Jay-Z is an American rapper and CEO for the Def Jam record label. He debuted in 1996 with “Reasonable Doubt,” quickly gaining momentum on the mainstream charts. From 1998 to 2007, he produced eight records, all of which topped the Billboard 200.

In recent years, he has decreased the regularity of his recording and performing in favor of producing and entrepreneurial pursuits. However, Jay-Z signed a multi-million dollar deal with Live Nation worth about $150 million in 2008. The long-term contract reportedly spans 10 years and includes touring, ticketing, merchandise, sponsorship, recordings and more.