From music and fashion to business and culture, Jay-Z’s influence is undeniable. Born Shawn Carter in Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z turned his humble beginnings into one of the world’s most fabled success stories. He journeyed from the Marcy Projects to become one of the world’s few Black billionaires, now married to megastar Beyoncé for 17 years and a father of three.
Over the years, his career evolved into a legacy that transcends hip-hop.
On Dec. 4, the 25-time Grammy winning rapper celebrates his 56th birthday, with many of those years spent in the limelight. Here are six ventures, outside of his own rap career, that have solidified his status as a global mogul.
One of the most distinctive brands and business ventures started by Jay-Z is his full-service entertainment company, Roc Nation. Founded in 2008, Roc Nation serves as a talent agency, media production firm and clothing line. It also offers educational and philanthropic programs.
Roc Nation is behind some of the world’s biggest artists and athletes, including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Megan Thee Stallion and Alicia Keys. The company has also made a significant cultural impact through major partnerships and initiatives, such as its work with the NFL, including the Super Bowl halftime show and the league’s social justice program, Inspire Change.
The company is the successor to Jay’s previous Roc-A-Fella Records label, which he founded in 1994.
Launched in 2014, Jay-Z’s TIDAL music streaming platform was designed to give artists more control and higher royalties. It also aims to deliver high-quality sound, letting listeners experience music closer to how it was originally recorded.
But beyond being a tech venture, the global streaming service represents Jay-Z’s vision for reshaping the music industry on his own terms.
In 2014, Jay-Z acquired Armand de Brignac, the luxury champagne brand famously known as Ace of Spades due to its distinguishable logo. Jay is now a co-owner of the brand, which is produced by the Cattier family in the Champagne region of France.
As a staple in some of his own celebrations and music videos, the drink has become a symbol of how he merges prestige with pop culture power.
Jay also co-founded D’ussé Cognac with Bacardi in 2012, marking another successful venture beyond music. In 2023, Bacardi acquired a majority stake in the brand, though Jay-Z still continues to hold a significant ownership share and maintains a long-standing connection with the company.
Fans may have heard many of his lyrics referencing the spirit, including the rapper’s hit with wife Beyoncé “Drunk in Love.”
First opened in 2003 in New York City, the 40/40 Club is co-founder Jay-Z’s luxury sports bar and lounge. It took its name from the baseball achievement of hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases in one season.
Though the flagship location and other venues have since closes, the brand remains. A 40/40 Club pop-up appeared at Fanatics Fest in 2024, and there are plans to reopen a permanent location in the near future.
In 1999, Jay-Z and Damon Dash co-founded the clothing brand Rocawear, creating a fashion powerhouse especially in hip-hop culture. Despite selling the clothing line in 2007 to Iconix Brand Group, retained a stake and continued to contribute to its marketing and product development.
Rocawear’s success came from its ability to blend authentic streetwear style with mainstream appeal, making it one of the most recognizable and influential brands of the 2000s.
These are just a few of the wide range of businesses Jay-Z has had his hand in. He was a minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team and has built numerous partnerships and investments with companies like Uber Technologies and many others.
Happy birthday, Jay-Z. There’s plenty to celebrate!
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network’s Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.