Career: After several unsuccessful attempts to launch a career, Jay-Z co-founded Roc-a-Fella Records with partners Damon Dash and Kareem 'Biggs' Burke. His debut album Reasonable Doubt was released in 1996. Over the next few years he became the undisputed king of the New York rap scene. Since the release of his quadruple-platinum Vol. II … Hard Knock Life, Jay-Z has had an incredible string of urban radio hits and enjoys underground respect as well as mainstream success. he is one of the wealthiest men in music and his record company is a huge success, while with beyoncee Knowles, he is one half of music's most bankable husband and wife team. On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a legendary concert at Madison Square Garden, which would later be the focus of his film Fade to Black.