Shawn Corey Carter, also known as Jay-Z, Jigga, and Jay-Hova (a play on Jehovah also seen in its variations as simply Hova, or Young Hov) (born December 4, 1969, Brooklyn, New York) is a rap/hip hop performer and record label executive. He was one of the most popular and successful U.S. rappers of the late 1990s and early 2000s and often claims to be the best rapper alive, (which is hard to dispute, but since he has 'retired'). He is one of the founders of Roc-A-Fella Records, a successful hip-hop label which also launched the careers of Beanie Sigel, Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Young Gunz, Freeway, and others. Known for his metaphoric lines, freestyling abilities, crafty word play, and blending of street and popular hip hop, Jay-Z became one of the most respected rappers in the music industry before announcing his retirement from recording in 2004. Jay-Z was later appointed the president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, after Roc-A-Fella was sold to the company. As of 2005, he is estimated to be worth around $320 million . Several rumors indicate that Jay-Z is planning on releasing a new album (though it may contain only previously un-released material) in 2006, 10 years after his 1st release. In February 2006 when asked who he was producing for next longtime collaborator Pharrell dropped several names, among them were Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, and... (last but not least) Jay-Z.
Originally from the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York, Carter was abandoned by his father Agnes Reeves when he was twelve years old and he was consequently raised by his mother Gloria. This had a profound effect on him, and as a young man, he claims to have been caught up in selling drugs on the streets of New York in the Marcy Projects. He was known as "Jazzy" in his neighborhood, a nickname which eventually became his stage name, "Jay-Z." The name Jay-Z is also a homage to his musical partner Jaz-O (a.k.a., the Jaz) as well as to the J-Z subway lines that go from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
