Jay Z, a man who truly rose from rags and exchanged them for riches, has one of the most inspiring life stories for people around the world. Jay Z's real name is Sean Corey Carter. According to “Take 40,” “in 2005, Jay Z was estimated to be worth around $320 million.” By delving into the unique life and work of Jay Z, important lessons about human potential can be discovered. Jay Z's life story reveals that misery and hardship play a powerful role in determining a person's ability to achieve extraordinary success. Jay Z was born on December 4. , 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. Jay Z's father left him when he was 11, leaving him to be raised by his mother Gloria Carter, in the Marcy Projects, which was a very poor and dangerous place to live ("Jay-Z Biography") . Jay Z shot his older brother at the age of 12 after discovering his brother had stolen a silver ring from Jay Z. Sean Corey Carter was born with pain and misery from the start. Without a father, he was not guided in the right direction. By selling crack and experiencing violence, he was able to experience horrors and terrors, on which his rap is modeled. Perhaps one of the main reasons Jay Z became so successful was his neighborhood and background. Jay Z lived in the Marcy Housing Projects, a Brooklyn ghetto. Jay Z lived with his mother Gloria Carter and his three siblings named Andrea, Eric and Michelle. The Marcy projects have a high crime rate, involving drugs, murder, and theft. Jay Z sold drugs, which is how he made most of his money until he became famous. Even though Jay Z became interested in rap, he remained a drug dealer because it was more lucrative ("Jay-Z Biography"). Jay Z's biggest inspiration for his music was his home. He mainly rapped... middle of paper... would do anything to lighten this burden,” Jay Z. This quote states that the hardships of poverty persuaded Jay Z to do whatever he could to succeed. Jay Z later became a rap legend and owns several of his own businesses. He lives happily together, now that his relationship with Beyoncé is public and they no longer have to keep it a secret. He still releases albums today, like his recent album, "Magna Carta Holy Grail", which now focuses more on how being rich and famous changes people, and how he sucks to lose yourself in your wealth. It's amazing how a man who starts with nothing ends up with so much power and wealth, all while struggling with the need to let himself be changed by fame. Works Cited “Jay-Z Biography.” Starpulse: 1-1. Internet. February 5, 2014. “Jay Z Biography.” Aceshowbiz: 1-2. Internet. February 5, 2014. “Jay Z.” Rolling Stone: 1-1. Internet. February 5 2014.