Jay-Z
Jay-Z | |
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Spouse(s) | Beyoncé Knowles (2008—present) |
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969),[1] better known by his stage name, Jay-Z, is an American hip hop artist and businessman. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings[2] and Roc-A-Fella Records. He co-owns The 40/40 Club and the New Jersey Nets. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America,[3] having sold over 26 million units in the United States and receiving several Grammy Awards for his musical work.[4] Along with his financial and musical success, Jay-Z is known for being involved in many quarrels with other artist in the rap industry, the most well known being between him and fellow New York rapper Nas, which was eventually settled in 2005.
Jay-Z's crowning achievement, Reasonable Doubt, is ranked by Rolling Stone as #248 on its "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". His critically acclaimed album, The Blueprint, was written in only two days.[5] After announcing his retirement from recording music in 2003, he returned in late 2006 with the album Kingdom Come, which sold 680,000 copies in its first week, Jay-Z's highest-selling album in a one-week period.[6] MTV named him number one on their list of the greatest MCs of all time.[3] In April 2008, Jay-Z was reportedly on the verge of a partnership with Live Nation for $150 million—among the most expensive contracts ever awarded to a musician.[7]
Carter married Beyoncé Knowles on April 4, 2008.[8]
Biography
Early years
Originally from Marcy Houses housing project in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City,[1] Jay-Z was abandoned by his father Adnes Reeves and shot his brother in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry[9] when he was twelve years old.[10] Jay-Z attended Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn, along with rapper AZ, until it was closed down. After that he attended George Westinghouse Information Technology High School in Downtown Brooklyn, which fellow rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes also attended, and Trenton Central High School in Trenton, New Jersey, but did not graduate.[11] In his music he refers to having been involved in selling crack cocaine.[10]
According to his mother Gloria Carter, a young Jay-Z used to wake his siblings up at night banging out drum patterns on the kitchen table. Eventually, she bought him a boom box for his birthday and thus sparked his interest in music. He began freestyling, writing rhymes, and followed the music of many artists popular at the time.
In his neighborhood, Carter was known as "Jazzy", a nickname that eventually developed into his stage name, "Jay-Z". The moniker is also an homage to his musical mentor, Jaz-O, as well as to the J/Z subway lines that have a stop at Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn.[1]
Jay-Z can be heard on several of Jaz-O's early recordings in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including "The Originators" and "Hawaiian Sophie". His career had a jump start when he battled a rapper by the name of Zai. The battle caught the eye of many record labels, as Jay-Z was able to hold his own against Zai. He first became known to a wide audience by being featured on the posse cut "Show and Prove" on the 1994 Big Daddy Kane album Daddy's Home He made an appearance on a popular song by Big L, "Da Graveyard", and on Mic Geronimo's "Time to Build", which also featured early appearances by DMX, and Ja Rule in 1995. His first official rap single was called "I Can't Get With That", for which he released a music video[12].
Music career
Reasonable Doubt and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1
From the beginning of his professional recording career, when no major label gave him a record deal, Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and Kareem Biggs created Roc-A-Fella Records as their own independent label. After striking a deal with Priority to distribute his material, Jay-Z released his 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt with beats from acclaimed producers such as DJ Premier and Super DJ Clark Kent and a notable appearance by The Notorious B.I.G.. Despite reaching only number 23 on the Billboard 200, the album was well-received by critics.[1]. This album would later be included in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" as #248 and would later reach plantium status.[13]
After reaching a new distribution deal with Def Jam in 1997, Jay-Z released his follow-up In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Executively produced by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, it sold better than his previous effort. Jay-Z later explained that the album was made during one of the worst periods of his life. He was reeling from the death of his close friend The Notorious B.I.G. The album was a personal revelation for Jay-Z as he spun the tale of his hard knock upbringing.[14] The album's glossy production stood as a contrast to his first release, and some dedicated fans felt he had "sold out". However, the album did feature some beats from producers who had worked with him on Reasonable Doubt, namely DJ Premier and Ski. Like its predecessor, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 earned Platinum status in the United States.[13]
Vol. 2... and mainstream success
In 1998, Jay-Z would release Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life which would contain a rougher sound then it's predecessor and would spawned the biggest hit of his career at the time, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)". He relied more on flow and wordplay, and he continued his penchant for mining beats from the popular producers of the day such as Swizz Beatz, an upstart in-house producer for Ruff Ryders, and Timbaland. Other producers include: DJ Premier, Erick Sermon, The 45 King, and Kid Capri. Charting hits from this album included "Can I Get A...", featuring Ja Rule and Amil, and "Nigga What, Nigga Who", which featured Amil too. Vol. 2 would eventually become Jay-Z's most commercially successful album; it was certified 5x Plantium in the United States and has to date sold over 5 million copies.[13] The album went on to win a Grammy Award, although Jay-Z boycotted the ceremony protesting DMX's failure to garner a Grammy nomination.[15]
In 1999, Jay-Z released Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter which would see Jay-Z returning for the most part, to a street-oriented sound. The album proved to be successful sold over 3 million records.[13] Vol. 3 most successful single was "Big Pimpin'", featuring UGK. Around 2000, Jay-Z decided to begin developing other artists and he released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia which was originally intended to become a compilation album for Roc-A-Fella artists but somehow turned into another Jay-Z album.[citation needed] The album helped to introudce newcomer producers The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Kanye West and Bink!, which have all gone on to achieve notable success. This is also the first album where Jay-Z utilizes a more soulful sound than his previous albums. The Dynasty: Roc La Familia sold over 2 million units in the U.S. alone.[13]
The Blueprint and The Blueprint²
In 2001, Jay-Z released The Blueprint which was later considered by many to be one of hip hop's "classic" albums, receiving the coveted 5 mic review from The Source magazine. Released during the wake of September 11 attacks, the album managed to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, selling more than 427,000 units;[16] the album's success was overshadowed by the tragic event. The Blueprint has been certified 3x Platinum in the United States.[13] The Blueprint was applauded for its production and the balance of "mainstream" and "hardcore" rap, receiving recognition from both audiences. The Blueprint was written in only two days.[17] Eminem was the only guest rapper on the album, producing and rapping on the song "Renegade". Four of the thirteen tracks on the album were produced by Kanye West and represents one of West's first major breaks in the industry.The Blueprint includes the popular songs "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)", "Girls, Girls, Girls, Jigga That Nigga, Song Cry, and the infamous diss "Takeover", a song that takes on rivals Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Nas.
Jay-Z's next solo album was 2002's 3 million (U.S. only) selling[13] The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse, a double-album. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at number one, selling over 545,000 units and surpassing The Blueprint.[18] It was later reissued in a single-disc version, The Blueprint 2.1, which retained half of the tracks from the original. The album spawned two massive hit singles, "Excuse Me Miss" and "Bonnie & Clyde" featuring Jay-Z's girlfriend of four years Beyoncé Knowles. "Guns & Roses", a track featuring rock musician Lenny Kravitz, and "Hovi Baby" were two successful radio singles as well. The album features the tracks "A Dream", featuring Faith Evans and a recording of the late The Notorious B.I.G.; and "The Bounce", featuring Kanye West. The Blueprint 2.1 features tracks that do not appear on The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse, such as "Stop", "La La La (Excuse Me Again)", "What They Gonna Do, Part II" and "Beware" produced by and featuring Panjabi MC.
The Black Album, retirement and Collision Course
Jay-Z toured with 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Sean Paul while finishing work on what was announced as his final album, The Black Album[citation needed]. He worked with several producers including Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Kanye West, Timbaland, Eminem, DJ Quik, 9th Wonder and Rick Rubin. Notable songs on the album included "What More Can I Say", "Dirt Off Your Shoulder", "Change Clothes", and "99 Problems". A few of the songs done on this album portray a more personal side of Jay-Z; for example, "Moment of Clarity" sheds light on his feelings towards his estranged father and coping with his death. [citation needed] It deals with accusations that he sold out to reach a wider audience. "What More Can I Say" addresses the "biting" accusations leveled against him by Nas in "Ether" and other detractors, as Jay-Z raps, "I'm not a biter I'm a writer for myself and others/I say a Big verse I'm only biggin' up my brother." The Black Album has sold 3 million copies in the US.[13]
On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a concert at Madison Square Garden, which would later be the focus of his film Fade to Black. This concert was his "retirement party". All proceeds went to charity. Other performers included collaborators like The Roots (in the form of his backing band), Missy Elliott, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Siegel, Freeway, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Twista, Ghostface Killah, Foxy Brown, Pharrell and R. Kelly with special appearances by Voletta Wallace and Afeni Shakur, the mothers of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur respectively.
While Jay-Z had attested to a retirement from making new studio albums, various side projects and appearances soon followed. Included in these were a greatest hits record, mash-up projects and concert appearances with R. Kelly and Linkin Park.
In 2004 Jay-Z collaborated with rock group Linkin Park. The project was named Collision Course, and contained a six track EP, as well as a making of DVD. Some of the mash ups tracks were entitled "Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying From You", "Jigga What/Faint", and "Numb/Encore". "Numb/Encore" went on to win a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and was performed with Linkin Park live at the Grammys, with a special appearance by Paul McCartney, who added verses from his song Yesterday. The EP sold over 1 million copies in the US alone.[13] Jay-Z was the executive producer of Fort Minor's debut album The Rising Tied. Mike Shinoda got together with Jay-Z and Linkin Park bandmate Brad Delson to discuss what tracks should make the album.
Also in 2004, there was a runaway hit remix project by Danger Mouse called The Grey Album in which Jay-Z's Black Album vocals were blended with instrumentals sampled exclusively from The Beatles' White Album (which subsequently embroiled the DJ in a lawsuit that was later dropped with EMI, the owners of the Beatles' work)[citation needed]. This was made possible by an a cappella version of the "Black Album" that Jay-Z released with the specific intent for others to mix.
"I Declare War", Kingdom Come and American Gangster
Having been such a visible artist in the late 1990s through the early 2000s, Jay-Z has been the subject of more rap-related controversy than most artists in mainstream hip hop. Some of these have been resolved, some are ongoing, and some have simply dissipated.
On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse. The concert was entitled the "I Declare War" concert leading to intense speculation in the weeks preceding the event on whom exactly Jay-Z would declare war. As he had previously "declared war" on other artists taking lyrical shots at him at other events, many believed that the Powerhouse show would represent an all-out assault by Jay-Z upon his rivals[19]. The theme of the concert was Jay-Z's position as President and CEO of Def Jam, complete with an on-stage mock-up of the Oval Office. Many artists made appearances such as the old roster of Roc-A-Fella records artists, as well as Ne-Yo, Teairra Mari, T.I., Young Jeezy, Akon, Kanye West, Paul Wall, The LOX, and Diddy.[20].
At the conclusion of the concert, Jay-Z put many arguments to rest to the surprise of hip hop fans. Instead of declaring war, he declared that he was the "United Nations of this rap shit". The most significant development in this show was closure to the infamous hip hop rivalry between Jay-Z and Nas. The two former rivals shook hands and shared the stage together to perform Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents" blended with Nas's song "The World is Yours" from which "Dead Presidents" had sampled the vocals on the chorus.[21]
Disagreements between other artists were also brought to a close (or put on hold) at the Powerhouse show. The event brought together for the first time in years, Diddy and The LOX, both having had a long-standing animosity due to a contract agreement and the latter's departure from Bad Boy Entertainment. Shortly after the concert, the altercation was fully rectified. The event also saw the return of Beanie Sigel from incarceration. There had been some speculation that Beanie Sigel was going to depart from Roc-A-Fella Records, but this concert proved otherwise. Beanie and The LOX's Jadakiss also officially ended their own argument when they, Jay-Z, the rest of the LOX and Sauce Money (who had been thought to have some animosity towards Jay-Z, but this was also untrue) all performed the song "Reservoir Dogs"[20].
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Jay-Z returned with his comeback album on November 21, 2006 titled Kingdom Come.[22] Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got", was leaked on the Internet in early October 2006, scheduled to be released later on that month, received heavy air-play after its leak, causing the FBI to step in and investigate.[23] Jay-Z worked with video director Hype Williams, and the single's video was directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, The Italian Job). The album features producers such as Just Blaze, Pharrell, Kanye West, Dr. Dre and Coldplay's Chris Martin (single entitled "Beach Chair").[24][25] The first week saw 680,000 sales of the CD, which Entertainment Weekly said was "the highest single-week total in Jay's decadelong career".[6] This album has sold 2 million copies in the U.S. alone.[13]
Jay-Z released his tenth album entitled American Gangster on November 6, 2007. After viewing the Ridley Scott film of the same name, he was heavily inspired to create a new "concept" album that depicts his experiences as a street-hustler.[26] The album is not the film's official soundtrack, although it was distributed by Def Jam.[27] Jay-Z's American Gangster depicts his life in correlation to the movie American Gangster. At the start of the album's first single, "Blue Magic", Jay-Z offers a dealer's manifesto while making references to political figures of the late 1980s with the lyric: "Blame Reagan for making me to into a monster, blame Oliver North and Iran-Contra, I ran contraband that they sponsored, before this rhymin' stuff we was in concert."[28] Also notable about the "Blue Magic" music video was Jay-Z flashing 500 euro notes, in what Harvard Business School professor Rawi Abdelal has called a "turning point in American pop culture's response to globalization." The album has sold 1 million copies in the US.[13]
Glastonbury and The Blueprint 3
It was controversially announced on February 2, 2008 that Jay-Z would headline Glastonbury Festival in 2008, becoming the first major hip hop artist to headline the British festival.[29][30] He was blamed by some for relatively slow ticket sales for the festival[31], although a more likely cause is the preceding run of terrible weather and flooding that in 2007 made life at the festival very difficult.[32] One of the more outspoken critics of his selection was Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame. In response to Gallagher's criticism, Jay-Z opened his Glastonbury set with a tongue-in-cheek cover of Oasis's iconic song "Wonderwall".[33] His Glastonbury performance was heralded as a successful response to pre-festival criticism.[34] He also headlined many other summer festivals in 2008, including Roskilde Festival in Denmark[35], Hove Festival in Norway[36] and O2 Wireless Festival in London.[37]
Jay-Z also stated that after he finishing touring he will work on a new album.[38] Timbaland has previously stated that he will be producing the entire album.[39] Recently, however, Jay-Z went on record to say that it is not guaranteed to be a full Timbaland production.[40]
During Kanye West's August 6, 2008 concert at Madison Square Garden, Jay-Z came out to perform a new song and he and Kanye proclaimed that it was to be on The Blueprint 3.[41] On May 21, 2009, Jay-Z announced he would be parting ways with Def Jam, and is signed up in a multi-million dollar deal to sign for Live Nation. His next album The Blueprint 3 will be put out by Live Nation in September 2009.[42]
Ventures
Jay-Z has also established himself as an entrepreneur like his fellow hip hop moguls, and friends, Russell Simmons, Dr. Dre and Sean "Diddy" Combs, who also have business holdings such as record companies and clothing lines. In interview, he stated that "my brands are an extension of me. They're close to me. It's not like running GM, where there's no emotional attachment."[43] He received GQ's International Man of the Year award.
Jay-Z announced on December 24, 2007 that he will not remain at Def Jam as the company's President, and vacated the position effective of January 1, 2008.[44] Jay-Z teamed up with Norwegian production duo Stargate to establish a record label called StarRoc.[45]
Roc-A-Fella Records
Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.
In late 2004, Jay-Z, Dash and Biggs sold their remaining interests in Roc-A-Fella Records and the Def Jam Recordings by Island Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid and Jay-Z gained control of Roc-A-Fella Records[46]. Reportedly this major industry move was prompted by disagreements between Jay-Z and Dash as to what direction Roc-A-Fella could undertake[47].
The publicized split between Jay-Z, Dash and Biggs led to the former partners sending jabs at each other in interviews. Dame Dash has made comments that after the break up he was portrayed as "Osama bin Laden" to ensure that rappers would stay with Jay-Z and not sign with him.[48] Dash currently operates the recently-founded Dame Dash Music Group as a joint venture with Island Def Jam producing some former Roc-A-Fella artists.
Jay-Z continued to run Roc-A-Fella Records until May 2009. where he bought out his Def Jam contract and left to start Roc Nation[42].
Rocawear
In 1999, Jay-Z co-founded the urban clothing brand Rocawear with Roc-A-Fella Records partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.[49] Rocawear has clothing lines and accessories for men, women and children. The line was taken over by Jay-Z in early 2006 following a falling out with co-founder Damon Dash.
In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, for $204 million. Jay-Z will retain his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development.[49][50]
Entertainment and lifestyle
Jay-Z co-owns The 40/40 Club, an upscale sports bar that started in New York City and has since expanded to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Future plans will see 40/40 Clubs in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Singapore. Roc-A-Fella also distributes Armadale, a Scottish vodka, in the U.S.
On October 16, 2006, Jay-Z's new commercial spot with Anheuser-Busch aired, featuring his latest single "Show Me What You Got". Jay-Z will serve as co-brand director for Budweiser Select while collaborating with the company on strategic marketing programs and creative ad development. He will be providing direction on brand programs and ads that appear on TV, radio, print, and high-profile events.[51]
Jay-Z is a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team paying a reported $4.5 million for his share. He is interested in relocating the team to Brooklyn. In October 2005, he was reported in English media as considering buying a stake of Arsenal F.C., an English soccer team.[52] However, at this point, this is still speculation.
Jay-Z has invested in a real estate development venture called J Hotels which recently acquired a $66 million mid-block parcel in Chelsea, New York. Jay-Z and his partners are contemplating constructing a high-end hotel or an art gallery building on the newly acquired site which has the potential to go up about twelve stories.[53]
Roc Nation
Jay-Z has started a new company after his split with Def Jam called Roc Nation which is a 360° entertainment company. The company serves as a record label, talent/management agency, and music publishing company and maintains control over development, production, administration, branding, marketing and distribution through its deal with Live Nation[54]. The company has already signed J.Cole and Sugababes to record deals and Wale and Melanie Fiona to management deals.
StarRoc
Jay-Z and Stargate have created a new label, StarRoc. The recording studio will be based in Jay-Z's Manhattan Roc the Mic studio. Although there are no new artists signed yet, all artists will be signed to 360 degree contracts, which include endorsements, record sales, and concert revenue.[55][56]
Personal life
Criminal charges
In 1999, Jay-Z was accused of stabbing record executive Lance "Un" Rivera for what Jay-Z perceived was Rivera's bootlegging of Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter. The stabbing allegedly occurred at the record release party for Q-Tip's debut solo album Amplified at the Kit Kat Klub, a now defunct night club in Times Square, New York City, on December 9. Jay-Z's associates at the party were accused of causing a commotion within the club, which Jay-Z allegedly used as cover when he supposedly stabbed Rivera in the stomach with a five-inch (127 mm) blade.[57]
Jay-Z initially denied the incident and pleaded not guilty when a grand jury returned the indictment. Jay-Z and his lawyers contended he was nowhere around Rivera during the incident and they had witnesses and videotape evidence from the club that showed Jay-Z's whereabouts during the disturbance. Nevertheless, he later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge that resulted in a sentence of three years probation.[58] Jay-Z would later reference the trial and incident on many of his songs.
Relationship with Beyoncé
Jay-Z's most public relationship has been with American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles, a former member of Destiny's Child. In 2002, Jay-Z & Beyonce collaborated for the single "Bonnie & Clyde", his lyrics include "Let's lock this down like it's supposed to be/ The '03 Bonnie and Clyde, Hov and B."[59] Jay-Z returned the favor the next year on Knowles' hit single "Crazy In Love" and as well as "That's How You Like It" from her debut Dangerously in Love. On her second album, B'Day, he made appearances on the 2006 hits, "Déjà Vu" and "Upgrade U". In the video for the latter song, she comically imitates his appearance[60].
The couple generally avoid discussing their relationship. Beyoncé has stated that she believes that not publicly discussing their relationship has helped them. Jay-Z said in a People article, "We don't play with our relationship.[61]" They keep a low public profile despite being photographed at New Jersey Nets home games and while on vacation in Cannes in 2007. The pair were listed as a power couple on Time Magazine's 100's Most Influential People of 2006.
On April 4, 2008, it was reported by People that Knowles and Jay-Z had been married at a private ceremony in New York City.[62] It became a matter of public record on April 22, 2008,[63] but Knowles did not publicly debut her $5 million Lorraine Schwartz-designed wedding ring until the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008 in New York City.[64]
Philanthropy
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During his retirement, Jay-Z also became involved in philanthropic activity. On August 9, 2006, he met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the organization's headquarters in New York. The rapper pledged to use his upcoming world tour to raise awareness of – and combat – global water shortage. Already on the look-out for a way to, in his own words, "become helpful", he had been made aware of this issue during a visit to Africa.[65] The effort took place in partnership with the UN,[66] as well as MTV, which produced a documentary entitled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, first airing in November 2006.[67]
Jay-Z also, along with Sean "Diddy" Combs, pledged USD 1 million to the American Red Cross' relief effort after Hurricane Katrina.[68] Jay-Z stated his support for Kanye West after the latter's outburst against President Bush during a live Katrina charity telethon.[69] He also addressed the issue of the Katrina disaster, and the government's response, in his song "Minority Report".[70]
Controversy
Mobb Deep
Shortly after the release of Murda Muzik, Jay-Z spoke out against the duo Mobb Deep, leading to an increase in publicity. Rumor has it[by whom?] that Prodigy took issue with a Jay-Z line from "Money, Cash, Hoes" that he felt were subliminal shots at Mobb Deep and referenced Mobb Deep's beef with Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Death Row Records.[71] Later, at the Hot 97 Summer Jam show of 2001, Jay-Z performed "Takeover," which attacked Prodigy and was later re-recorded for his album The Blueprint. He revealed photographs of a young Prodigy dressed up like Michael Jackson in 1988.[72]
Rivalry with Nas
Tension between the two supposedly dates as far back as 1996, when Nas refused to make a guest appearance on Jay-Z's debut album Reasonable Doubt. However, the relationship between the two rappers remained peaceful (Jay-Z even giving a shoutout to Nas in his album liner notes),[73] and the tension did not escalate to full-blown rivalry until after the death of the Notorious B.I.G.[citation needed].
The dispute involved many of the rappers, especially associates at Roc-A-Fella Records, who declared an all-out war against Nas. However, the feud died down somewhat toward the end of 2002. The feud would fully end in 2005 after Nas appeared with Jay-Z and made peace during the "I Declare War" concert.[21] After Jay-Z signed Nas to Def Jam (of which Jay-Z was president and CEO), he also featured on Nas's first Def Jam album, Hip Hop Is Dead, where he does a song with Nas called "Black Republican". The rivalry impacted their careers critically and commercially.
Joe Budden
Joe Budden raised eyebrows on a remix of "Pump it Up" featuring Jay-Z where the rappers appeared to be battling each other.[74] This has led to speculations of bad blood between the two being a factor in the constant delays The Growth has suffered, since Jay-Z was the President of Joe's then parent label, namely, Def Jam. However, both men have denied this.[75] But more conversation was brought up, e.g., how Dame Dash signed Budden to Roc-A-Fella without telling Jay-Z, whom Dame was partners with at the time. Later, Joe would be let go from Def Jam while under Jay-Z's presidency, and his second album would never be released.
On the song titled "Talk 2 Em", which leaked December 15, 2007, Budden took stabs at Jay-Z's relevance as an artist and his abilities as Def Jam president. He expressed his thoughts and feelings toward his former boss,
“Maybe you should study your understudy/I mean, are we hustlin’/or are we grown up/every time I hear you/ya changin’ ya tone up/when the new generation think about Jordan/all they remember is when Iverson crossed ‘em/take off the blazer, loosen up the tie/niggas fell in love when Superman died.”
Since this time, Jay-Z hasn't directly responded.[76]
The Game
The feud between The Game and Roc-A-Fella Records grew out of an earlier rivalry with Memphis Bleek over the name of his label (Get Low Records), which was similar to the one The Game was previously signed to (Get Low Recordz). On the single "Westside Story", The Game raps that "I don't do button-up shirts or drive Maybachs"[77], which was perceived as being directed towards Jay-Z. Later Jay-Z performed a freestyle on Funkmaster Flex's radio show on Hot 97 that later became a track called "Dear Summer" on Memphis Bleek's 2005 album 534 and in it, he repeatedly used the word "game", which some hip-hop fans believed was directed towards The Game.[78] The Game responded with the track "My Bitch" and made several remarks directed at Roc-A-Fella Records on several other tracks.
While The Game was feuding with Roc-A-Fella artists, his first album featured production from Kanye West and Just Blaze,[79] two Roc-A-Fella producers. In an interview with Ed Lover and Monie Love, The Game said the Maybach line on "Westside Story" was referring to Ja Rule. He said he has a lot of respect for Jay-Z and would never take shots at a legend[80]. Jay-Z later insisted that the "game" references were just about the rap game itself, not the rapper[78]. The Game still addressed Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel and Young Gunz on some songs, but the feud between them cooled off. There were rumors that Jay-Z was planning on "declaring war" on The Game and others at a concert. He instead used the opportunity to make peace with many of his rivals[20].
During a concert in Las Vegas on July 4, 2009, Jay-Z commented on Damon Dash, The Game and Jim Jones. He added a freestyle to "D.O.A.": "I ain't talking about gossip/I ain't talking about Game/I ain't talking about Jimmy/I ain't talking about Dame", he rhymed. "Let's talk about facts/Dame made millions, even Jaz made some scraps/He could've made more but he ain't sign his contract." .[81]
The Game, on tour in Europe, responded on stage. He led his crowd of fans to chants of "fuck Jay-Z" over and over, before calling him an "old ass nigga" and referring him as "Gay-Z". "I know ya'll been hearing about the controversy between me and Gay-Z right?" Game asked the crowd. "So look, I'mma start it off like this: fuck Jay-Z. That's just how I feel. That's how [Tupac] felt, that's how Nas felt at one time, and that's how I feel. You know what I feel like? Fuck Jay-Z." He then broke into an diss freestyle for Jay acapella, before spitting over his "D.O.A." instrumental.[82], he would also release another Jay-Z diss, "I'm So Wavy"[83].
During a July 2009 interview with Tim Westwood on UK Radio, Jay-Z addressed The Game's recent diss by saying "Tell groupie to get over it".[84]
Glastonbury controversy
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Jay-Z_3.jpg/220px-Jay-Z_3.jpg)
On February 1, 2008 it was announced that Jay-Z would headline the 2008 Glastonbury Festival.[29] Tickets failed to sell out with 100,000 being sold - out of a possible 137,500 and as the festival sold out in 2 hours the previous year critics blamed the choice of a hip hop artist as opposed to a rock band as the main problem.[31] Oasis' Noel Gallagher criticised the organizers of the festival for scheduling Jay-Z as a headliner for the traditionally guitar-driven, stating "I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance. Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music and even when they throw the odd curve ball in on a Sunday night you go 'Kylie Minogue?' I don't know about it. But I'm not having hip hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."[85] A controversy ensued in the months leading up to the event with artists, promoters and fans weighing in both for and against. Jay-Z responded to this controversy saying, "We don't play guitars, Noel, but hip hop has put in its work like any other form of music. This headline show is just a natural progression. Rap music is still evolving. We have to respect each other's genre of music and move forward."[86]
Jay-Z opened his set at the 2008 Glastonbury Festival with a tongue-in-cheek cover of Oasis' classic "Wonderwall".[33] When Gallagher was asked about the incident he replied "Someone asked me about the fact that Glastonbury hadn't sold out for the first time in years, and if it was because of Jay-Z. From there it grew into this crap that I was standing on an orange crate at Speakers' Corner saying, 'Gather round, brothers and sisters. Have you heard what's happening at Glastonbury this year?' I've hung out with Jay-Z in Tokyo. It's not my bag, but it's all right."[87] When Jay-Z was asked about Gallagher's comments he said "I heard he was reaching out. I don't bear any grudge, it's all good. I just don't believe in good music and bad music, I've always said that.". and said that he would be interested in collaborating with Oasis in the future. However he later went on to follow up the controversy by referring to the incident in the track "Jockin' JAY-Z".[88]
Lil Wayne
In the December 2006 issue of Complex Magazine, Lil Wayne stated "I'm better than [Jay-Z]... I'm 24 years old. (...) I'm 13 years deep with five albums and 10 million records sold, I don't like what he's saying about how he had to come back because hip hop's dead and we need him... What the fuck do you mean? If anything it's reborn, so he's probably having a problem with that. You left on a good note, and all of the artists were saying, 'Yo, this is Jay's house. He's the best.' Now he comes back and still thinks it's his house... It's not your house anymore, and I'm better than you"[89]. On the track "Watch What You Say to Me" Jay-Z makes an attack on Lil Wayne, rapping, "I hear you baiting me lately / I've been doing my best just to stay hater free / Still 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 / The architect of the Blueprint/ My DNA in your music / Motherfucker, you stupid? Watch what you say to me." Lil Wayne responded with a freestyle over "Ether", a song by Nas about his feud with Jay-Z. Eventually, the beef was resolved between them, and the two of them recorded tracks together like "Hello Brooklyn 2.0," "Mr. Carter," and "Swagga Like Us."
Discography
Studio albums
- Reasonable Doubt (1996)
- In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997)
- Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life (1998)
- Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)
- The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
- The Blueprint (2001)
- The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse (2002)
- The Black Album (2003)
- Kingdom Come (2006)
- American Gangster (2007)
- The Blueprint 3 (2009)
Collaboration albums
- Streets Is Watching (1998)
- The Best of Both Worlds (2002) – with R. Kelly
- Unfinished Business (2004) – with R. Kelly
- Collision Course (2004) – with Linkin Park
Compilation albums
- Jay-Z: Unplugged (2001)
- Chapter One: Greatest Hits (2002)
- The Blueprint 2.1 (2003)
- Bring It On: The Best of Jay-Z (2003)
- Greatest Hits (2006)
Awards
Filmography
Film | Year |
---|---|
Streets Is Watching | 1998 |
Backstage | 2000 |
State Property | 2002 |
Paper Soldiers | 2002 |
Fade to Black | 2004 |
Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life | 2006 |
References
- ^ a b c d Birchmeier, Jason. Jay-Z Biography. Allmusic. Last accessed August 24, 2007.
- ^ Pitchfork: Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam Presidency
- ^ a b The Greatest MCs of All Time MTV. Retrieved on 2006-12-26
- ^ RIAA - Gold & Platinum - August 08, 2008
- ^ Recounted by Jay-Z on the documentary Collision Course DVD. Collision Course. Jay-Z and Linkin Park. Roc-A-Fella/Warner Bros./Machine Shop Recordings. 2004.
- ^ a b Jay-Z Reclaims His 'Kingdom' With No. 1 Debut. Billboard.com. Retrieved on November 29, 2006.
- ^ Leeds, Jeff (2008-04-03). "In Rapper's Deal, a New Model for Music Business". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-04-03.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ Source: Beyoncé and Jay-Z Are Married
- ^ The King Of Rap , Jay-Z Has Built A Billion-Dollar Business - CBS News
- ^ a b Adaso, Henry. How Well Do You Know Jay-Z? About.com. Last accessed August 24, 2007.
- ^ Jay-Z Picture, Profile, Gossip, and News at CelebrityWonder.com
- ^ I Can't Get With That Music Video
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "RIAA - Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
- ^ Jay-Z - AskMen.com
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (February 27, 2002). "Where's The Love? Jay-Z Disses Grammys Again". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
- ^ Martens, Todd (2001-09-20). "Jay-Z Draws 'Blueprint' For Chart Dominance". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
- ^ Recounted by Jay-Z on the documentary Collision Course DVD. Collision Course. Jay-Z and Linkin Park. Roc-A-Fella/Warner Bros./Machine Shop Recordings. 2004.
- ^ Martens, Todd (2002-11-20). "Jay-Z Scores 5th Chart-Topper With 'Blueprint'". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2008-11-12.[dead link]
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (2005-09-15). "'I Declare War!' Jay-Z Says He's Going To Air Some Rappers Out Onstage". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
- ^ a b c Seandra Sims and Houston Williams (2005-10-27). "Hip-Hop Harmony: Jay-Z And Nas Officially Dead Beef". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
- ^ a b Reid, Shaheem (2005-10-28). "Jay-Z And Nas Put Beef To Sleep In Onstage Show Of Unity". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
- ^ Welte, Jim (2006-09-13). "Jay-Z preps Kingdom Come". MP3.com. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
- ^ "Legal Action to be Taken over Jay-Z Single Leak?". World Entertainment News. 2006-10-09. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
- ^ "Jay-Z Ends His Retirement With Star-Studded Comeback Album". San Francisco Chronicle. 2006-09-15. Retrieved September 16 2006.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ Reid, Shaheem (2006-09-14). "Jay-Z's 'Retirement' Is Finally Over: New Album Due In November". MTV News. Retrieved 2006-09-17.
- ^ DAVID M. HALBFINGER and JEFF LEED (2007-09-20). "For Jay-Z, Inspiration Arrives in a Movie". New York Times. Retrieved September 19 2007.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ Shake (2007-09-20). "Jay-Z to Release 'American Gangster'". HipHopDX. Retrieved September 20 2007.
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ignored (help) - ^ Johns Hopkins Newsletter: New Vibrations
- ^ a b "Jay-Z confirmed for Glastonbury". BBC News. 2008-02-01. Retrieved 2008-02-01.
- ^ Jay-Z confirmed to headline Glastonbury 2008 News | NME.COM
- ^ a b "Glasto tix still left". BBC Radio 6 Music. 2008-04-11. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
- ^ BBC - Newsbeat - Music - Glastonbury tickets 'available'
- ^ a b "Jay-Z's Glastonbury Wonderwall dig at Noel Gallagher". Sunday Mirror. June 29, 2008.
- ^ Jay-Z answers critics in Glastonbury performance
- ^ Roskilde Festival: Forside
- ^ Hove Festival Homepage
- ^ Official O2 Wireless Festival line-up
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (2008-07-03). "Jay-Z Says He'd Be Open To Working With Noel Gallagher And Oasis: 'I Don't Bear Any Grudge' For Glastonbury Dis". MTV News. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- ^ Timbaland On Producing Jay-Z's Next LP: 'It'll Be A Monster' Accessed July 16, 2008.
- ^ "HHWorlds.com" - Jay-Z Downplays Timbaland's Role, Praises Obama
- ^ Jay-Z performs Blueprint 3 track with Kanye
- ^ a b Daniel Kreps (2009-05-21). "Jay-Z Buys Out Def Jam Contract, "Blueprint 3″ Heads to Roc Nation". Rolling Stone.
- ^ "Jay-Z Talks Business, Success in New Interview". idiomag. 2009-03-15. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
- ^ "BREAKING NEWS: Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam". AllHipHop.com. 2007-12-24.
- ^ Hobbs, Linda (2008-09-23). "Jay-Z Launches New Record Label". Vibe. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
- ^ Hall, Rashaun (December 8, 2004). "Jay-Z, Dame Dash Sell Roc-A-Fella Records; Jay Named Def Jam Prez". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
- ^ Konigsberg, Eric (June 12, 2006). "Why Former Roc-A-Fella Records Partner Damon Dash Hates Mondays". New York Magazine. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
- ^ Damon Dash Speaks About Jay-Z, Vibe.com, April 10, 2006
- ^ a b "Iconix to Buy Rocawear, Jay-Z's Clothing Line". The New York Times. 2007-03-07. Retrieved 2007-03-09.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "Jay-Z: Down To 98 Problems Yet?". MTV. 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2007-03-09.
- ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/Hiphopnews/index.asp?ID=6279[dead link]
- ^ Beyonce's Rapper Lover Is After A Piece Of Arse: Jay-Z's Footie Bid, The Sunday Mirror, October 9, 2005
- ^ HHWorlds.com - Jay-Z Teams Up With J Hotels To Develop On $66 Million New York Site
- ^ I.B. Bad Contemplates The Great Unknown". HITS Daily Double. 2009-05-22. Retrieved on August 6 2009.
- ^ Tai Saint Louis (2008-09-28). "Jay-Z Statement On New StarRoc Label". AllHipHop.com.
- ^ Jason (2008-09-23). "Details On Jay-Z's New Label". Rap Basement.
- ^ Handlin, Sam. Jay-Z pleads guilty to stabbing record executive. Courttv.com. October 18, 2001. Retrieved June 18, 2006.
- ^ D'Angelo, Joe (October 17, 2001). "Jay-Z Pleads Guilty To Stabbing, Faces Three Years' Probation". MTV. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ^ 03' Bonnie and Clyde lyrics
- ^ Beyonce - Upgrade U (official video)
- ^ Michelle Tauber (October 25, 2004). "The Good Life". People.com. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
- ^ "Source: Beyoncé and Jay-Z Are Married". People.com. April 4, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
- ^ Helling, Steve ((2008-04-22)). "Beyonce and Jay-Z File Signed Marriage License". People. Retrieved 2008-04-23.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ "Beyonce's ring revealed!" People, Vol. 70, No. 12, September 22, 2008, pg. 26.
- ^ Jay-Z helps UN focus on world water crisis, USA Today, August 9, 2006. Retrieved June 4, 2006
- ^ "International Decade for Action: Water for Life, 2005 - 2015". United Nations. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- ^ "Water for Life". MTV. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- ^ "Diddy, Jay-Z give $1 million to Red Cross". MSNBC. 2005-09-02. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- ^ "Jay-Z backs Kanye West's telethon outburst". MSNBC. 2005-09-07. Retrieved 2008-06-04.
- ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Jay-Z, Metallica, Bow Wow, John Legend, J Dilla, Sufjan Stevens & More". MTV. 2007-02-12. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (December 12, 2001). "Mobb Deep Strike Back At Jay-Z On Infamy". MTV. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
- ^ "Prodigy Reacts To Michael Jackson's Death From Behind Bars". XXL. 2009-06-30. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem. "Nas vs. Jay-Z: Grade-A Beef". MTV. Retrieved 2007-02-13.
- ^ Lyrics to the rather infamous "Pump it Up" remix
- ^ Jay-Z interview that mentions "The Growth" delays
- ^ HHWorlds.com - Joe Budden On Jay-Z, "Stop Rapping, Hang It Up"
- ^ The Game - Westside Story - 0:37 into the track, "Payback, Homie I'll bring your CA back, And I don't do button up shirts or drive Maybachs"
- ^ a b Clover Hope (February 14, 2005). "Wichr latter become a track called Dear Summer on Memphis Bleeks 2005 Album 534. Game Says No Beef With Jay-Z, Speaks on Amsterdam Comments". Allhiphop. Retrieved July 27 2007.
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"The Documentary". Amazon. Retrieved January 29 2007.
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ignored (help) - ^ The Documentary (song) lyrics, contains interview
- ^ BoomBox Staff (July 06 2009). "Jay-Z Honors MJ, Disses Dash, Game During Vegas Show". The Boombox.com. Retrieved July 06 2009.
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ignored (help) - ^ Ronnie Gamble (July 10th, 2009). "The Game Disses Jay-Z During Overseas Performances". BallerStatus.com. Retrieved July 10 2009.
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ignored (help) - ^ Meka (July 11th, 2009). "The Game - I'm So Wavy (Jay-Z Diss)". 2DopeBoyz. Retrieved August 14 2009.
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ignored (help) - ^ hiphopgalaxy.com (July 23th, 2009). "The Game dissed Jay-Z Fans during a show in the UK". hiphopgalaxy.com. Retrieved July 23 2009.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ "Hip-hop "wrong" for Glastonbury". BBC News. 2008-04-12. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ "Noel Gallagher is narrow minded: Jay-Z". NDTVmusic.com. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
- ^ Michael Odell (2008-09-22). "The SPIN Interview: Noel Gallagher". SPIN.
- ^ Daniels, Adam (2008-08-08). "Update: Jay-Z continues Oasis beef, hints at Blueprint 3". Paste. Paste Media Group. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
- ^ Doyle, Matt. "Cover Story: Lil Wayne". Complex Magazine. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
External links
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- Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from August 2009
- Jay-Z
- 1969 births
- African American rappers
- African American record producers
- American dance musicians
- American music industry executives
- Americans convicted of assault
- East Coast hip hop producers
- Freestyle rappers
- Grammy Award winners
- Living people
- People from Brooklyn
- People from Scarsdale, New York
- Rappers from New York City
- Roc-A-Fella Records artists
- Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths
- Priority Records artists