King Of Rap In Pictures

Rapper Jay-Z poses for photographers as he arrives for the 15th annual Soul Train Awards in Los Angeles, Feb. 28, 2001.

Recording artist Jay-Z poses in this publicity photo in Nov. 12, 2002. Jay-Z has produced a new album every eight months for the last six years. His latest album, "Blueprint 2.1," was released in April 2003.

Jay-Z As Principal

Rap Artist Jay-Z, surrounded by security, is escorted to the auditorium at Cass Tech High School in Detroit, Nov. 21, 2002, where he was principal for a day. The students won the visit, sponsored by 105.9FM Jamz radio station, because of the school's good attendance record.

Jay-Z On Tour

Jay-Z during a summer show performance. Fifteen years ago, he says he had no idea that he would be a wealthy superstar. He was just surviving. But now, he has already sold over 15 million albums, and his personal fortune is above $50 million.

Jay-Z On 60 Minutes II

Jay-Z talked to 60 Minutes II Correspondent Bob Simon about his growing empire and his childhood in the projects of Brooklyn. His fall 2002 album, "The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse," hit No. 1 and sold about 545,000 copies during its first week in stores.

P. Diddy & Jay-Z

Rappers P. Diddy, top, and Jay-Z joke around during Game One of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the New Jersey Nets and Boston Celtics in East Rutherford, N.J., May 5, 2003.

Jay-Z in a recent photo. His record label (Rocafella), clothing line and movie production company have already generated almost half a billion dollars a year in sales.

Jay-Z In Tribeca

Rap star Jay-Z rushes past photographers at the premiere of the hip-hop satire, "Death of a Dynasty," at the Tribeca Film Festival, May 7, 2003 in New York.

Jay-Z & Beyonce

Jay-Z and Beyonce perform "Crazy in Love" during the third annual BET Awards, June 24, 2003, in Los Angeles.

Roc The Mic Tour

Rapper Jay-Z performs during a stop on the "Roc the Mic" tour at the Mark of the Quad-Cities in Moline, Ill., July 15, 2003.