Jay Z: The King of America

Author Mark Beaumont met and interviewed Jay Z in 2009 and many quotes from that interview feature in this biography. Also included are interviews with Kanye West, Chris Martin, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Damon Dash, Dr Dre, Rick Rubin and many others. This fascinating book details his early life, his father abandoning him, his accidental shooting of his brother and his delving into cocaine dealing.

The book then moves on to the launch of his Roc-A-Fella record label and his subsequent album releases including the platinum selling In My Life and Hard Knock Life as well as his alleged involvement in the stabbing of record executive Lance Riviera, the trial and his three year probation sentence. Details how he became the CEO of Def Jam Recordings (one of his first signings was Rihanna). Also examines his high-profilerelationship and marriage to Beyonc Knowles.

Features an in-depth look into his entrepreneurial skills from launching his own Rocawear clothing and accessories line, his New York club 40/40 and his rumoured investments in real estate and football clubs and brings the story right up to date to include his performance at Glastonbury in 2008, the Haiti aid single Stranded, his concerts with Eminem, his Watch The Throne EP release with Kanye West and his supporting U2 on their World Tour.