When it comes to hip-hop, there are few therough emcees that carry the cross of consistency as much as Jay Z. Over the past three decades, the Brooklyn-born virtuoso has become one of the most successful and influential figures in the music industry.
He transcended trending!
He has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, founded successful businesses, and become a cultural icon. With a career that spans over 30 years, it’s clear that Jay Z has left an indelible mark on hip-hop and popular culture as a whole.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 50 reasons why Jay Z deserves to be considered one of the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T).
From his early days as a rapper to his current status as a successful businessman and philanthropist, we’ll explore the many ways in which Jay Z has made his mark on the world. So without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the many reasons why Jay Z deserves G.O.A.T status.
- Founded Roc Nation, an entertainment company that manages some of the biggest names in music, sports, and entertainment.
- Co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records, a record label that launched the careers of numerous hip-hop artists.
- Produced albums for some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Kanye West, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys.
- Released 13 studio albums, including “Reasonable Doubt,” “The Blueprint,” and “4:44,” which have all been critically acclaimed.
- Became the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Married Beyoncé Knowles, one of the most successful and influential musicians of our time.
- Co-owned the New Jersey Nets basketball team, which later became the Brooklyn Nets.
- Became an influential figure in the fashion industry, with his clothing line, Rocawear, becoming one of the most successful urban clothing brands of all time.
- Launched a streaming service called Tidal, which is dedicated to high-quality audio and exclusive content from some of the biggest names in music.
- Became a successful businessman with ventures in tech, real estate, and hospitality.
- Started the Shawn Carter Foundation, which helps underprivileged youth attend college.
- Co-produced and co-wrote the Broadway hit “Hamilton,” which won numerous Tony Awards and became one of the most successful shows in history.
- Won 22 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most successful and celebrated musicians of all time.
- Collaborated with other legendary artists, such as Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Eminem. Inspired many of them.
- Became the first rapper to headline Glastonbury, one of the UK’s largest music festivals.
- Performed at President Obama’s inaugural ball in 2009.
- Was featured in Forbes’ list of billionaires in 2019, with a net worth of $1 billion.
- Was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2010.
- Co-produced the documentary “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story,” which chronicles the life and death of Trayvon Martin and the subsequent trial of George Zimmerman.
- Collaborated with the NFL to produce a halftime show for the Super Bowl, despite criticism from some in the African American community.
- Spoke out against the criminal justice system and the mass incarceration of African Americans, calling it the “new Jim Crow.”
- Founded the social justice organization Reform Alliance, which focuses on criminal justice reform.
- Became the first rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
- Was the subject of the documentary “Jay-Z: Made in America,” which chronicles his rise to fame and influence in the music industry.
- Collaborated with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to help provide clean water to people in need in Africa.
- Co-founded the champagne brand Ace of Spades, which has become one of the most sought-after luxury brands in the world.
- Hosted the Shawn Carter Foundation Gala, which raises money to help underprivileged youth attend college.
- Worked with the Obama administration to launch the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, which aims to help young men of color succeed.
- Was the executive producer of the television series “The Godfather of Harlem,” which chronicles the life of legendary crime boss Bumpy Johnson.
- Released the book “Decoded,” which is a memoir and an exploration of his lyrics and their cultural significance.
- Launched the venture capital firm Marcy Venture Partners, which invests in startups in various industries.
- Collaborated with the NFL on its “Inspire Change” initiative, which aims to promote social justice and racial equality.
- Invested in companies such as Uber, JetSmarter, and Impossible Foods through his venture capital firm.
- Partnered with Puma to become a creative director and global ambassador for the brand.
- Collaborated with artist and producer Pharrell Williams on the music streaming service Tidal.
- Became a vocal supporter of Black Lives Matter, speaking out against police brutality and systemic racism.
- Launched the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students who are facing economic hardship.
- Produced the soundtrack for the film “The Great Gatsby,” which included collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and Florence and the Machine.
- Collaborated with artist and designer Alexander Wang on a fashion collection.
- Worked with the Weinstein Company to produce the documentary series “TIME: The Kalief Browder Story,” which examines the case of a young man who was wrongfully imprisoned for three years.
- Collaborated with the artist Marina Abramovic on a performance art piece called “Picasso Baby,” which was performed at New York’s Pace Gallery.
- Became a part-owner of the champagne brand Armand de Brignac, which is also known as Ace of Spades.
- Collaborated with the artist Jay Electronica on the album “A Written Testimony,” which was released in 2020.
- Supported Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- Collaborated with luxury brand Louis Vuitton to launch a menswear collection.
- Performed at the Global Citizen Festival, which aims to end extreme poverty by 2030.
- Collaborated with artist and designer Don C on a fashion collection.
- Invested in the plant-based food company Partake Foods, which specializes in allergy-friendly snacks.
- Collaborated with the artist Frank Ocean on the song “Oceans,” which was featured on the album “Magna Carta Holy Grail.”
- Worked with artist and producer Timbaland on the album “Magna Carta Holy Grail,” which was released in 2013.
- Launched the streaming platform Tidal X, which hosts charity concerts and events to support various causes.
- Collaborated with the artist Damian Marley on the album “4:44,” which features themes of social justice and self-reflection.
- Participated in the Roc Nation Brunch, an annual event held during Grammy weekend that brings together influential figures in music, sports, and entertainment.
- His verse in God Did!
With his countless achievements in the music industry, business, and philanthropy, it’s clear that Jay Z has rightfully earned his G.O.A.T status. His impact on popular culture and his unwavering dedication to social justice and equality make him not only one of the greatest musicians of all time, but also a role model for future generations.