Shawn Carter, known as JAY-Z, was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1969. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history and is responsible for accelerating the careers of high-profile music artists such as Rihanna, Kanye West, and J. Cole.
During his career, as well as having been label head at for Roc-A-Fella, Roc Nation, and Def Jam, he has become a very successful businessman, real-estate mogul, and fashion designer. His life story is truly one of rags-to-riches, having been born and raised in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to becoming one of the most influential and successful artists of his era.
After he founded his record label Roc-A-Fella, JAY-Z ‘s career began in 1996 with the release of his debut album “Reasonable Doubt”. This was closely followed by his second album release “In My Lifetime, Vol. 1” in 1997. Both records were packed with gritty lyrics and stories from the streets, which would go on to become emblematic of his musical output. These releases prompted a highly successful chart run, with JAY-Z subsequently releasing a total of twelve albums, such as “The Blueprint” in 2001, “The Black Album” in 2003, and “4:44” in 2017, that all reached number one in the Billboard chart. While topping the charts throughout his solo career, JAY-Z is also known for his mainstream crossover success with other artists. Famous collaborations can be heard on albums such as “Watch the Throne” with Kanye West in 2011 and “Everything Is Love” with his wife Beyoncé in 2018.
JAY-Z is one of the world’s most successful artists, with over 125 million records sold worldwide. He is the first rapper in history to be honoured in the “Songwriters Hall of Fame” and is also the first solo living rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Browse our unique collection of JAY-Z photos and prints below
Exclusive David Bowie print specially created by The Postman for Rockarchive, based on a photograph taken by Dave Hogan at Live Aid in 1985
Adam Ant photographed by Jill Furmanovsky during a cover shoot for The Face magazine in February 1981
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who were in the vanguard of the British music Invasion that became popular in the US in 1964–65.
Blondie is a American rock band founded by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein that pioneered the New York new wave & punk scenes of the 1970s.
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968 & considered one of the most innovative & influential rock bands in history.
Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
Our contact sheet print collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
