Jay Z was born on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York, his original name being Shawn Corey Carter. His father, Adnes Reeves left him when he was only 12. His mother Garcia Carter raised him. He was the youngest of other three siblings. Jay Z spent early years of his life in Brooklyn's drug infested Marcy Projects. In may of his autobiographical songs, he has mentioned that he dealt with drug abuse and he even shot his brother for stealng his jewellery. He had a musical bent of ming from a very young age. He started writing lyrics when he was 9. He used kitchen table to create drum-patterns. In 1989, he joined hands with rapper JAzz-O and recorded a song "The Originators" which appeared in an episode of YO!MTV Raps. After this stint, he came to be known as Jay Z. Even after having a stage name, no famous Label was willing to sign him. In 1996, he along with his friends Damon Dash and Kareem Burke, founded their own label Roc-A-Fella Records. His first music album was "Reasonable Doubt". It also featured Mary J. Blige and Notorious B.I.G. Jay Z was now an established rapper. He married his sweetheart Beyonce Knowles.The Dynasty- Roc La Familia, The Blueprint, etc. He has 15 albums to his credit. Besides these musical projects, he owns a fashion line and stake in stake in the New Jersey Nets NBA basketball franchise. Having worked for so many years and after achieving huge success, he has no plans to slow down.
Copyright: http://blogs.forbes.com/davidewalt/2010/09/22/jay-z-vs-warren-buffett-in-the-forbes-400/
