Elite Profile: Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter

Total Net Worth: $450 Million (2011)
Age: 42
Sign: Sagittarius
Born in: New York City
Marital status: Married to Beyonce Knowles
Occupation: Rapper, Founder, Roc-A-Fella Records, Rocawear

A true icon of the American spirit and a testament to perseverance through adversity, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, has been able to transcend hip-hop, entertainment, and the business world to become one of the most successful men of our generation. Hailed as the King of America by Rolling Stone, Jay-Z has accepted 13 Grammy Awards for his music and is regarded as one of the most successful men in music, as a rapper, record producer, club owner and mogul. As a true testament to his success he has been featured on the cover of Forbes Magazine alongside American tycoon, Warren Buffet.

What separates Carter’s success from others is the incredible odds he faced to reach his current status. Shawn’s father, Adnes Reeves, left the family when he was only 11 years old. As a single mother, Gloria Carter raised the future mogul through the harsh reality of living in Brooklyn’s drug-infested Marcy Projects. The young rapper had a major turning point in his career when he founded his own record company, Roc-A-Fella Records. The record label partnership with his friends, Damon Dash and Kareem Burke, in 1996 would prove to be the foundation to his unimaginable success.

Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records went on to release a multitude of No. 1 albums and hit singles and is known as the “most successful entertainer of all time.” The accolades he has received in the music industry are incomparable, as Jay-Z has surpassed the number of No.1 albums held by both Elvis and The Beetles. Within the music industry he has continued to expand his brand endeavors with the launch of his imprint with Live Nation, Rocnation, which facilitates all aspects of an artist’s brand from touring to brand development. This 10 year deal is worth a reported $150 million.

Beyond his legendary status in the music industry, Jay-Z is equally known for his lifestyle businesses, starting with the launch of his signature street clothing in 1999. Rocawear apparel is a collaboration with Roc-A-Fella designing some of the fashion industry’s best selling jeans, footwear, sunglasses and accessories for both men and women. The artist also co-owns the 40/40 Club, an upscale sports bar that has locations in New York City and Atlantic City.

As part-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team he has positioned basketball’s move into his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. Paying a reported $4.5 million for his stake in the company, he shares the team with stakeholders including Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. With the launch of his company, SC Enterprises has launched a new lifestyle site called Life and Times, making his foray into digital media. In terms of earnings within the hip hop industry, Jay-Z made an estimated $37 million in 2011 through tours and record sales. With such an epic rise to fame and no signs of slowing down any time soon, he has made us all fans. Even Warren Buffett throws up the Roc.

The Wife

Beyonce Knowles

Jay-Z doesn’t settle for just any woman. The King of America is proudly married to R&B diva, Beyonce Knowles. Known for her amazing body, unmistakable voice and infectious personality, Beyonce has graced the covers of every major magazine across the globe and even starred alongside Mike Myers in Austin Powers: Goldmember. Beyonce is also worth an estimated $300 million, who wouldn’t be in love with that?

The Cars

Maybach Exelero ($8 million)

Bugatti Veyron ($2.4 million)

Pagani Zonda ($1.8 million)

Maybach 62S ($423,500)

Ferrari F430 ($250,000)

Rolls Royce Phantom ($408,000)

The Real Estate Portfolio

The NYC Penthouse ($65,000 rent per month)

Location: The luxury pad of hip-hop mogul is located in property tycoon Donald Trump’s outrageous apartment complex, Trump World Tower. One of the tallest residential buildings in world, the Tower sits at 845 United Nations Plaza in ultra-posh Manhattan, New York.

Accommodation: Jay Z’s 14 room home has five bedrooms, an equal number of bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen. It also has a personal library and a separate maid’s quarters. The home offers breathtaking views of the city.

Neighborhood: The Trump Tower has been the favorite haunt of numerous celebrities and influential personalities. Apart from the real estate stalwart Donald Trump who himself has a palatial house in the building, Jay-Z has baseball star Derek Jeter for his neighbor.

The Florida Mansion

Location: This lavish home is situated on an exclusive golf and residential island located between Bal Harbor and Miami Beach known as  Indian Creek Village, Florida. Jay-Z & Beyonce have this currently listed on the market for $9.3 million.

Accommodation: It’s 7,888 square feet with 7 bedrooms, 8 full and two partial baths, a tile roof, and a pool.

Neighborhood: Indian Creek Island is one of the wealthiest communities in America, hence, many celebrities reside in this locality. Celebs such as Julio Iglesias and his son Enrique, model Adriana Lima, and former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula have grand houses here.

The Upstate Mansion

Location: The property is located in Scarsdale, which is a coterminous town and village in Westchester County, New York, United States.

Accommodation: The house is spread across 15,000 square feet on approx 2 acres. The home has been torn down and reconstructed twice, most recently just before the couple moved into their home. The mansion is built in old style with a large garden and is one of the ritziest blocks in Scarsdale.

Elite.