JAY-Z : WATER AND INK : American Gangster (2007)

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Uploaded by on Dec 28, 2007

facebook: bernardo da vinci
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969) better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper and current president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. In addition, he co-owns The 40/40 Club and the New Jersey Nets NBA team. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America.[1] Known for his flow and blending of street and popular style, he can compose lyrics without the use of pen and paper[2]. His critically acclaimed album, The Blueprint, was allegedly written in only two days.[3] After announcing his retirement from recording music in 2003, he returned in late 2006 with the album Kingdom Come which sold 680,000 copies in its first week, Jay-Z's highest-selling album in a one-week period.[4]

Along with Damon "Dame" Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke, Jay-Z was one of the founders of Roc-A-Fella Records, a hip hop record label. Jay-Z is the richest hip hop Entertainer (followed by Sean "Puffy" Combs, a.k.a. Diddy), having a net-worth estimate of $547 million.
Originally from Marcy Houses housing project in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City[6], Jay-Z was abandoned by his father Adnes Reeves when he was twelve years old.[7] Jay-Z attended Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn, along with rapper AZ, until it was closed down. After that he attended George Westinghouse Information Technology High School in Downtown Brooklyn, with fellow rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes, and Trenton Central High School in Trenton, New Jersey, but did not graduate.[8] He claims to have been caught up in selling drugs, to which he refers in his music.[7]

According to his mother Gloria Carter, a young Jay-Z used to wake his siblings up at night banging out drum patterns on the kitchen table. Eventually, she bought him a boom box for his birthday and thus sparked his interest in music. He began freestyling, writing rhymes, and followed the music of many artists popular at the time. It is stated that he beat Busta Rhymes in a rap battle, but also has lost to DMX.

In his neighborhood, Carter was known as "Jazzy", a nickname that eventually developed into his stage name, "Jay-Z". The moniker is also a homage to his musical mentor Jaz-O (a.k.a. Jaz, Big Jaz) as well as to the J/Z subway lines that have a stop at Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn.[6]

Jay-Z can be heard on several of Jaz-O's early recordings in the late 80s and early 90s, including "The Originators" and "Hawaiian Sophie". He also collaborated with Inglewood, California producer Three-1-Zero. His career had a jump start when he battled a rapper by the name of Zai. The battle caught the eye of many record labels, as Jay-Z was able to hold his own against Zai. He also made an appearance on a popular song by Big L, "Da Graveyard", and on Mic Geronimo's "Time to Build", which also featured early appearances by DMX and Ja Rule and Shazim Hasan in 1995. His first official rap single was called "I Can't Get With That" which he also released a music video for.

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Uploader Comments (wryb)

  • perfect nice work!!!!

  • thanks!

Top Comments

  • I throw my black fist up with respect you got much talent my brother

  • wow u are incredible!!!!!!

Video Responses

This video is a response to Kelly Rowland - Lay It On Me ft. Big Sean
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All Comments (31)

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  • NIGGER STUFF NO THRILLS HERE!

  • That doesnt look like jay z, but you still have talent.

  • whats with the massive last minute afro

  • did you guys know Idris Elba made the song or intro in the beginning

  • I wouldn't put it that way, but it isn't exactly screaming JayZ either.

  • Hating is a weak emotion( nice shit)

  • you suck, thats not Jay-z

  • NNNNIIIICCCCCEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

  • TALENT

    nothing more..nothing less

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