About Jay Z

hawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper and former CEO of Def Jam Recordings[1] and Roc-A-Fella Records. In addition, he co-owns The 40/40 Club and the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America.[2] Jay-Z is one of the most successful examples of the growing power of hip-hop. He has sold over 26 million units in the USA[3] and 50 million copies worldwide. [4] 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] The New York Times announced that Jay-Z is on the verge of a partnership with Live Nation for $150 million — among the most expensive contracts ever awarded to a musician.[7] As of 2007, Jay-Z is worth an estimated US$940 million, regaining his position as the richest hip hop artist in the world, which was held in 2006 by Sean "Diddy" Combs. [8].