Rapper
Jay-Z
Jay-Z was born on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. He released his debut album at age 27 and released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life' at 29.
Jay-Z was born in 1969 and is currently 57 years old. Anyone born before 1969 is older than Jay-Z.
Born
December 4, 1969
Brooklyn, New York
World pop: ~3.6B
Jay-Z's age
57
Your age
20
Are you older than Jay-Z?
No — Jay-Z was born in 1969. You were born in 2006, making you 37 years younger.
At your age (20), Jay-Z hadn't yet reached his first major milestone. Jay-Z was 27 when he released his debut album — that's 7 years from now for you.
Jay-Z's Life Timeline
Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, was born on December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the Marcy Houses, a public housing project, where he was exposed to the struggles of urban life. Jay-Z developed an interest in music at an early age, particularly hip-hop, which would later become his career. He began rapping in the late 1980s and quickly gained recognition for his lyrical prowess and unique style.
Read more
Jay-Z's career took off in the mid-1990s when he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records and released his debut album, 'Reasonable Doubt,' in 1996. Over the years, he achieved significant success, releasing 14 #1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, making him one of the most commercially successful artists in music history. He has won numerous awards, including 24 Grammy Awards, and has collaborated with various artists across genres, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the music industry.
In addition to his music career, Jay-Z has made a name for himself as a businessman, becoming a billionaire through various ventures, including his ownership of the Roc Nation entertainment company and investments in sports teams and liquor brands. He married singer Beyoncé in 2008, and they have three children together. Jay-Z's influence extends beyond music, as he has become a cultural icon and advocate for social justice, leaving a lasting legacy in both the entertainment and business worlds.
Released his debut album
Shawn Corey Carter was 27 years old when he released his debut album 'Reasonable Doubt.' This album is considered a classic in hip-hop and established him as a formidable lyricist and artist in the music industry.
Jay-Z was 27 years old when he released his debut album in 1996. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'
Jay-Z was 29 years old when he released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life,' featuring the Grammy-winning title track. The album debuted at number one and sold over five million copies.
Jay-Z was 29 years old when he released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life' in 1998. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Founded Roc-A-Fella Records
Shawn Corey Carter was 31 years old when he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records. This label played a crucial role in the careers of several prominent artists and contributed significantly to the hip-hop genre.
Jay-Z was 31 years old when he founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 2000. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'The Blueprint'
Jay-Z was 32 years old when he released 'The Blueprint,' widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, featuring production from Kanye West and Just Blaze.
Jay-Z was 32 years old when he released 'The Blueprint' in 2001. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won his first Grammy Award
Shawn Corey Carter was 33 years old when he won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for 'The Blueprint.' This recognition marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his place in the music industry.
Jay-Z was 33 years old when he won his first Grammy Award in 2002. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'The Black Album'
Jay-Z was 34 years old when he released 'The Black Album,' which he initially billed as his farewell album. It included the hit '99 Problems' and is considered a hip-hop classic.
Jay-Z was 34 years old when he released 'The Black Album' in 2003. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets
Shawn Corey Carter was 37 years old when he became a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets. This move demonstrated his business acumen and interest in sports, expanding his influence beyond music.
Jay-Z was 37 years old when he became a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets in 2006. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Married Beyoncé
Shawn Corey Carter was 39 years old when he married singer Beyoncé. Their union has been highly publicized and has made them one of the most influential couples in the entertainment industry.
Jay-Z was 39 years old when he married Beyoncé in 2008. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Founded Roc Nation
Jay-Z was 39 years old when he founded Roc Nation, a full-service entertainment company that manages artists across music, sports, and entertainment.
Jay-Z was 39 years old when he founded Roc Nation in 2008. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Watch the Throne' with Kanye West
Jay-Z was 42 years old when he released 'Watch the Throne,' a collaborative album with Kanye West that debuted at number one and spawned the hit 'N****s in Paris.'
Jay-Z was 42 years old when he released 'Watch the Throne' with Kanye West in 2011. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released '4:44'
Jay-Z was 48 years old when he released '4:44,' a deeply personal album addressing infidelity, family, and wealth. It was critically acclaimed and earned him multiple Grammy Awards.
Jay-Z was 48 years old when he released '4:44' in 2017. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became a billionaire
Shawn Corey Carter was 49 years old when he became a billionaire, according to Forbes. This achievement made him one of the wealthiest figures in the entertainment industry and highlighted his successful business ventures.
Jay-Z was 49 years old when he became a billionaire in 2018. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Shawn Corey Carter was 50 years old when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his contributions to music and songwriting, further cementing his legacy in the industry.
Jay-Z was 50 years old when he inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Jay-Z was 52 years old when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, becoming the first solo living hip-hop artist to receive the honor.
Jay-Z was 52 years old when he inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Are you older than Jay-Z was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 0 | |
| 1970 | 1 | |
| 1971 | 2 | |
| 1972 | 3 | |
| 1973 | 4 | |
| 1974 | 5 | |
| 1975 | 6 | |
| 1976 | 7 | |
| 1977 | 8 | |
| 1978 | 9 | |
| 1979 | 10 | |
| 1980 | 11 | |
| 1981 | 12 | |
| 1982 | 13 | |
| 1983 | 14 | |
| 1984 | 15 | |
| 1985 | 16 | |
| 1986 | 17 | |
| 1987 | 18 | |
| 1988 | 19 | |
| 1989 | 20 | |
| 1990 | 21 | |
| 1991 | 22 | |
| 1992 | 23 | |
| 1993 | 24 | |
| 1994 | 25 | |
| 1995 | 26 | |
| 1996 | 27 | released his debut album |
| 1997 | 28 | |
| 1998 | 29 | released 'Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life' |
| 1999 | 30 | |
| 2000 | 31 | founded Roc-A-Fella Records |
| 2001 | 32 | released 'The Blueprint' |
| 2002 | 33 | won his first Grammy Award |
| 2003 | 34 | released 'The Black Album' |
| 2004 | 35 | |
| 2005 | 36 | |
| 2006 | 37 | became a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets |
| 2007 | 38 | |
| 2008 | 39 | married Beyoncé |
| 2009 | 40 | |
| 2010 | 41 | |
| 2011 | 42 | released 'Watch the Throne' with Kanye West |
| 2012 | 43 | |
| 2013 | 44 | |
| 2014 | 45 | |
| 2015 | 46 | |
| 2016 | 47 | |
| 2017 | 48 | released '4:44' |
| 2018 | 49 | became a billionaire |
| 2019 | 50 | inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame |
| 2020 | 51 | |
| 2021 | 52 | inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |
| 2022 | 53 | |
| 2023 | 54 | |
| 2024 | 55 | |
| 2025 | 56 | |
| 2026 | 57 |
