Jay-z: redefining the meaning of success in hip-hop

Gone are the days when rappers referred to making it or success ding in the hip hop industry was when they managed to release two successful albums, made a million and actually being alive to till the age of 30. Back than when rappers had more enemies than friends and where you only qualified to be called a gangster unless you were shot or been to jail like rappers like DMX, Ja-Rule.

Now the hip hop industry has changed, it has matured and the bar has been raised and theres a new definition of success in the game. Introducing the game changer Mr. Shawn Carter also known as jay-z.  Jay-z has raised the bar in the hip-hop industry in more ways than one, he went from dreaming about making music at a young age and trying to reach his dreams to actually making music and helping others make music and also reach for their dreams. He was born in one of the toughest and most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City Brooklyn, just like every kid he had a dream to get out of the hood and make something of himself.

He went from living in one of the poorest neighborhoods in New York City to stay in one of the most expensive pent houses in New York City. Now referred to as one of the best rappers of all time and also the richest man in hip hop with a net worth of over $450 million. Two of his albums have landed of the list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. When many rappers were busy getting into feuds he was growing his empire, from launching his own club 40/40, being part owner of the New Jersey Nets and he also started his own record company Roca-fella records, he was also the CEO of Def Jam records where he launched successful careers of rapper Khanye West, singer Rihanna and also J.cole to name a few.  He has influenced a lot of musicians, now many rappers have gone business sarvey launching their own businesses ventures and also starting their own record labels. Jay-z was once quoted “saying his not a businessman but his a business man”.

Now many rappers have gone from just giving shootouts and talking about their neighborhood’s to actually helping out and developing their neighborhood’s and giving a helping hand, for example Jayz has launched his own foundation called The Shawn Carter Foundation that helps young pupil from poor backgrounds by giving them scholarships to further their education .

jayz and wife beyonce

Now he founded his own record label roc nations which has signed artist like J.cole, Wale, willow smith, Alexis Jordon. Rihanna. At the age 42 of his still going strong not showing any signs of slowing down, married to one of the most beautiful women in the world RnB singer Beyonce Knowles and a new born daughter Ivy Blue Carter. Now many rappers all say they want to be Jay-z rich amd he just recorded a documentary talking about his life, success on Oprah winfreys Network. link: jayz master class.