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Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969),[1] better known by his stage name, Jay-Z is an American hip hop artist and businessman. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America,[2] having a net worth of over $150 million,[3] shipping over 30 million copies of his albums in the United States alone and receiving several Grammy Awards for his musical work.[4].

Jay-Z co-owns The 40/40 Club and the NBA's New Jersey Nets and is also the creator of the clothing line Rocawear. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings[5], one of the three founders of Roc-A-Fella Records and recently, the founder of his new venture Roc Nation. He is also the current holder for the record of most number one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200.[6]

Along with his financial and musical success, Jay-Z is known for being involved in the feud between him and fellow New York rapper Nas, which was eventually settled in 2005.[7] He is also known for his relationship with Beyoncé Knowles, whom he married on April 4, 2008.[8]