Today marks the 55th birthday of Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on Dec. 4, 1969, in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Rising from hustling in the streets to building an empire, Jay-Z began his career as a rapper in 1989 with his first verse appearing on Jaz-O’s “The Originators.”

In 1996, he founded Roc-A-Fella Records and released Reasonable Doubt, a groundbreaking debut that cemented his status in hip-hop. Although he announced retirement after The Black Album in 2003, his return with The Blueprint 3 in 2009 secured his record for the most No. 1 solo albums.

With over 50 million records sold and 17 Grammys, his influence transcends music. Jay-Z launched Roc-A-Wear, served as Def Jam president, and co-founded Roc Nation Sports.

Happy birthday to the legendary Jay-Z!

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