I was forced to be an artist and a CEO from the beginning, so I was forced to be like a businessman because when I was trying to get a record deal, it was so hard to get a record deal on my own that it was either give up or create my own company.

In 2004 Jay-Z collaborated with rock group Linkin Park in which they released their collaborative remix EP Collision Course which featured mashups of both artists' songs as well as a concert DVD. The album features producers such as Just Blaze Pharrell Kanye West Dr. Life and Times of S.

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4 1969) better known by his stage name Jay-Z (sometimes stylized JAY Z) is an American rapper record producer entrepreneur and occasional actor. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and the founder of Roc Nation. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America.