Jay-Z

Since 1996, 17-time Grammy award winner, Shawn "JAY Z" Carter has dominated an evolution in pop culture. Between multiple businesses and accolades spanning the recording industry to global investment leaders such as Warren Buffet, JAY Z personifies the "American Dream." The Founder and Chairman of Rocawear is a co-owner of the NJ Nets, majority owner of the 40/40 sports clubs, has a major interest in Translation Advertising and is involved in a partnership with the Iconix Brand Group. JAY Z served as President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he fostered the careers of international stars Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Kanye West 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. In 2011, Watch The Throne, his collaborative effort with Kanye West marked his 12th #1 album debut. 2012 saw JAY Z curate MADE IN AMERICA, a 2-day festival held in Philadelphia and headline the opening of the Brooklyn NETS new Barclay's Arena with 8 sold out shows. JAY Z continues his philanthropic work through his Water For Life initiative and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.