2026 has been a landmark year for Jay-Z. Marking 30 years of Reasonable Doubt and 25 of The Blueprint, he played three nights at Yankee Stadium on 10-12 July, two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on 4-5 September and the Stade de France in Paris on 10 September, with two nights at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to follow on 23-24 October.
From Brooklyn's Marcy Houses to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it is one of music's great journeys. Browse our rap and hip hop collection for more tributes to the legends of the genre.
Jay-Z Fact File
| Full name | Shawn Corey Carter |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 December 1969 (age 56) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, US |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1986-present |
| Known for | Hip hop, The Blueprint |
| Labels | Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam, Roc Nation |
| Nicknames | Hova, Jigga |
Career History
| Year | Album | Label/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Reasonable Doubt | Roc-A-Fella / Priority |
| 1997 | In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 | Roc-A-Fella / Def Jam |
| 1998 | Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life | First Grammy |
| 1999 | Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter | US number one |
| 2000 | The Dynasty: Roc La Familia | US number one |
| 2001 | The Blueprint | US number one |
| 2002 | The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse | US number one |
| 2003 | The Black Album | US number one |
| 2006 | Kingdom Come | US number one |
| 2007 | American Gangster | US number one |
| 2009 | The Blueprint 3 | Roc Nation / Atlantic |
| 2013 | Magna Carta Holy Grail | Roc Nation / Roc-A-Fella |
| 2017 | 4:44 | Roc Nation |
Solo studio albums only; years are original US release. "US number one" means the album topped the Billboard 200.
Early Years in Brooklyn
Shawn Carter grew up in Brooklyn's Marcy Houses, where neighbours called him "Jazzy", the root of his stage name. With major labels slow to notice, he teamed up with Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in the mid-1990s to launch their own label, Roc-A-Fella Records. Their first big statement, 1996's Reasonable Doubt, is now hailed as one of hip hop's finest debuts.
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The Breakthrough
With Roc-A-Fella now partnered with Def Jam, 1998's Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life changed everything. It sold more than five million copies in the US and won his first Grammy, for Best Rap Album, and the number ones kept coming after it.
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The Blueprint Years
Many fans call The Blueprint (2001) his masterpiece, its soulful production helping shape hip hop for a decade. The Black Album (2003) was billed as a farewell, but instead opened a new chapter: from 2004 to 2007 he was president of Def Jam Recordings, before returning with Kingdom Come and American Gangster. In all, 11 of his 13 solo albums reached number one in the US.
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Roc Nation and Legacy
In 2008 he launched Roc Nation, spanning records, management and publishing. The Blueprint 3, Watch the Throne (2011) with Kanye West, Magna Carta Holy Grail and the deeply personal 4:44 followed, plus Everything Is Love (2018) with Beyoncé. In 2021 he entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, inducted by Dave Chappelle.
Awards and Honours
Grammy Awards
- 25 wins from 89 nominations, among the most of any hip hop artist
- First win: Best Rap Album for Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life
- Dr. Dre Global Impact Award (2024)
Halls of Fame
- Songwriters Hall of Fame (2017), the first rapper elected
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2021)
Other Honours
- Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) as a producer of the Super Bowl LVI halftime show
Away From the Spotlight
In 2019 Forbes named Jay-Z hip hop's first billionaire. Through Roc Nation he has worked with the NFL on its halftime shows, and he is married to Beyoncé.
FAQs
How old is Jay-Z?
Jay-Z was born on 4 December 1969, so he is 56 years old and will turn 57 in December 2026.
What is Jay-Z's real name?
His real name is Shawn Corey Carter. Jay-Z grew out of his childhood nickname "Jazzy".
Where was Jay-Z born?
He was born in Brooklyn, New York City.
How many albums has Jay-Z released?
Jay-Z has released 13 solo studio albums, from Reasonable Doubt (1996) to 4:44 (2017), plus collaborative albums.
How many Grammys has Jay-Z won?
He has won 25 Grammy Awards from 89 nominations.
Is Jay-Z touring in 2026?
Yes. After Yankee Stadium in July and London and Paris in September, he plays two nights at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 23-24 October 2026.
Shop the Jay-Z Collection
Our Jay-Z range features tribute and fan designs on UK made-to-order hoodies and tees.
Jay Z Men's T-Shirt
£29.99
Jay Z Men's Hoodie
£39.99
Explore more in our rap and hip hop collection and wider music collection, or create your own with our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: The Notorious B.I.G. Career Story and Kendrick Lamar Career Story.
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