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When Shawn Carter, an aspiring rapper with the stage name Jay-Z, couldn't get his career off the ground at a major record label, he didn't get discouraged. He and his partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke created a hip-hop label of their own. They named the label Roc-A-Fella Records. Originally intended as a one-time project to release Jay-Z's full-length debut album, Reasonable Doubt, Roc-A-Fella Records expanded into a true hip-hop powerhouse. Roc-A-Fella Records has introduced listeners to the unique talents of artists like Kanye West, the Young Gunz, and the State Property crew. Other artists, such as Jadakiss and the O.D.B., have received another chance to kick-start their careers. This book describes the musical contributions of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Roc-A-Fella's other past and present artists, as well as the record label's complex behind-the-scenes history.
Shawn Corey Carter, known to most of the world as JAY-Z, has made a name for himself as one of the most successful artists in hip-hop. Not only has he achieved this success with rapping, but also as an entrepreneur. Having grown up in a housing project in Brooklyn, his story is a tale of struggles and successes. Engaging main text, full-color photographs, and a detailed timeline give readers an inside look into this rap star's exciting life. Annotated quotes from JAY-Z and others provide first-person perspectives on his rise to the top of the worlds of hip-hop and business.
This title examines the fascinating life of Jay-Z. Readers will learn about Jay-Z's childhood, family, time as a drug dealer, rise to fame, and relationship with Beyoncé. Colorful graphics, oversize photos, and informative sidebars accompany easy-to-read, compelling text that explores Jay-Z's early interest in music that led to the release of his albums Reasonable Doubt, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life, Vol. 3…Life and Times of S. Carter, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse, The Black Album, Kingdom Come, American Gangster, his record label Roc-A-Fella Records, his clothing brand Rocawear, his Grammy Awards, his time as Def Jam's CEO, which included signing stars such as Rihanna, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo, Nas, and the Roots, and his philanthropic efforts. Features include a table of contents, glossary, selected bibliography, Web links, source notes, and an index, plus a timeline and fun facts. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
One of the first singles from The Black Album, a famous Jay-Z record, rap "What More Can I Say"? But the real question is what more can this music legend do? From the platinum albums to the sold-out concerts to his Rocawear clothing brand, Jay-Z has done it all. He has sold some 50 million albums worldwide. He even has a sneaker named after him. From the Brooklyn projects to the corner office in Manhattan, Jay-Z made his own way, overcoming many obstacles. Author Jeff Burlingame explores the remarkably interesting life of this hip-hop icon.
Shawn Carter, better known by his hip-hop name Jay-Z, rose from the world of poverty and drugs in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to become one of the most successful rappers ever. His net worth is measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and his business ventures include clothing, clubs, and sports. With high-interest material delivered in simple language and structure, and enhanced by colorful photographs, direct quotations, and informative sidebars, readers will have access to the life story of this award-winning songwriter and businessman.
Presents a brief biography of the musician 50 Cent, providing information on his childhood, his life as a hustler, and his achievements in rap music.
Jay-Z: King of America is the first in-depth biography to dissect the life and music of the most successful rapper of all time. From crack dealing on the mean streets of New York to million dollar deals at the highest echelons of music industry, Jay-Z’s story is a whole new kind of American Dream. Updated to include recent turbulence with Kanye West, rumours of an affair with Rhianna, his latest album Magna Carta Holy Grail and troubles with his streaming service Tidal, this is the most complete biography of Jay-Z available. Author Mark Beaumont has interviewed Jay-Z, Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Damon Dash, Dr Dre, Rick Rubin and more. Revealing insights from these encounters inform this no-holds-barred biography of a great American success story. Along his winding path Jay-Z shattered barriers in rap music and has done more than anyone to make the genre the global crossover success it is today. This book includes detailed accounts of all 12 of his albums, including the seminal classic Reasonable Doubt, the landmark Blueprint trilogy and his latest gem, Magna Carta Holy Grail. Mark Beaumont traces Jay Z’s ascent to hip-hop’s throne and his pivotal role in forging modern rap music. Taking in all of the drug busts, knife attacks, entrepreneurial brilliance, premature retirements and secret weddings, this is Jay-Z’s hard knock life fully exposed… “Definitely THE book to own this Christmas, and takes his rightful place at the top of our book chart.” - RWD magazine (Leading UK urban music mag)
Alphabetically-arranged entries from O to T that explores significant events, major persons, organizations, and political and social movements in African-American history from 1896 to the twenty-first-century.
