With over 40 million albums sold and a business empire that includes clothing, fragrances, sports bars, liquor, and hotels, and more, Jay Z has transformed himself into one of the most powerful brands in the world.
The now 50-year-old former rapper continues a string of business successes, who also now owns a record label, talent agency, and music streaming service. His estimated net worth is over $1 Billion (yes, that’s with a “B”).
“As kids, we didn’t complain about being poor,” explains Jay. “We talked about how rich we were going to be and made moves to get the lifestyle we aspired to by any means we could. And as soon as we had a little money, we were eager to show it.”
Jay Z has found success by creating his own opportunities. “Those who are successful, overcome their fears and take action. Those who aren’t, submit to their fears and live with regrets,” Mr. Carter says.
In doing so, he’s gone from being a teen selling drugs on a Brooklyn street corner to a bona fide business mogul.
He has a number of different business ventures including, the 40/40 clubs, Rocawear, Roc Nation Sports Management, Armand de Brignac champagne, TIDAL music streaming service and his latest venture, Arrive, a venture capital platform that works with early-stage startups, offering investment capital and assistance with business development, branding and more.
But the father of three and husband to superstar Beyonce says that handling all of that and a music career wasn’t hard. Building something out of nothing from the projects wasn’t hard. It was actually repairing his broken marriage that was the hardest thing for him to do.
On the title track of his last album, 4:44, Jay, said that he could have lost it all due to his infidelity.
“And if my children knew
I don’t even know what I would do
If they ain’t look at me the same
I would prob’ly die with all the shame
“You did what with who?”
What good is a ménage à trois when you have a soulmate?
“You risked that for Blue?”
If I wasn’t a superhero in your face
My heart breaks for the day I have to explain my mistakes
And the mask goes away”
“What I thought was when I finally met my dad, I’m free to love now,” explains Jay in the video below that accompanies the song. “But I thought, ‘how are you going to do it. No one informed you how to do it. You don’t even have the tools to do it. How are you gonna do this?'”
“It’s hard,” exclaims Jay. “Remember, I’m from Marcy Projects. I’ve been shot at…all kinds of stuff. But nothing’s harder than this–by far! I’m telling you, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
“Most people are willing to put ourselves through something like this. That’s why most people give up.”
And he’s right, with the divorce