Jay Z has had one of the most glittering careers in hip hop with a list of pop-upations that include rapper, songwriter, MC, record exec (as CEO of Def Jam recordings), business guru, club owner, fashion designer and media whor... sorry, we mean mogul. Crikey!
Hes been releasing records since 1996 and has teamed-up with most of the best-known names in hip hop; rappers Notorious B.I.G, P Diddy, Kanye West, Eminem and producers Neptunes, Timbaland and Rick Rubin to name but a few.
Memorable tracks that made his name include Hard Knock Life (sampling screeching orphans from the musical Annie), 03 Bonnie & Clyde (featuring his missus, Beyoncé), Excuse Me Miss, the stripped-down beat of 99 Problems and Run This Town (featuring Kanye West and Rihanna). Is there anyone left who he hasnt worked with him? Stop pushing at the back, Will Young.
Famed for courting controversy, the latest was his headlining appearance at 2009s Glastonbury Festival. Press and grumpy musos alike (yes, we mean you Noel Gallagher) harrumphed that a hip hop top billing led to poor ticket sales. The Z-ster was having none of it and proved critics wrong with a two-finger-waving explosive super set.
Rapsters of the future take note, this is how its done, OK.