Escaping a almost fatal gunshot. Jay-Z quicks drug dealings, and decides to rap full time. But is quickly rejected by major record labels for not fitting into gangsta rap image of the 90's. Rebuffed but undefeated, Jay connects with local hustlers turned entrepreneurs, Damon Dash and Biggs Burke. Together they form Roc-A-Fella records, and seek to release Jay-Z's music independently.

Jay-Z @ Billion Episode 01 - Hard Knock Life: The Birth of Jay-Z & Roc-a-fella

JAY-Z Billion is a new podcast series and commentary that chronicles the epic business rise of Hip Hop CEO and Business mogul, JAY-Z. Starting with his decision to form Roc-a-fella records in 1996, the series examines JAY's business moves, partnerships and biggest paid offs over the last 20 years. Learn how a high school drop from Marcy projects made the transition from the Hip Hop to the boardroom. Discover JAY’s secret business tactics that helped him make millions from business deals with Reebok, Anheuser-Busch, Samsung and the Brooklyn Nets. Finally, the podcast will explore how Jay redefines the entertainment world with the launch of ROC NATION and TIDAL.

Business

Investing

Careers

Management & Marketing

Business News

Shopping

Music

Episode Synopsis: JAY-Z shocks the world with the launch of ROC NATION SPORTS and the signing of Robinson Cano, Dez Bryant, and Victor Cruz.  Buys a Swedish streaming company called Tidal, and launches an artist lead revolution in music ownership.

JAY-Z Billion Episode 07 - The Magna Carta: JAY-Z Buy$ Tidal & Launches Roc Nation Sports

Episode Synopsis: JAY-Z partners with Random House, advertising firm Droga5 and Microsoft Bing to release his long-awaited book, Decoded. Drops a joint album with Kanye West, brings the Nets to Brooklyn and helps build a new sports stadium (Barclays).

JAY-Z @ Billion Episode 06 - Watch Thy Throne: Hova Releases Decoded With Microsoft & Opens Barclays

Episode Synopsis: JAY-Z relationship with Def jam sours, and buys out the remaining terms of his contract to finally launch ROC NATION.  Gets $150 million to launch ROC NATION. Sells off his remaining shares in Roc-A-Wear for $204 million to Iconix. Plots a takeover of the New Jersey NETs franchise, and partners up with Steve Stoute to launch an advertising agency.

Jay-Z @ Billion Episode 05 - Run This Town: $150 Million ROC NATION Launch & Jay Buys Ad Firm

JAY-Z fights against Damon for control of his masters recording rights for his first album Reasonable Doubt.  Strong arms the United Nations to build clean water well in Africa and becomes president of Def Jam. All while laying the foundation for the start of Roc Nation and ending his dependency on record labels, music managers and Roc-a-fella.

JAY-Z @ Billion Episode 04 - The Takeover: Jay-Z Ends Damon Dash & Becomes President Of Def Jam

Jay-Z inks a sneaker deal with Reebok and makes history with the Blueprint album. Damon Dash spirals out of control at the loss of girlfriend Aaliyah, and begins to fight executives at Def Jam. Jay-Z moves away from Dame and begins alliances with Lyor Cohen, President of Def Jam and Steve Stoute, former manager and adviser to Nas. Finally tired of hip hop drama and Dame, Jay retires after the release of the Black Album.

Jay-Z @ Billion Episode 01 - Hard Knock Life: The Birth of Jay-Z & Roc-a-fella

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