Jay-Z

24-time GRAMMY award-winner and Beyonce’s husband, Shawn Corey Carter a.k.a Jay-Z has broken through the realm of normal rapper and Hollywood celeb. He is an established real estate investor and wise businessman who is collecting cash from all directions. He owns expensive cars collectively worth millions and Shawn Carter’s art collection has stores quite a value as well.

What Is Jay Z’s Net Worth?

In 2024, Jay Z has a net worth of $2.5 Billion, according to Forbes.

From record labels to liquor brands, Jay-Z has countless ways to generate income. He sold a 50% stake in his Ace of Spades champagne company to LVMH in 2021 which earned him around $315 million. In 2023, Bacardi bought majority stakes in Jay Z’s cognac brand D'Usse which gave the rapper another $750 million. He sold TIDAL to Jack Dorsey's company and that deal earned him nearly $300 million. In 2017, Jay-Z signed a 10-year deal worth $200 million with Live Nation which is also co-owner of Roc Nation. However, this is not the first contract between the two. Previously in 2007, Jay-Z partnered with with the touring giant Live Nation and agreed to a 10-year contract worth $150 million.

Additionally, Shawn Corey Carter has also invested in an art collection along with Beyonce and their entire collection is worth around $70 million. Jay-Z has shares in companies like Uber as well. That's not it. Jay Z owns a bar in New York City named 40/40 Club. He has written a memoir of his life titled "Decoded" from which he gets an undisclosed amount in royalties. Meanwhile, Jay-Z and Beyonce's real estate properties have a value of over $300 million.

Coming to the music part. Jay-Z has cashed in millions from tours. His 2008 “On the Run II Tour” with Beyonce grossed over $253 million. A year before his 4:44 Tour grossed around $48.7 million. Additionally, with 140 million units of record sales, Jay-Z is one of the best-selling artists in the world. Cosmopolitan has reported that “The Empire State of Mind” singer and rapper has earned $33.5 million just from sales of his singles and albums. Moreover, his music catalog is worth $95 million. In 2014, he gained ownership of his music catalog and the associated publishing rights, which include the use of his songs in TV commercials, sampling by other artists, and more.

With everything put together, Jay-Z has managed to get 5th place on Forbes’ World Celebrity Billionaires list of 2024.

What Is Jay Z's Claim To Fame? 

Jay-Z climbed the stairs not only because of his musical talent but also because of his business acumen. Furthermore, how can we forget the role Beyonce played in his life? 

• Rise with Roc-A-Fella Records: After failure to sign with major record labels, Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke and released Reasonable Doubt (1996) which became immensely popular. 
• Breakthrough: The "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" single from 1998 was the rapper’s first major commercial success. It paved the way for his third album, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, to become a multi-platinum success.
• The Nas Feud: In the showbiz, celebs use their feuds to advance their fame to the next level. Even Kendrick Lemar Vs Drake is gaining the attention of global rap fans. Hence, it makes sense how the Jay-Z Vs Nas feud benefited both parties.
• Marriage to Beyonce: Jay Z was already famous even before she married Beyonce, but after tying the knot with her in 2008, they became a power couple everyone in the industry is jealous. Both launched multiple songs, ventures, and businesses together.

What Brands Does Jay Z Own Or Is Part Of?

Jaz-Z is worth over $2 Billion for nothing. He owns multiple businesses and has invested in several companies some of which are given below. 

• Rocawear: The clothing brand was founded in 1995 and had annual sales of $700 million. However, in 2007, the rapper sold the selling rights of the brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million. A few years later, Jay-Z and Iconix got into a lawsuit which the rapper settled for $15 million in 2019.
• Roc-A-Fella Records: In 1994, it was founded by Jay Z, Kareem "Biggs" Burke, and Damon "Dame" Dash but the label company was defunct in 2013.
• Roc Nation: Jay-Z founded this entertainment company founded by Jay-Z in 2008. In 2023, it collected a revenue of $22 million. According to Forbes, it has a value of $140 million.
• Roc Nation Sports: In 2013, Jay-Z laid the foundation for the Sports management division of Roc Nation. Some known athletes and clients that Roc Nation Sports has signed include Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, Vini Jr of Real Madrid, Kyrie Irving from the Dallas Mavericks, and others.
• Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades): In 2021, Jay-Z sold 50% stakes in his luxury champagne brand Ace of Spades to luxury powerhouse LVMH Moët Hennessy which added $315 million to his bank account. Meanwhile, let's not forget. He still owns 50% of the company.
• D'Ussé: A cognac brand co-owned by Jay-Z in partnership with Bacardi. Launched in 2012, D'Ussé has become popular in the luxury spirits market, often featured in Jay-Z's music videos and lyrics. However, Bacardi and Jay-Z got into a dispute related to the valuation of the brand. Ultimately, the issue was resolved when Kanye’s mentor ended up selling his stakes in the company for $750 million.
• Tidal: In 2021, Jack Dorsey bought 80% stakes in Jay-Z’s failed music streaming service. Former X/Twitter CEO’s company, Square ended up paying close to $300 million to Can’t Knock The Hustle singer and rapper. Jay-Z actually bought the company in 2015 for $56 million.
• Marcy Venture Partners: The venture capital firm was established in 2018. It is now expected to merge with the investment company of Pendulum Holdings. If merges go through, it will be valued at around $1 billion.
• Paper Planes: A retail apparel and fashion brand was created under the supervision of Roc-Nation's Emory Jones. In 2008, Jay-Z got the name trademarked.
• 40/40 Club: A luxury bar chain was co-founded by Jay-Z in 2003. He even announced “The Black Album” his 8th studio album when the club was launched. Since then he has expanded outlets in multiple cities. However, he plans to revitalize the franchise and relaunch a new club in New York which will also allow sports betting.
• Monogram: Jay-Z has collaborated with a cannabis product company named TPCO Holding Corp with his firm Monogram to sell marijuana products.
• Brooklyn Nets: In 2004, he invested around $1 million for one-fifteenth of one percent which he reportedly sold later on with a loss of around $500,000.
• Barclays Center: Jay-Z has around one-fifth of one percent in Barclays Center which is valued at around $1.5 million.
• Life + Times: Jay-Z created this website to share rapper's digital experiences covering art, sports, music, fashion, and culture. It remains unclear how this brings in the money other than ad traffic. However, it is a good PR move to share his personal interests and professional dealings with the public which eventually results in his popularity. In the end, the famous “Dolla bills” LISA mentioned in her song “Money” keeps on increasing in Jay-Z's bank account.
• Investments: Jay Z has invested in several companies such as Uber, SoftBank Group Corp, Block, Carol's Daughter, Wristcheck, and more. 

Besides these, the rapper also co-owns Paper Planes and 40/40 Club. 

What Brands Does Jay Z Endorse?

During his active music industry days and even after them, Jay-Z continued to secure enormous brand deals. Some of the notable ones are as follows.

• Reebok: In 2003, Jay Z became the first American rapper to sign a contract with Reebok. It lasted for 3 years and expired without renewal. While Jay-Z’s deal was running, even 50 Cent endorsed his collection.
• Puma: Jay-Z became the creative director for Puma Basketball in 2018. 
• Barneys New York: In 2013, Jay-Z collaborated with Barneys for a special holiday collection.
• Chrysler: In 2013, ‘On the Way to the Top’ song by Jay-Z was featured in Chrysler's commercial for 300 Sedan.
• Budweiser: Jay-Z and Budweiser came together for a global music campaign. 
• Samsung: During the NBA playoffs in 2013, Jay-Z was featured in a 3-minute Samsung ad in which he announced his "Magna Carta Holy Grail" album.

Besides that, 

How Does Jay Z Spend His Wealth?

Jay-Z mostly invests his wealth in companies and other businesses. However, he has a thing for art as well. He and his wife Beyonce have spent a ton of money on art pieces, which even includes a $20,000 painting from street artist Hebru Brantley. Collectively the couple has an art collection worth $70 million. Beyonce and Jay-Z also bought Basquiat's Mecca in 2013 for $4.5 million which has soared in value and is now worth more than $20 million. Additionally, his music catalog is worth nearly $95 million, according to Cosmopolitan. That said, the “Holy Grail” rapper and singer also spends on real estate and automobiles.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z has a costly set of watches. He owns a Richard Mille RM001 worth $2.3 million, a Richard Mille RM056 “The Blueprint” worth more than $5 million, a $2 million Rolex Daytona 6263, and a Patek Philippe Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon with a market price of nearly $5.3 million and more.

How Many Houses Does Jay Z Own?

It is hard to separate Jay Z and Beyonce when it comes to the real estate portfolio since almost all the property transactions have been done by these two as a couple. Their real estate is valued at around $300 million.

• Tribeca penthouse: In 2004, Jay-Z spent $6.85 million on a penthouse in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill neighborhood. It is also the same house where Jay-Z and Beyonce got married.
• Bel Air mansion: In 2017, Jay-Z and Beyonce shelled out a whopping $88 million for the Bel Air mansion, which has bullet-proof windows. 
• Malibu Property: In 2023, the couple made a record in the real estate history of California when they spent $200 million on beachfront property in Malibu. It also happens to be the second most expensive house in the US. The house was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. He also designed a house for Kanye West in West Malibu.
• Rentals: Jay-Z and Beyonce have also rented several expensive properties over the years. They spent $150,000 for their Holmby Hills stay, A New England–style mansion in Bridgehampton used to cost around $400,000 per month, and the Time Warner Center in Midtown rental was being paid $40,000 a month.

Some other properties that Jay Z owned or currency owns with his wife Beyonce include a Mediterranean-style villa on Miami’s Billionaire Bunker and a New Orleans home which used to be a church.

How Many Cars Does Jay Z Own?

Jay-Z’s garage is full of expensive cars from brands like Rolls-Royce, Pagani, Ferrari, and more. Details on some are given below.

• Maybach 62S: Jay-Z has a $448,500 Maybach 62S sedan which he has been seen being chauffeured with Beyonce. 
• Jeep Wrangler: Believe it or not, Beyonce and Jay-Z have been photographed traveling in a silver Jeep Wrangler which wasn’t even worth a 6-figure price tag.
• 1957 C1 Corvette: During 2002 "Spankin' New Music Week", Jay-Z and Beyonce were seen riding a red C1 Corvette convertible which has an average value of $100,797 in 2024.

Meanwhile, Jay-Z's car collection also has the Bentley Continental GT, Dartz Prombron, and other cars. 

What Are Jay Z’s Charitable Contributions And Philanthropic Endeavors?

From social movement involvement to natural disaster help, Jay-Z has spent his money on various philanthropic and charitable endeavors.

• The Shawn Carter Foundation: It supports students with their education. However, the Foundation has also donated to other causes. In 2020, Jay-Z gave away $1 million to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in New York.
• Disaster Relief funding: After Hurricane Katrina, Jay-Z pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross. However, it remains unclear if the amount went through or not.
• Jail Bail Outs: In 2015, Jay Z bailed out a lot of people who were arrested for protesting against police brutality.
• BLM: In 2016, Jay-Z's Roc Nation and Tidal donated $1.6 million to Black Lives Matter and social groups.

Moreover, in 2024, Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation announced $300 million in scholarships for underprivileged students. However, it turned out that the public didn't like the idea. Since Jay-A was not paying the money from his own pocket. His company was suggesting to use the taxpayer's money and people were against it.

What’s Next For Jay Z?

 Jay-Z is planning a great relaunch of his 40/40 Club in New York City. Furthermore, there have been rumors spreading related to Jay-Z’s new album but Roc Nation hasn’t confirmed it yet.

Also Read:

• Eminem's Net Worth
• Kendrick Lamar's Net Worth
• Drake's Net Worth