Jay-Z

Jay-Z is an American rapper and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in Brooklyn’s hip-hop scene during the mid-1990s. He co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records and Roc Nation, platforms that reshaped hip-hop’s business and creative landscapes. His discography includes landmark albums like *Reasonable Doubt* and *The Blueprint*, celebrated for their intricate lyricism and vivid storytelling rooted in street narratives. His relevance in hip-hop culture comes from pioneering the fusion of music with luxury branding and digital innovation. Jay-Z’s ventures, such as the streaming service Tidal and partnerships with high-end fashion brands, have expanded hip-hop’s presence beyond music into lifestyle and technology. Fans return to his work for its blend of sharp business acumen and cultural commentary, marking him as a defining figure in the genre’s evolution.

Sign Up to get access to the latest drops, exclusive products and insider updates.
By entering your email, you agree to receive customized marketing messages from us and our advertising partners. You also acknowledge that this site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and that our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest Stories

ay-Z is seen before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Cote D'Ivoire and Ecuador at Philadelphia Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Music

Jay-Z Announces Immersive Pop-Up Activations in Brooklyn and Manhattan

The two-day experience will commemorate the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z's debut album, 'Reasonable Doubt.'

The 77th Annual Tony Awards - Show
Sports

Alicia Keys Links With Og Anunonby to Announce She’ll Be Performing ”Empire State of Mind” at Parade

Alicia Keys will perform the 2009 Jay-Z collaboration at the Knicks' ticker-tape parade June 18.

Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and Cam'ron
Music

Dame Dash Previews Poop-Themed Jay-Z and Cam’ron Diss Featuring Nicky Licky

Dash raps about their breath smelling like"cinnamon doo-doo."

Trey Alston2 days ago
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys smiling at an event, both dressed in formal attire.
Music

New Yorkers Are Celebrating Knicks Championship With These Songs Instead of "Empire State of Mind"

For many New Yorkers, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys's 2009 blockbuster isn't the go-to anthem.

Collage of rappers performing: Playboi Carti, Drake, Youngboy Never Broke Again and J. Cole, each with unique outfits and dynamic stage presence.
Music

100 Hottest Rappers Right Now [June 2026]

From Drake and his new album 'Iceman' to Jay-Z—who is celebrating 30 years of 'Reasonable Doubt' at Yankee Stadium this summer—we ranked the hottest rappers right now.

Advertisement
US rapper Fabolous attends the world premiere of Lionsgate's "Hurry Up Tomorrow" in New York, May 13, 2025.
Music

Fabolous Says '95 Percent' of Rap Beefs Are About 'B*tches'

He jokingly called problems between rappers over women "very tender situations."

Gabriel Moses in dark clothing poses in front of a black and neon backdrop.
Style

Who Is Gabriel Moses? What to Know About Artist Behind Visuals for Travis Scott, Clipse, More

The photographer and filmmaker's star-stacked roster of collaborators is extensive.

Fabolous poses for a portrait in front of the New York skyline in 2002.
Bets

The 25 Best Knicks References by New York Rappers

From Jay Z to Biggie to A Tribe Called Quest, New York rappers have shouted out the Knicks in their rhymes.

Jay-Z with long dreadlocks in a formal black suit, smiling, with a white flower on his lapel.
Music

Jay-Z Announces Shows in Paris and Los Angeles: What to Know

The new shows follow HOV's headlines-dominating Roots Picnic performance.

Some of the greatest New York Knicks courtside outfits we have ever seen at Madison Square Garden include celebrity fans like Timothee Chalamet and Spike Lee.
Style

The 10 Best New York Knicks Courtside Outfits of All Time, Ranked

Rappers, rockstars, and cinema’s A-list have all used Madison Square Garden’s famous front row for unforgettable fashion moments.

Ian Stonebrook11 days ago
Advertisement
Westside Gunn wearing a black ski mask and jewelry performs on stage, holding a microphone, with a colorful background.
Music

Westside Gunn Addresses Claim That Jay-Z Advice Caused Griselda Rift: ‘Everybody Wanna Go Viral'

Podcaster Mal claimed that Jay-Z tried unsuccessfully to convince Gunn to give Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher equity in Griselda.

Alex Ocho11 days ago
(L-R) DJ Akademiks and Jay-Z.
Music

Akademiks Claims Jay-Z Freestyle Targets Are Unbothered: 'He Needs Another Move'

The media personality has shared that be believes Hov isn't "getting the best response" after his viral Roots Picnic freestyle.

(L-R) Jay-Z and Damon Dash.
Music

Dame Dash Claims Jay-Z 'Smashed' Biggie's Girl After Rapper's Death

The Roc-A-Fella co-founder has revisited one of hip-hop's most controversial stories while responding to Hov's Roots Picnic freestyle.

Mark Elibert13 days ago
Jay-Z in a tuxedo talking to Drake, who is smiling and gesturing, at a formal event.
Music

Jay-Z and Drake's Complicated Relationship Heats Up Again

Hov responded to Drake's 'Iceman' subs in his Roots Picnic freestyle, but I've been tracking this back-and-forth since 2009.

Jordan Rose14 days ago
Drake performing on stage, wearing a black shirt and leather pants. Jay-Z in a formal black suit with a white flower at a gala event.
Music

DJ Akademiks Argues Drake's First 3 Albums Are 'Valued More' Than Jay-Z's Entire Catalog

Akademiks makes a very Akademiks argument following HOV's Roots Picnic freestyle.

Advertisement
Bobby Shmurda on the left is smiling, wearing sunglasses and jewelry. Jay-Z on the right is wearing glasses and a hat.
Music

Bobby Shmurda Questions Jay-Z’s Street Credibility in New Rant: ‘Who Here Seen Him In a Shootout?’

The Brooklyn rapper shared a series of Instagram posts targeting Jay-Z, accusing industry power players of gatekeeping and challenging the Roc Nation founder's reputation.

Mark Elibert15 days ago
Jay-Z with an afro and sunglasses holds a microphone, bathed in green light.
Music

How Jay-Z Pulled Off His Roots Picnic Performance, According to Co-Musical Director Adam Blackstone

Adam Blackstone, the co-musical director behind Roots Picnic, breaks down how Jay-Z pulled off the performance of the year.

Two images: Left shows Dame Dash in sunglasses and a green jacket against a brick wall. Right shows Drake performing on stage with a microphone.
Music

Dame Dash Believes Drake 'Can Beat' Jay-Z, But Not Kendrick Lamar: 'I Know That for a Fact'

Dame claims he wasn't impressed with his former Roc-A-Fella partner's headlines-making freestyle.

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App