JAY-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is an American rapper, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York. Active since the 1990s, he became one of hip-hop’s defining figures through precise lyricism blending street narratives, ambition, success, introspection and social observation. From Reasonable Doubt to The Blueprint, The Black Album and 4:44, JAY-Z has built a landmark discography while playing an important role in the cultural and business evolution of American rap.