BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Jay-Z is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee. It was recently announced that the multitalented musician is a finalist to receive one of music’s most coveted honors this year. But Jay-Z is more than a musician –– he’s also a business executive, film producer, and fierce advocate for social justice

It would take too long to familiarize you with all of Jay-Z’s many accomplishments, so we’ll break down some of his biggest moments professionally, personally, and philanthropically. Here are five things you should know about Jay-Z.

 

HE’S ONE OF THE BEST-SELLING ARTISTS OF ALL TIME

With more than 50 million albums and 75 million singles sold globally, Jay-Z is one of the best-selling artists in the world. He holds the record for the most number 1 albums on the Billboard 200 –– 14. He also has 22 Grammy Awards and is considered by many to be one of the greatest artists of all time.

 

HIS LABEL HAS BOLSTERED THE CAREERS OF MANY POC ARTISTS

Jay-Z co-founded the record label Roc Nation in 2008. The company is involved in all facets of music making and management, but is known best for recording and representing a number of popular music artists, many of whom are people of color. Some of our favorite Roc Nation signees include Megan Thee Stallion, Mariah Carey, Lil Uzi Vert, J Cole and Normani.

 

HE IS THE FIRST HIP-HOP BILLIONAIRE & USES HIS WEALTH TO HELP OTHERS

In 2019, Jay-Z officially became the first hip-hop artist to reach billionaire status. His ventures in record producing, music streaming, film and television production, fashion and more have helped him become one of the wealthiest African-Americans. 

Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce have continuously used their riches to support philanthropic causes associated with police brutality and criminal justice reform, clean water access, and natural disaster relief, among many others. In 2020, Jay-Z donated a significant sum to bail out protestors arrested duat Black Lives Matter demonstrations

 

HE’S PRODUCED A NUMBER OF FILMS & DOCU-SERIES PROMOTING RACIAL JUSTICE

Jay-Z’s artistic influence extends well beyond music. He’s been an executive producer on a number of films. Most recently, he’s invested substantially in movies and series that promote racial justice causes like Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story (2018) and Time: The Kalief Browder Story (2017).

 

HE’S USED HIS PLATFORM TO SUPPORT POLITICAL CANDIDATES WHO HE BELIEVED IN

Beyonce and Jay-Z have also been vocal supporters of Democratic presidential candidates. The two were known supporters of Barack Obama, and participated in a campaign event for Hilllary Clinton in 2016. The two also endorsed President Joe Biden in 2020.