Jay Z: From Brooklyn Rapper to Brand

Image from Elite Daily

Jay Z is known for his success as a business man just as much for being one of the most talented rappers in the game. Some can argue that the Brooklyn rapper always had a mogul mentality. In 1996, he along with friends Damon Dash and Kareem Burke partnered together to create Roc-A-Fella Records. There, he launched his debut album Reasonable Doubt, which featured rhymes about his time as a drug dealer on the streets of Brooklyn. Jay Z quickly gained exposure for his lyrical genius that catapulted him into musical success.

Throughout his career, Hov has earned 7 number one albums and sold more than 40 million records worldwide. Some of his hit singles include "Big Pimpin'" and "99 Problems". In 2006 the emcee announced his "retirement" and began focusing on his business aspirations and became the president of Def Jam Records  where he signed Rihanna and Yung Jeezy. He also dabbled in fashion with Roca Wear and opening his sports lounge called the 40/40 Club.

I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man.- Jay Z

Jay Z quickly grew his empire and came out of retirement in 2006 with the album American Gangster. Jay Z mixed business with music by aligning himself with major brands including Live Nation when he signed . a $150 million contract with the ticketing company in 2008. He has had his hand in many different areas from sports, to clothing, to entertainment, and even real estate. In 2004, the rapper bought a stake in the New Jersey Nets, which sparked the move to Brooklyn in 2012 to be called the Brooklyn Nets. Since then he has signed basketball player Kevin Durant to Roc Nation Sports.

Mr. Carter now enters into a new business venture by signing a deal with Samsung. The phone maker bought 1,000,000 copies of Hov's Magna Carter Holy Grail to be exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy users who download a customized app for the album. This solidifies platinum status on an early release of the album on July 4th. He states that he's changing the rules with his innovative ideas. The rapper continues to hold the title as one of the greatest to ever do it. Whatever it is he wants to do, that is. The official release Of MCHG is July 8th.