006 “Numb/Encore” won “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.” In 2008 “Umbrella” won “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” along with many other nominations. He is the king of NY so that’s why he can call himself Jay-Z, Jigga, Hova, or whatever he wants!
Despite the negativity that surrounds the hip hop community associated with beef and controversy the legend Jay-Z has remained level headed and in control. Although Jay-Z may have responded to some of the attacks made by rival artists with lines such as “watch what you say to me sooner or later I take you up on your offering / Put you all in your place / like I’m replacing your father / you’re talking to the author.” There were rumors that Jay-Z was going to “declare war” on his rivals in 2008 but instead he made an effort to make peace and squash beef. Props to Jay-Z, he too can see it’s time something is done to stop the war on streets and in the industry!
PHOTOS BY : JT THE BIGGA FIGGA CALIFORNIA LEGEND
Leave a Reply