Shawn Corey Carter (known professionally as Jay-Z) is an American rapper, record executive, and businessman, the self-made billionaire founder of Roc Nation and Roc-A-Fella Records. Born in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1969, he was raised in the Marcy Houses public housing project in Bedford–Stuyvesant.

His early life was marked by adversity: his father abandoned the family when Jay-Z was 11, and he did not graduate from high school, dropping out during his sophomore year. His interest in music was sparked when his mother bought him a boombox; he credits this and his early involvement with drug dealing (which he references in his lyrics) with fueling his relentless drive for success. His philosophical principles are self-reliance, black excellence, and financial literacy.

• Roc Nation (Founder): The core private asset, a major entertainment company spanning management, music publishing, and sports agency.
• Roc-A-Fella Records (Co-founder): The record label he co-founded in 1995 to release his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
• Vast Portfolio: His wealth is built on a diverse portfolio spanning clothing (Rocawear), spirits (Armand de Brignac/D'USSÉ), sports (40/40 Club), and technology (Square/Block).
• Cultural Icon: He is recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and holds the record for the most number-one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200 (14).

Jay-Z's strategic genius was his vertical integration of his music career with his business interests. After co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 to control his own music, he became President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings (2004–2007), gaining executive experience at a major label. He sold his stakes in Rocawear and The 40/40 Club for immense financial gains, which he used to fund his next ventures.

His structural contribution is tied to his role as a media proprietor and investor: he founded Roc Nation in 2008 and later sold a stake in TIDAL to Square/Block. His sale of 50 percent of his D'USSÉ cognac brand and 50 percent of his Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades) champagne brand to LVMH further solidified his billionaire status. He is the first rapper to become a billionaire and remains one of the most influential figures in music, sports, and business, leveraging his music IP to create immense long-term equity.

Jay-Z's social impact is massive and structural, tied to his role as a leading advocate for social justice and criminal justice reform. His Schultz Family Foundation (from a related search, which he co-founded with his wife, Sheri) focuses on creating opportunity and helping young people. His Shawn Carter Foundation provides scholarship funding and mentorship to underserved students.

His structural contribution is tied to his role as a pioneer in black ownership and financial literacy in the entertainment industry, using his platform to promote generational wealth building and economic empowerment.

Jay-Z maintains the influential, high-end style of a cultural icon and mogul. His attire is consistently bespoke, favoring tailored suits and designer wear, often projecting the aesthetic of 'The Carter Administration.' His luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune.

Residing in New York City with his wife, Beyoncé, his life is dedicated to music, entertainment, strategic investment, and social justice advocacy.