Jay-Z: The American Dream While Jay-Z is known for his incredible abilities as a lyricist, few recognize his remarkable abilities as a business tycoon. Shawn Corey Carter has changed the business industry forever. He has made a top-of-the-line brand for himself, and created opportunities to churn out more and more revenue at each and every turn of his career. While rappers are known to blow money as quickly as they make it, Jay-Z has certainly distanced himself from that stereotype. Shawn Corey Carter was born December 7th, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York to Gloria Carter, and Adnis Reeves (Biography.com). Carter grew up in the Marcy housing projects, a well known area in Brooklyn for its importance as a drug capital of the United States.
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It taught Carter how to discipline himself with money, and utilize the basic concepts of supply and demand. Shortly following the conclusion of his drug dealing career, Carter would create his first song, "The Originators," with his longtime mentor, and guardian; Jaz-O. After a few more collaborations with Jaz-O and other artists, Jay-Z would create his first album, "Reasonable Doubt," in 1996, and the rest is history. Carter has released seven albums, all of which have made the billboard top 100. With the money Jay-Z has made from music, he has also pursued many other entrepreneurial feats. He started his own clothing line in Rocawear, built the brand up and sold it for over $200 million dollars (Stern). He bought the New Jersey Nets, an NBA franchise and relocated them to Brooklyn (now the Brooklyn Nets), his home town. Jay-Z also developed one of the most successful rap labels of our time, in Roc-A-Fella Records (IMDb.com). He owns restaurants in Brooklyn, along with his own champagne brand as well. Jay-Z has made a name for himself literally everywhere in the business
It taught Carter how to discipline himself with money, and utilize the basic concepts of supply and demand. Shortly following the conclusion of his drug dealing career, Carter would create his first song, "The Originators," with his longtime mentor, and guardian; Jaz-O. After a few more collaborations with Jaz-O and other artists, Jay-Z would create his first album, "Reasonable Doubt," in 1996, and the rest is history. Carter has released seven albums, all of which have made the billboard top 100. With the money Jay-Z has made from music, he has also pursued many other entrepreneurial feats. He started his own clothing line in Rocawear, built the brand up and sold it for over $200 million dollars (Stern). He bought the New Jersey Nets, an NBA franchise and relocated them to Brooklyn (now the Brooklyn Nets), his home town. Jay-Z also developed one of the most successful rap labels of our time, in Roc-A-Fella Records (IMDb.com). He owns restaurants in Brooklyn, along with his own champagne brand as well. Jay-Z has made a name for himself literally everywhere in the business