Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, overcame a life of poverty in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn and became one of the most successful rappers in the world. He has received more than twenty Grammy Awards as well as other music honors, and he has also proven to be a savvy entrepreneur with his clothing, clubs, and sports business ventures. Drawing from the rapper's own words, which are accompanied by detailed photographs and fascinating sidebars, this book provides readers with a straightforward look at the life of Jay-Z and the business empire he built.