Jay-Z's journey began with his debut album (1996), which laid the groundwork for his future success. The album featured hits like "Can't Knock the Hustle" and "Dead Presidents II," showcasing Jay-Z's storytelling ability and lyrical prowess. He followed up with Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life (1998), which catapulted him to mainstream fame with hits like "Big Pimpin'" and "Still D.R.E." (feat. Snoop Dogg).

This look back at Jay-Z's 24-album discography serves as a testament to his tireless work ethic and enduring impact on hip-hop. Love him or hate him, Jay-Z remains a driving force in music, consistently pushing boundaries and shaping the sound of contemporary rap.

The 2010s saw Jay-Z enter a new chapter in his career, marked by entrepreneurial ventures and critically acclaimed albums like -era King Kong -sampling 13 (2013) and 4:44 (2017). The latter, a surprise album released on Father's Day, tackled themes of marriage, family, and social justice.