Jay-Z On Top of the World

Jay-Z has made the transition from street hustler to business leader better that anyone else. His recent appearance with Bill Gates the world’s richest man at Microsoft head quarters is just one example of how far Jay-Z has come.

Carter has amassed a fortune of some $320 million and currently services as president and CEO of Def Jam.

He has 13 top-selling albums and has sold more than 33 million records worldwide. Jay-Z is also one of a small group of successful recording artist to own the masters to his recordings.

His line of sneakers, The S.Carter Collection is the fastest-selling sneaker in Reebok's history, generating more than $100 million in sales.

Rocaware, the clothing company Carter started with partner Damon Dash has sales of $400 million in 2004. Carter bought out Dash for an estimated $25 million last year. He is also developing an S. Carter high-end clothing line.

The New Jersey Nets of which Carter is part owner made it as far as the second round of the NBA Finals this year before loosing to the Miami Heat. Nets majority owner Bruce Ratner said of Jay-Z's ownership, "As it's evolved, he's become one of the key investors, not just in terms of promotion, but for his real business judgment."

Jay-Z also co-owns The 40/40 Club, an upscale sports bar which was started in New York City and has since expanded to Atlantic City, NJ.

As Jay-Z gains the respect of more of the top business leaders in the world you can expect to see him continue to climb the corporate ladder maybe one day being referred to as billionaire Shawn Carter.