Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z (stylized in all caps), is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record company executive, and businessman. Born and raised in New York City, Jay-Z first began his musical career after founding the record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995, and subsequently released his debut studio albumReasonable Doubt in 1996.