BHM Spotlight: Jay-Z

Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage

February is the special month in which we honor and celebrate African-Americans, past and present, for all their accomplishments in a variety of fields: music, television, film, fashion, business and so much more. Here at Glambergirlblog we want to do things a little bit different. Everyday throughout this month we will spotlight some of the glamberous African-Americans in the entertainment industry.

I find it quite the coincidence that on the night I chose to spotlight rapper Jay-Z for my Black History Month Spotlight I turn on OWN and there he is being interviewed for Oprah Winfrey’s new series Oprah Presents Master Class. Contrary to what some may believe; Shawn Carter is definitely a positive role model and huge staple in the hip hop community. And just like may great success stories, nothing happened overnight for this now multimillionaire.

The Brooklyn born mogul survived a rough childhood of dealing drugs and being around gun violence. Finding solace in music; Shawn teamed up with rapper Jaz-O who soon became his mentor. The two recorded a song, “The Originators,” which landed them an appearance on an episode of Yo! MTV Raps in 1989. In 1996, Jay released his debut album Reasonable Doubt; under Roc-A-Fella Records, the label he founded with friends Damon Dash and Kareem Burke.

Over the years Jay emerged into the music and fashion industry as one to keep up with. His Hard Knock Life album landed him a Grammy nomination and his single “03 Bonnie & Clyde” brought him to his now wife singer Beyoncé Knowles Carter. Jay retired from the game then game back strong. These days Jay juggles fatherhood, married life and maintaining a strong presence in the music industry.

Fun Fact About Jay-Z: Jay-Z’s stage name came from many things. It stemmed from an homage to his former mentor Jaz-O, his nickname as a child “Jazzy,” and a reference to the ‘J/Z’ NYC subway station near his childhood home.