Jay Z is a rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur with a reported net worth over $650 million. Initially Jay Z’s fortune was due to his success in the music industry but he has since gone on to found multiple successful business ventures. He began as co-founder of Roc-A-Fella records and debuted his album “Reasonable Doubt” back in 1996. From there Jay Z would go on to sell more than 55 million albums worldwide. He’s expected to surpass the $1 billion mark which is unprecedented for most celebrities.
His success as a musical artist is well known but he’s also collaborate and written for other artists like Bono, Rihanna, and Mariah Carey just to name a few. He’s even produced a musical called “Fela” which celebrated Nigerian political activist Fela Kuti. In addition to music, he’s appeared in movies like Back Stage and State Property, Streets He also has a documentary about him called Fade to Black which covers his entire career.
Along with his musical prowess Jay Z’s been extremely successful in business. Particularly his investments in clothing and record companies as well as being a co-owner of the 40/40 clubs in NYC, Atlantic City, and Chicago. He’s also part owner of the Brooklyn Nets. On the philanthropy side, Jay Z is adamant about the global water shortage and has contributed over $1 million to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
He was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1969 to a father who abandoned him to sell drugs. As a child, after his mother bought him a boom box for his birthday, Jay-Z became created his own style of hip hop. In 2002, Jay-Z worked with Beyonce on the song, “03-Bonnie & Clyde,” as well as her hit single, “Crazy in Love,” and “That’s How You Like it.” He made appearances in several of Beyonce performances. In 2008, the two were married, and have been named the top earning couple in the music industry. The couple welcomed their first child Blue Ivy on January 8th 2012.
Here are some highlights on how Jay Z amassed his net worth.
Clothing: Jay sold Rocaware clothing for $204 million back in 2007.
Records: Every single album he’s ever released has gone platinum.
Endorsements: Chevy, Budweiser, Armadale Vodka, Hewlett Packard
Concerts: His record deal with Live Nation is worth $150 million
Miscellaneous: Jay’s ownership stake in the New Jersey Nets, Arsenal Football Club, 40/40 nighclubs, Def Jam Records
