Grammy Nominee Jay-Z Brooklyn Born & Bred
Shawn Corey Carter, more commonly known as mega recording artist Jay-Z, is currently nominated for multiple 2011 GRAMMYs in the categories of: Best Rap Song, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and ultimately Best Rap Album. Jay-Z is certainly accustomed to the GRAMMY process- having won an impressive ten awards in total.
ALSO SEE: Tri-State Area Grammy Nominees | Photo Slideshow
The Hip-Hop artist hit gold this season with his song, "Empire State of Mind" featuring talented songstress Alicia Keys. The song glorifies our great state of New York in which both artists hail from. Jay-Z was born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn in a cluster of projects by the name of Marcy.
Marcy, a drug and crime fueled neighborhood, made life difficult for single-mother Gloria Carter and her four children. As a result, the award winning artist struggled with the pressures of violence, guns, and drug activity while attending Eli Whitney High School. Having survived a troubled youth full of adversity, Jay-Z has had plenty of inspiration for his chart-topping songs.
His album, The Blueprint 3, nominated for this years Best Rap Album, housed some of 2010's hottest tracks. Not only is Empire State of Mind nominated but On to the Next One has been as well. Both tracks featured contributing artists, a concept and process that the superstar is not privy to. In Fact, the mogul has managed to jump-start the careers of fellow recording artists Rhianna, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo, and had a hand in helping superstar Kanye West go from producer to major recording artist.
Jay-Z has clearly established himself as an empire by being president of major Hip-Hop recording label Def Jam and owner of Rocawear clothing line, Roc-A-Fella films, Club 40/40, and part owner of the NBA New Jersey Nets franchise.
In2008, the rap icon married R&B queen, Beyonce, and the two have since reigned as a force to be reckoned with.The duo now own numerous homes in swanky areas throughout the tri-state area.
Regardless of where Jay resides, one thing remains clear when listening to the masterminds hit songs; his home will forever be Brooklyn.
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