Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z is one of the most successful rappers in hip-hop. He launched his record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995 and dropped his debut album Reasonable Doubt a year later.
Jay-Z has released countless albums following his debut including his 2018 joint album, Everything Is Love, with his wife Beyonce as well as a few other joint albums.
The “Takeover” rapper has won a myriad of awards, including Grammys, BET Hip Hop Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards.
In 2017, Hova became the first emcee to be entered into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. To commemorate the rapper, we’ve created a gallery of him throughout the years. Check it out below.
TIDAL X: Jay-Z B-sides in NYC on May 17, 2015 in New York City.
ShareTIDAL X: Jay-Z B-sides in NYC on May 17, 2015 in New York City.
Jay-Z
ShareJay-Z advertised his 2003 album 'The Black Album' as his final LP before retiring and threw a massive "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden on November 25, 2003. He has since released five additional studio albums.
The 59th GRAMMY Awards – Roaming Show
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) Yo Gotti, Guest, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Alan Ferguson and Solange Knowles during The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Mathew Knowles and Jay-Z
ShareIRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Matthew Knowles, father of Beyonce Knowles, and hip hop artist Jay-Z walk on the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears on November 25, 2004 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.
Jay-Z
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Snoop Dogg (L) and Jay-Z attend the PUMA x Nipsey Hussle 2019 Grammy Nomination Party at The Peppermint Club on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for PUMA)
Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Lakers
ShareJay-Z smiles as he sits courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Utah Jazz.
Toronto Raptors v Brooklyn Nets – Game Six
ShareNEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Beyonce and Jay-Z attend Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Barclays Center on May 2, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 97-83. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
56th GRAMMY Awards – Backstage And Audience
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Singer Beyonce Knowles (L) and rapper Jay-Z attend the 56th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards – Backstage And Audience
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Actress Jessica Biel, singer Beyonce, rapper Jay-Z and singer Solange Knowles attend the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)
2012 BET Awards – Roaming Inside And Backstage
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: (L-R) Singer Beyonce, rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West and television personality Kim Kardashian attend the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET)
2017 Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 11: Jay-Z attends 2017 Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch at Owlwood Estate on February 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
ShareDALLAS - FEBRUARY 13: Producer/rapper Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter (L) and musical artist Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs (R) look on during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night, part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at American Airlines Center on February 13, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
The 59th GRAMMY Awards – Roaming Show
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Hip Hop Artist Jay-Z and singer Beyonce during The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Music For Relief: Rebuilding South East Asia
ShareLOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 18: Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Jay-Z perform during the "Music for Relief" tsunami benefit concert at the Anaheim Pond on February 18, 2005 in Anaheim, California.(Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
Beyonce and Jay Z
ShareLAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 21: Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z look on before Miguel Cotto takes on Canelo Alvarez in their middleweight fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 21, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards – Audience
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Singer Rihanna (L) and Jay-Z in the audience during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS)
Nipsey Hussle
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Jay-Z (L) and Nipsey Hussle attend the PUMA x Nipsey Hussle 2019 Grammy Nomination Party at The Peppermint Club on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for PUMA)
JAY-Z
ShareJay-Z
ShareVIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA - APRIL 27: Jay-Z performs onstage at SOMETHING IN THE WATER - Day 2 on April 27, 2019 in Virginia Beach City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Something in the Water)
Jay-Z
ShareHOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 10: Jay-Z and Beyonce watch from courtside during Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
JAY-Z
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 26: JAY-Z and Nas perform B-Sides 2 at Webster Hall on April 26, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Jay-Z
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Jay-Z attends The Broad Museum celebration for the opening of Soul Of A Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983 Art Exhibition at The Broad on March 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for The Broad Museum)
#20 Jay-Z
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Rapper Jay-Z attends the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Jay-Z
ShareSANTA MONICA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Tiffany Haddish (L) and Jay-Z attend the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for City of Hope)
Beyonce and Jay-Z
ShareNEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Recording artist Beyonce, Jay Z and daughter Blue Ivy Carter attend the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)
Mathew Knowles and Jay-Z
ShareIRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Matthew Knowles, father of Beyonce Knowles, and hip hop artist Jay-Z walk on the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears on November 25, 2004 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.
European Premiere of Disney’s “The Lion King”
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Jay-Z attend the European Premiere of Disney's "The Lion King" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019 in London, England.
TIDAL X: Jay-Z B-sides in NYC on May 17, 2015 in New York City.
ShareTIDAL X: Jay-Z B-sides in NYC on May 17, 2015 in New York City.
Jay-Z
ShareJay-Z advertised his 2003 album 'The Black Album' as his final LP before retiring and threw a massive "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden on November 25, 2003. He has since released five additional studio albums.
The 59th GRAMMY Awards – Roaming Show
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) Yo Gotti, Guest, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Alan Ferguson and Solange Knowles during The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Mathew Knowles and Jay-Z
ShareIRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Matthew Knowles, father of Beyonce Knowles, and hip hop artist Jay-Z walk on the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears on November 25, 2004 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.
Jay-Z
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Snoop Dogg (L) and Jay-Z attend the PUMA x Nipsey Hussle 2019 Grammy Nomination Party at The Peppermint Club on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for PUMA)
Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Lakers
ShareJay-Z smiles as he sits courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Utah Jazz.
Toronto Raptors v Brooklyn Nets – Game Six
ShareNEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Beyonce and Jay-Z attend Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Barclays Center on May 2, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 97-83. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
56th GRAMMY Awards – Backstage And Audience
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Singer Beyonce Knowles (L) and rapper Jay-Z attend the 56th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards – Backstage And Audience
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Actress Jessica Biel, singer Beyonce, rapper Jay-Z and singer Solange Knowles attend the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)
2012 BET Awards – Roaming Inside And Backstage
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 01: (L-R) Singer Beyonce, rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West and television personality Kim Kardashian attend the 2012 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on July 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET)
2017 Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 11: Jay-Z attends 2017 Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch at Owlwood Estate on February 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
ShareDALLAS - FEBRUARY 13: Producer/rapper Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter (L) and musical artist Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs (R) look on during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night, part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at American Airlines Center on February 13, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
The 59th GRAMMY Awards – Roaming Show
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Hip Hop Artist Jay-Z and singer Beyonce during The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Music For Relief: Rebuilding South East Asia
ShareLOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 18: Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Jay-Z perform during the "Music for Relief" tsunami benefit concert at the Anaheim Pond on February 18, 2005 in Anaheim, California.(Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)
Beyonce and Jay Z
ShareLAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 21: Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z look on before Miguel Cotto takes on Canelo Alvarez in their middleweight fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 21, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards – Audience
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Singer Rihanna (L) and Jay-Z in the audience during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS)
Nipsey Hussle
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Jay-Z (L) and Nipsey Hussle attend the PUMA x Nipsey Hussle 2019 Grammy Nomination Party at The Peppermint Club on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for PUMA)
JAY-Z
ShareJay-Z
ShareVIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA - APRIL 27: Jay-Z performs onstage at SOMETHING IN THE WATER - Day 2 on April 27, 2019 in Virginia Beach City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Something in the Water)
Jay-Z
ShareHOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 10: Jay-Z and Beyonce watch from courtside during Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
JAY-Z
ShareNEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 26: JAY-Z and Nas perform B-Sides 2 at Webster Hall on April 26, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Jay-Z
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Jay-Z attends The Broad Museum celebration for the opening of Soul Of A Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983 Art Exhibition at The Broad on March 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for The Broad Museum)
#20 Jay-Z
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Rapper Jay-Z attends the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Jay-Z
ShareSANTA MONICA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Tiffany Haddish (L) and Jay-Z attend the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for City of Hope)
Beyonce and Jay-Z
ShareNEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Recording artist Beyonce, Jay Z and daughter Blue Ivy Carter attend the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)
Mathew Knowles and Jay-Z
ShareIRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Matthew Knowles, father of Beyonce Knowles, and hip hop artist Jay-Z walk on the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears on November 25, 2004 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas.
European Premiere of Disney’s “The Lion King”
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Jay-Z attend the European Premiere of Disney's "The Lion King" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019 in London, England.
