Jay-Z Style: Hip-Hop’s Fashion Mogul

Shawn Carter, better known as rapper Jay-Z has a lot more on his plate these days than making music. As the new CEO of the wildly successful company Def Jam Records and co-founder of a fashion company that grosses over $400 million a year, he is the reigning king of hip-hop music. As well, he front-lined Reebok’s most successful athletic shoe, amounting in over $100 million in sales, owns a stake in the New Jersey Nets, and finds the time to date ultra glamorous, mega star Beyonce Knowles. And, of course, who can forget about the 33 million records that he has sold worldwide?

Jay-Z is simply unstoppable, and he dresses the part. While he used to favor the casual hip-hop looks of athletic jerseys and sneakers, these days he is more likely to be found in an Armani suit and the finest of leather dress shoes. He knows, that to be taken seriously in the corporate world, he has to present a sophisticated, take-charge image. He prefers attire with clean lines and relaxed fit, and this is clearly present in his line of clothing called Rocawear. Jay-Z’s influence into the ever-changing style of hip-hop cannot be underestimated. It’s now common place to see young fans dressed to the nines in sleek suits and crisp dress shirts when they attend rap concerts.

Jay, as he is simply called by his friends, definitely turns up the hip-hop fashion when he is away from the corner office. Favoring silky track suits, designer aviator shades, and weighty diamond pinky rings, he is not afraid to drop some of his $320 million fortune on fashion and jewels. While most of us can only dream of accumulating a fraction of Jay-Z’s wealth, his style can be emulated for pennies on the dollar. Two of his favorite designers of business attire, Ralph Lauren and Armani, have lesser-price lines that are stylish and affordable. Don’t be afraid to dress for success in a button down shirt and tie. For casual attire, try a black leather jacket with a New Jersey Nets t-shirt, baggy jeans and dark shades. You can also capture the relaxed style of Jay-Z in an Adidas tracksuit and a pair of Jay-Z’s signature Reebok’s.

Of course, Jay-Z keeps himself impeccably groomed. You, too, can have this polished look by keeping nails manicured and hair trimmed to perfection. Use a daily moisturizer and a splash of aftershave. You may not be a multi-millionaire like Jay-Z, but you can take care of yourself like you are one.

In less than twenty years, Jay-Z has gone from small-time hustler on the streets of Brooklyn to the head of a multi-billion dollar corporation. He is truly a musical and marketing genius who is steering the future of hip-hop, and he knows there is more to this business than looking like a “gangsta” rapper. If you, like Jay-Z, are on the fast track to success and super stardom, don’t forget to dress the part. The world will take you seriously if you portray the image of confidence and sophistication.