Since 1996, 19-time Grammy award winner, Shawn "JAY Z" Carter has
dominated an evolution in popular culture. Between multiple businesses and accolades spanning the recording industry to global investment leaders such as Warren Buffett, JAY Z personifies the "American Dream."
Carter served as President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he fostered the careers of international stars Rihanna, Kanye West and many others before entering into a partnership with Live Nation, forming the entertainment company, Roc Nation. In 2009, his release Blueprint 3 became his 11th # 1 album debut securing the record for most #1 albums by any solo artist. 2012 saw JAY Z launching his annual MADE IN AMERICA festival, a 2-day event held in Philadelphia.
In April 2013, Carter, the majority owner of the 40/40 sports clubs, announced Roc Nation Sports, home to three-time NBA scoring champion and 2014 NBA MVP, Oklahoma City Thunder's, Kevin Durant, All-Star Seattle Mariner, Robinson Cano and first round draft pick, Notre Dame all-time high scorer, Skylar Diggins, of the Tulsa Shock. 2013 also saw the release of JAY Z's 13th # 1 album debut with "Magna Carta... Holy Grail," a sold-out stadium tour with Justin Timberlake and the sold out worldwide "MAGNA CARTER WORLD TOUR."
So far, 2014 has seen the expansion of Carter’s MADE IN AMERICA festival to Los Angeles, the nation-wide sold out stadium run “ON THE RUN Tour: Beyonce and JAY Z” along with an HBO special and Roc Nation Sports adding boxing promotion to its arsenal.
Shawn "JAY Z” Carter continues his philanthropic work through Shawn Carter Foundation. The Foundation, founded in 2002, is dedicated to helping individuals facing socio-economic hardships further their education, encouraging them to tap into their potential. Shawn Carter Scholars are studying at over 100 institutions of higher learning throughout the nation.