I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man Jay-Z is easily one of the most successful rap artists of all-time, but he's also quite the businessman and talent scout. Born Shawn Corey Carter, Jay-Z got his rap name from the subway lines that ran near the Marcy Projects he grew up in. Jay came up in the 90s with fellow rapper Jaz-O, appearing on Yo! MTV Raps, but it wasn't until he and two of his friends formed a record label that would change the game. In 1996, Jay, Damon Dash and Kareem Burke, started Roc-a-Fella Records. What followed were highly successful albums like, The Blueprint and The Black Album. Outside of rap, Jay-Z would form a relationship with — and eventually marry — Beyonce, who'd later bear him three children. He was also instrumental in moving the New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn and also launched a clothing line called Rocawear. Jay-Z's other notable endeavors include launching the Tidal music streaming service and Roc Nation management company.