Outline

• Introduction
• Jay Z is one of the most influential figures in society. From music to humanitarian works, Jay Z is the epitome of progress in the black struggle.
• Early Life
• Birth
• Original name Shawn Corey Carter, Jay Z was born December 4, 1970 in Brooklyn, New York
• Pivotal experiences
• Father abandoned the family
• Attended 3 different schools but did not graduate
• Sold crack cocaine
• Shot 3 times
• Influences and/or problems
• Greatest influence
• Marvin Gaye
• Donny Hathaway
• Important Decisions
• Changed stage name multiple times
• Retired as performer
• Problems?
• No label would give him a record deal, Jay Z sold CDs out of his car
• Criminal charges
• Aims to solve problem?
• Created his own record label: Roc-A-Fella.
• Pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor
• Career Highlights
• Important events:
• Accomplishments/Awards
• 68 Awards Won
• 3 American Music Awards
• 2 Billboard Music Awards
• 21 Grammy Awards
• 7 BET Awards
• 8 MTV Video Music Awards
• Notable Works
• Blueprint 3
• Magna Carta Holy Grail
• 4:44 in response to Beyoncé’s Lemonade
• Politics and Philanthropy
• Shawn Carter Foundation
• $1 million to American Red Cross
• Supported Obama campaign and increased voter participation
• Business ventures
• Film production company
• Clothing line
• Investments in NBA
• Later Life
• Marriage:
• Beyoncé (Queen Bey)
• Married 2008
• American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress
• Children:
• Blue Ivy Carter
• Twins
• Rumi Carter
• Sir Carter
• Interesting facts
• President of DefJam (2004)
• Forbes ranked Jay-Z and Beyoncé as Hollywood’s top earning couple
• Conclusion
• Jay Z has managed to thrive despite the odds
• He has shaped the hip-hop world
• Promotes change in society regarding race, political obstacles and financial freedom