From rapping to earning billions, Shawn Carter has plenty of achievements to look back on as he turns 55

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JAY-Z’s Early Years

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Shawn Corey Carter, better known as JAY-Z, entered the world on December 4, 1969, in New York City. Rising from modest beginnings in Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, he has ascended to legendary status as the first hip-hop artist to achieve a billion-dollar fortune. JAY-Z’s influence extends far beyond music; he’s a titan in various industries, including liquor, art, real estate, fashion, and investments in companies like Uber.

As we celebrate his birthday, it’s worth reflecting on some of the pivotal moments that have shaped his remarkable journey to success.

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JAY-Z in the ’90s

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JAY-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 with Damon “Dame” Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke.

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JAY-Z on MTV

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The rapper performed with The Roots on MTV Unplugged at MTV studios in N.Y.C. in 2001.

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JAY-Z’s S. Carter Shoe Collection

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Hov and Memphis Bleek hung during the Jay Z Brings S. Carter Shoe Collection Home to N.Y.C. at Foot Locker in 2003.

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JAY-Z and Naomi Campbell

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Supermodel Naomi Campbell made a cameo in Jay’s “Change Clothes” video, which was the first single off of his classic: The Black Album.

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JAY-Z and Damon Dash

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Dame and Hov posed during the opening of Jay Z’s 40/40 Club in 2003 in N.Y.C.

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JAY-Z’s Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund

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Dame Dash and Carter stood alongside Afeni Shakur, the mother of Tupac Shakur, and Voletta Wallace, the mother of the Notorious B.I.G. In a poignant moment, they presented them with donations from the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund. Established in 2003 by JAY-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter, the fund has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities and support to deserving students, underscoring JAY-Z’s commitment to giving back to his community and honoring the legacies of these iconic figures in hip-hop.

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JAY-Z’s 40/40 Club

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The star received the key to Atlantic City, New Jersey, as he celebrated the grand opening of the 40/40 Club in A.C. in 2005.

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JAY-Z and the Brooklyn Nets

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Jay spoke at a news conference to announce a successful bid by President and CEO of Forest City Ratner Companies Bruce Ratner and his investment team to buy the Nets basketball team in 2004.

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JAY-Z and Alicia Keys

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Fresh from the success of their chart-topping anthem “Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z and Alicia Keys took to the stage to perform the iconic New York anthem during game two of the 2009 MLB World Series. The electrifying performance captivated the audience at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009, as they celebrated the spirit of the city and its beloved Yankees during the historic sporting event.

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JAY-Z in Brooklyn

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By March 2010, Carter, Bruce Ratner, New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, New York State Governor David Paterson, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Delia Hunley-Adossa got together during the ceremonial groundbreaking for Barclays Center at Atlantic Yards on March 11, 2010, in N.Y.C.

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JAY-Z Performing in 2012

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The businessman and philanthropist performed at Carnegie Hall to benefit the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Foundation on Feb. 7, 2012, in N.Y.C.

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JAY-Z Unveils Tidal

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Usher, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Deadmau5, Kanye West and J. Cole gathered onstage with Carter as he unveiled his new music streaming service, Tidal, at Skylight at Moynihan Station on March 30, 2015, in N.Y.C.

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JAY-Z and Roc Nation

Carter signed artist Romeo Santos to his Roc Nation Management roster on June 8, 2016.

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JAY-Z with Beyoncé and Hillary Clinton

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Beyoncé and Jay performed at a concert for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Nov. 4, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.

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JAY-Z on SNL

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The rapper appeared on Saturday Night Live, alongside host Ryan Gosling, in September 2017.

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JAY-Z Winning a Grammy

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On the eve of the 60th annual Grammy Awards in 2018, Hov was presented with the Industry Icon award during the traditional Clive Davis party.

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JAY-Z and Beyoncé’s On the Run Tour

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The father of three and wife Beyoncé shared a kiss during their joint On the Run II tour at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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JAY-Z and The Reform Alliance

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The rapper was joined by a notable lineup including Robert Kraft, Michael Rubin, Meek Mill, Michael Novogratz, Clara Wu Tsai, Dan Loeb, and Van Jones at the launch of The Reform Alliance. This groundbreaking organization is dedicated to reducing the number of individuals unjustly ensnared in the criminal justice system. The event took place at John Jay College in New York City on January 23, 2019, marking a significant step towards addressing systemic issues and advocating for meaningful change within the criminal justice system.

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JAY-Z and Diddy

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The living legend hung with his A-list pals Diddy, Usher, Swizz Beatz and more at his annual Roc Nation pre-Grammys brunch on Feb. 9, 2019, in L.A.

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JAY-Z at the NAACP Image Awards

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The music mogul accepted the prestigious President’s Award on stage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards at the Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019, in Hollywood.

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JAY-Z and the NFL

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Jay were in good spirits at the Roc Nation and NFL partnership announcement at Roc Nation on Aug. 14, 2019, in N.Y.C.

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JAY-Z Is Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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In late 2021, JAY-Z achieved a monumental milestone in his career as he was officially inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. This historic moment marked him as the first living solo rap artist to receive such a distinguished honor.

During his acceptance speech, he reflected on the journey from his humble beginnings to this groundbreaking achievement. “Growing up, we didn’t think we could be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We were told that hip-hop was a fad,” he remarked. He acknowledged the transformative power of hip-hop, likening it to punk rock in its ability to challenge conventions and inspire a new generation.

In a message of inspiration to future artists, JAY-Z emphasized the importance of perseverance and breaking barriers. “Hopefully, I’m informing the next generation that anything is possible,” he declared. Expressing gratitude for the honor, he concluded with a spirited tribute to his roots: “I don’t know what’s next … but you know, tonight, we’re going to enjoy tonight. I appreciate this honor. We did it, Brooklyn!” His words encapsulated the significance of his induction and served as a beacon of hope and possibility for generations to come.