Jay-Z

At long last, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, President & CEO of Def Jam Recordings, philanthropist and entrepreneur, officially returns to the rap game with his first solo LP in 3 years.  KINGDOM COME, the most anticipated album of the year, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2006. 

The lead single, Show Me What You Got, (produced by Just Blaze) leaked to radio on Friday, October 6th, one week earlier than planned.  The MP3 spread through the country at a record breaking pace over the weekend.  Stations across the country broke programming and spun Show Me What You Got, six, seven, eight; up to 10 times in a row within minutes of receiving the track.  In just two and a half days, the single has over 16 million in audience and is already # 1 Most Increased on the R&B/Hip Hop chart and debuts at 39 bullet on the R&R/BDS Urban Chart.  Show Me What You Got will officially impact at all radio formats on Monday, October 16th.

The video for Show Me What You Got, shot on location in Monaco,  debuted nationally on Monday, October 16th.  The video highlights the energy of the track with quick edits, venturing from land to sea to heights above the city.  Directed by F. Gary Gray, the clip features top race car drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick, as well as some of the most amazing aerial shots ever to be featured in four minutes.

Commented JAY-Z, “I thought I was retired but, my passion for music had other plans for me. I am overwhelmed with the initial record breaking response!! I am happy to be officially BACK! The video/movie shot by F. Gary Gray is incredible. I can’t wait til ya’ll hear the album.”

"There is no greater or more relevant artist in music today than JAY-Z," states Antonio "L.A" Reid, Chairman Island Def Jam Music Group. "Jay has proven time and again - as an artist, entrepreneur, and executive - just how important he is, not only to hip-hop, but to the culture at large. The overwhelming reaction, anticipation, and passion 'Show Me What You Got' has provoked is yet another example. All of us here at IDJ are simply honored to take part in this historic release, KINGDOM COME."

The release of KINGDOM COME is hot on the heels of JAY-Z’s Global Express Tour.  In 2 months, the tour is hitting over 20 countries on 3 continents.  While on tour, JAY-Z participated in the Water For Life campaign in conjunction with the UN and MTV with the mission to raise awareness on the world’s water crisis.  His trip is being documented by MTV News and the program, Diary of JAY-Z: Water for Life will air on Friday, November 24th.  In Tanzania and Nigeria, JAY-Z just christened 2 of the first of 10 pumps he is sponsoring in the region.  Photos and diary entries are featured on MTVNews.com.

JAY-Z is currently exclusively featured in a series of commercials for the TNT “Let The Truth Be Told” campaign.   The series includes eight different 30-second spots that show Jay Z sharing his ‘truths’ during a thought-provoking interview on core themes, such as competition, talent, stardom and legacy, during a ride through the streets of Manhattan in the back of a chauffer-driven car.  The underlying essence of the series tracks the stages of a superstar athlete, which parallel that of an entertainment mogul.  The spot began running nationwide on Thursday, Oct. 5th; the remainder of the series will be rolled out in following weeks, with an extended director’s cut of the interview available exclusively on TNT OverTime on NBA.com.

MUSIC

Over 17 million albums sold
Reasonable Doubt | 6/96 | 1xPlatinum
Vol 1. - In My Lifetime | 11/97 | 1xPlatinum
Vol. 2 - Hard Knock Life | 9/98 | 5xPlatinum
Vol. 3 - Life and Times of S. Carter | 12/99 | 3xPlatinum
Dynasty - Roc La Familia 2000 | 10/00 | 2xPlatinum
Blueprint | 9/01 | 2xPlatinum
MTV Unplugged | 12/01 | Gold
Best OF Both Worlds | 3/02 | Platinum
Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse | 11/02 | 2x Platinum

BUSINESSES

Roc-A-Fella Records
The multi-million dollar, multi platinum empire built by Jay-Z, Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.

Roc-A-Fella Films
Have released films such as "Streets is Watching", "Backstage" and "State Property". Three feature films (Paid in Full, Paper Soldiers and Death of a Dynasty) will hit theaters soon.

Rocawear
Established in 1999, Rocawear grossed $150 million in 2001 and is expected to gross $250 million in 2002. Distributed throughout Europe, Japan, Canada and the US. The line carries mens, womens, girls, boys, big and tall, lounge wear, hats and belts.

Armadale
Premium two grain, triple distilled Scottish vodka distributed by Roc-a-fella in the US.

40/40 Club
Elite sports bar in New York City.

ENDORSEMENTS

Reebok
S.Carter shoe collection- The S.Carter marks the 1st time a non-athlete has ever had a signature shoe.

PHILANTHROPIC

Team Roc
Charitable organization founded by Damon Dash in order to benefit the underprivlidged children of New York City.

Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund
Pays for the college tuition of Marcy area high school students who meet the criteria.

Annual Jay-Z Santa Claus Toy Drive
Each year he supplies thousands of dollars in toys for the children of Marcy in Brooklyn.

GRAMMY AWARDS

2001
Best Rap Album - "Vol.3.. Life And Times of S. Carter
Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group - "Big Pimpin"

2002 Nominated
Best Rap Album - "The Blueprint" Best Rap Solo Performance - "IZZO (HOVA)" Best Rap Performance Duo/Group - "Change the Game" (with Beanie Sigel and Memphis Bleek)

SOURCE AWARDS

1999
Lyricist Of The Year, Solo

2001
Best Hip Hop Artist, Solo

BET AWARDS

2001
Best Male Hip Hop Artist

SOUL TRAIN AWARDS

2001
Sammy Davis Jr. Entertainer Of The Year

2002
Album Of The Year - "The Blueprint"

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

2000 Nominated
Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS

1999 Rap Artist Of The Year

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS

1999
Best Rap Video- "Can I Get A..."

1999
Best Video From A Film- "Can I Get A…" Viewer's Choice- "Can I Get A..."

TV SPECIALS

Unplugged Blueprint - December 2001
Only Hip Hop artist to release an all UNPLUGGED CD 1st artist to be featured on BET's "Blueprint"

Showtime presents… Jay-Z LIVE - February 22, 2003 on SHOWTIME; live from Memphis, TN preceding the Tyson vs. Etienne fight. This marked the first time a hip-hop artist has ever had a full-length concert broadcast live on television.

TOURS

Hard Knock Life Tour- Headlined most successful hip hop tour to date. Sold out in 52 cities.

The Blueprint Lounge Tour(2001) - Sold out

Sprite Liquid Mix Tour(2002) - Headliner for acts such as 311 and Hoobastank

Rock The Mic Tour (summer 2003) - Co-headlining the hottest tour of the summer with 50 Cent.