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Shawn Corey Carter (English: Shawn Corey Carter, December 4, 1969 -), whose stage name is Jay-Z, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, songwriter and music producer. He is one of the best-selling music artists in the world and one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of all time. He was the former CEO of two music production companies, Def Jam and Roc-a-Fella, and held shares in 40/40 Club Bar and the Brooklyn Nets. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in the United States, having sold more than 26 million records domestically. His highly acclaimed album Blueprint took just two days to create. After he announced his retirement from music production in 2003, he returned to the production of the album "Return of the King" in late 2006. The album sold 680,000 copies in the first week, making it JAY Z's highest-selling album in the first week of release. MTV named him "Number One" in its list of "Best MCs of All Time". The New York Times announced in April 2008 that JAY Z would begin a $150 million partnership with ROC Nation - one of the most expensive contracts ever awarded to a musician. Jay Z married Beyoncé on April 4, 2008.