Hello everyone, today we are going to talk about music, but today I am going to talk about the most important figure in the history of contemporary rap, a person who learned to see how rap worked as a bargaining chip in the business world. I am talking about none other than Shawn Corey Carter, better known in the music world as Jay-Z.
So let's get started.
He was born on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. When I say New York, many of you might imagine the cosmopolitan city that we imagine in movies and videos everywhere, but no. Jay-Z grew up in a low-income and somewhat dysfunctional family under the guidance of one of his mentors, Jaz-O. Jay-Z found in rap one of his most important refuges, a vocation, and practically what he was going to dedicate his entire life to, and how could he not do it if practically all of your context was leading you to it.
By 1995-1996, absolutely no one had noticed Jay-Z's work and that's how he decided to sign his own musical work and create Roc-A-Fella Records, together with Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in 1995.
They were in charge of creating this label that gave a lot of focus and a lot of visibility to many emerging artists within the Rap scene even at the time to Kanye West. And it's that when you have a clear vision of where you want to go, it's very difficult for there not to be people who want to follow you hand in hand with D Dash and vix, two other crazy people who decided to follow Jay-Z's trail, who were in charge of consolidating a project that would give visibility to many emerging artists, including at the time Kanye West.
And how could you not do it when someone has a clear vision of where they want to go, it is very difficult for there not to be people who want to follow their lead. Consequently, this is one of the most important seals for Jay-Z's career to release his next material and it is probably the tip of the iceberg that triggers Jay-Z.
This mentality to understand that his work is worth gold, it is a mine and it is worth exploiting it because let's be honest, in the artistic world you can be very talented but if you do not have perseverance, you do not have vision, you do not have discipline, it is very difficult for you to progress. Jay-Z had all these factors and he also realized that he could sell all that talent and all that accumulated work in addition to all that knowledge, so that is how he began to direct his career towards the business world.
Jay-Z's Most Successful Collaborations
"Crazy in Love" (2003) – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
- One of the most iconic songs of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's careers, this hit fuses R&B and hip-hop in spectacular fashion. It won a Grammy for Best R&B Song and marked the beginning of the couple's musical and romantic relationship.
"Empire State of Mind" (2009) – Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
- This New York anthem is one of Jay-Z's biggest hits. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammy Awards. Alicia Keys lends her powerful vocals on the chorus, making the song a modern classic.
"Umbrella" (2007) – Rihanna feat. Jay-Z
- This single cemented Rihanna's career and showed the support of Jay-Z, who was instrumental in her rise.
"Suit & Tie" (2013) – Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z
- This collaboration marked Justin Timberlake's return to music after several years of hiatus.
"Run This Town" (2009) – Jay-Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West
"Drunk in Love" (2013) – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
"Numb/Encore" (2004) – Jay-Z & Linkin Park
- This song won the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and remains a crossover classic.
"Nias in Paris" (2011) – Jay-Z & Kanye West
"Holy Grail" (2013) – Jay-Z feat. Justin Timberlake
"Monster" (2010) – Kanye West feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver
- Jay-Z provides a solid verse on this song, which is remembered for Nicki Minaj's standout verse.
Jay-Z has proven his ability to adapt to different styles and artists. His ability to collaborate has not only expanded his fan base, but has also helped emerging artists like Rihanna reach new heights. His influence on these songs has been crucial, bringing credibility and authenticity to each project.
Well, gentlemen, this is all for today, so tomorrow more and better.
