New York City is known for dreams coming true. So many people from all over the United States come here to be a star. The real prize is the people from here that go out and do everything in their power to become stars, legends, and even trendsetters. One person I do admire is our very own New Yorker Shawn Corey Carter, also known as Jay-Z. He is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in New York City. Actually, he is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in all of America. I might not be a die hard fan for his music or clothing line, but his business and managing skills are phenomenal.
Jay-Z was born on December 4, 1969 (same day as my little sister) and is from Marcy Projects in Brooklyn (Bio). As an adolescent, Jay-Z was a product of his own environment. He was involved with drugs and guns. He even shot his own brother over an altercation about his brother stealing from him. It was a rough life.
What draws me to him is his ability to make a change and profit from it and as well change peoples lives in the process. Jay-Z turned his life around. To escape the drug and gun life, he turned to rap. With his two friends Damon dash and Kareem Burke, they established and founded Roc-A-Fella records (Bio). In 1996 he released his first album Reasonable Doubt, which is considered a classic album in these days. 1998 marked the beginning of the real success with the album Hard Knock Life. In 2003 he dropped The Black Album and retired from the rap game. Soon after he became the president of Def Jam Records. This guy is a powerhouse. One of the smartest business men of this time. He started his own clothing line and even put up nightclubs called 40/40 ( Bio). Did I mention he partly owns the Brooklyn Nets? Talk about putting Brooklyn back on the map.
If there is anyone I would like to be, it would be Jay-Z. I can relate to him. We both come from Brooklyn and had rough childhoods. He is a prime example that anyone can make it through the struggle. He taught me that you don't have to give up. We all have potential which we can use to achieve anything. Some people may not see it but Jay-Z is truly inspirational. Yea, he was a drug dealer and gang banger, but people change. He changed for the best and now he is filthy rich, he has a gorgeous wife who we all know, and he has millions of fans that want to follow in his foot steps. If that is not an important famous New Yorker, then I don't know what is. Jay-Z was dealt a bad hand but still managed to take the pot. That is significant enough for me!
Work cited
“Jay-Z”. Bio. A+E Television Networks. N.D. Web. 12 March 2014
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