Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known as Jay-Z, is an American rapper and former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. He co-owns The 40/40 Club and the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. He has sold over 26 million units in the United States and 50 million copies worldwide. His critically acclaimed album The Blueprint was written in only two days. After announcing his retirement from recording music in.