Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind-- Part 2: The Businessman

For the majority, we have come to know Jay-Z for his musical talents... but what about Jay-Z the "Businessman?"

After a brief retirement period around 2004, Jay-Z accepted the role to become the president of Def Jam records, which was a tremendous accomplishment for the rapper. It was then that he became one for the few African Americans to have such a position at a major record label. And with a focused state of mind, Jay-Z was able to snatch artists such as Young Jeezy, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, and Tierra Mari within a short time.

In the apparel arena, Jay-Z is known for his signature Rocawear urban gear. The clothing line was founded in 1999 by Jay-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke and has been in the forefront of the urban apparel ever since. Currently, the line makes over $700 million in retail sales annually.

And if those numbers are too big to imagine, the "Businessman" even owns a nice spot called the 40/40 Club and owns part of a professional basketball team, the New Jersey Nets.

As you can see, Jay-Z is not just a face to be seen performing or a voice to be heard rapping; he has become a sucessful entreprenuer and is continuuing to live out his dream.