Jay-Z's Music Career

1995-97
Jay-Z's career in music initially started out in 1995 despite the fact that he was not signed to either a major or independent record label. He in fact created his own record label entitled Roc-A-Fella Records alongside good friends, Kareem Biggs and Damon Dash. After striking a deal with Priority Records to distribute his material, Jay-Z released his 1996 debut album entitled Reasonable Doubt.

1998-2000
In 1998, Jay-Z released Vol 2 Hard Knock Lifewhich consequently resulted in  the biggest hit of his career at the time, "Hard Knock Life". The album eventually succeeded and eventually sold over 3 million.

2001-2002
Within these two years, Jay-Z once again proved himself successful, and made himself a household name; following after the success of The Blueprint and The Blueprint 2. The Blueprint which was released in 2001, was applauded for its production and the balance of "mainstream" and "hardcore" rap, receiving recognition from both audiences. It was written in only two days. The Blueprint 2 again was just as successful as the original album; and it in fact featured tracks colloborating with Jay-Z' wife Beyonce.

2003-2005
During these years, Jay-Z worked, produced and distributed his album entitled "The Black Album". He worked with several producers including Kanye West and Eminem, who again are two very successful musicians. In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with rock group Linkin Park in which they released their collaborative remix which featured mashups of both artists' songs, as well as a concert DVD. The album's only single, "Numb/Encore" went on to win a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

2005-2007
Within these two years, the master that is Jay-Z went on to release: I Declare War, Kingdom Come and American Gangster. All of these trademark albums of Jay-Z constructed his image as a "Music Legend" simply because of the fact that he was able to produce and record three quality industry standard albums in a short period of time.

2008-2011
Again Jay-z within this period of time, released two successful albums entitled The Blueprint 3 and Watch The Throne. The latter being a collaborative album with Kanye West. Both of these albums were eagerly anticipated, especially seeing as The Blueprint trilogy again would come to lfie in the music world. The Blueprint 3 became Tfriple Platinum was again was a huge landmark in Jay-Z's music career. His album "Watch The Throne" was again extremely successful. The success consequented in a world tour, with one of the popular singles breing played 17 times in the Paris leg of the tour.