From the very beginning of his career until now, Jay Z has
wowed millions with his lyrical prowess, entrepreneurial spirit and mindset to
use his childhood environment to educate and do better. Recently Jay Z released
his latest album, Watch the Throne, with
powerful Chicago rapper Kanye West and Watch the Throne has received undaunting praise for the lyrics and
production of the album.
But for this businessman, rapping was never enough for him.
During the moments of his retirement, Jay Z realized the cry for help in some
African countries and their water shortage. His New York City concert in
November 2006 raised over $250,000 for PlayPumps International, a non-profit
that donates to PlayPump water systems to African communities and schools.
During the same month, MTV produced the documentary Diary of Jay Z: Water
for Life. Catch a snippet of the
documentary here:
Jay Z’s philanthropic efforts have not stopped there. He established the Shawn Carter Foundation
in 2003 along with his mother, Gloria Carter, with the vision and mission to
aid individuals facing socioeconomic hardships. On September 29, 2011 Jay Z
and the foundation hosted a carnival for An Evening of “Making the Ordinary
Extraordinary” at Pier 54 in New York City and with this event he raised
$1,033,000 for the Foundation.
Jay Z’s work within Hip Hop has never gone unnoticed and
what better way to celebrate a true devotee to the culture of Hip Hop, by
having a course on him. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is currently teaching Sociology
of Hip Hop: Jay Z at Georgetown University.
Beyond the Lyrics tips its hat off to Dr. Dyson for honoring a Hip Hop legend
this way.
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