Shawn Corey Carter known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the world's best-selling music artists, and one of the most acclaimed rappers of all time.Born and raised in New York City, Jay-Z began his musical career in the mid 1990s, after which he released his debut studio album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996, to widespread critical and commercial success.