Jay-Z is one of the most successful and influential rappers and entrepreneurs in hip hop history. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Jay-Z has become a global icon in both music and business. However, one question that often comes up about the superstar rapper is whether he is left-handed or right-handed.
Quick Answer
Jay-Z is right-handed. He can be seen writing, throwing, and gesturing predominantly with his right hand in photos and videos over the years. There is no definitive evidence of Jay-Z being left-handed.
Jay-Z’s Background
Jay-Z was born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the Marcy Houses housing project where he was raised by his mother Gloria Carter after his father left the family. As a child, Jay-Z attended Eli Whitney High School before transferring to George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School. It was during his teenage years that Jay-Z started rapping and began his journey into hip hop music.
Early Career
In the late 1980s, Jay-Z started performing rap under the stage name “Jazzy” and eventually joined the group Original Flavor for a short time. By the early 1990s, he had changed his stage name to Jay-Z and started releasing music as a solo artist. His 1995 debut album Reasonable Doubt was a critical success and helped launch his career as a major rapper. Over the next two decades, Jay-Z would go on to become one of the most influential figures in hip hop as both a rapper and entrepreneur.
Rise to Stardom
Jay-Z’s career took off with the release of his 1997 album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, which featured hit singles like “A Million and One Questions” and “Imaginary Player.” He continued finding success with albums like Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life (1998), Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter (1999), and The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000). Jay-Z’s status as a hip hop icon was cemented with the release of his acclaimed 2001 album The Blueprint, which featured iconic songs like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Takeover,” and “Song Cry.”
Business Ventures
In addition to his rap career, Jay-Z has become an incredibly successful business mogul and entrepreneur. In 1999, he founded the urban clothing brand Rocawear along with producer Damon Dash. He also co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records, home to rap stars like Kanye West. Over the decades, Jay-Z would expand his business empire to encompass ventures in sports, technology, real estate, record labels, and more. He even launched his own streaming service Tidal in 2015.
Marriage to Beyoncé
Jay-Z’s personal life was in the spotlight when he started a relationship with pop/R&B superstar Beyoncé in the early 2000s. They kept their relationship private for years before eventually getting married in 2008. Jay-Z and Beyoncé became one of the most prominent power couples in music and pop culture, collaborating on hit songs and going on joint tours. They now have three children together: daughter Blue Ivy born in 2012 and twins Rumi and Sir born in 2017.
Evidence of Jay-Z Being Right-Handed
Despite some unconfirmed speculation over the years that he may be left-handed, the overwhelming evidence indicates Jay-Z is right-hand dominant.
Writing and Signatures
There are numerous photographs showing Jay-Z writing or signing autographs with his right hand. His signature is very clearly written from right to left, indicating right hand writing. Images of Jay-Z holding a pen or writing on paper consistently show him using his right hand.
Shooting Basketball
Basketball is one of Jay-Z’s biggest passions, and there are many videos and photos of the rapper shooting hoops. He is nearly always seen shooting right-handed when playing basketball recreationally. Footage of him playing basketball over the span of his career shows Jay-Z dribbling and shooting predominantly with his right hand.
Holding Microphone
As a prolific rapper, Jay-Z is very often seen holding a microphone. In live performances, music videos, interviews, and more, Jay-Z tends to hold the microphone in his right hand when rapping or speaking. He switches the mic to his left hand on occasion, but his default grip appears to be right hand dominant.
Gesturing
Jay-Z relies more heavily on his right hand for gestures when speaking publicly. In conversations and speeches, he uses his right hand more often for emphasizing points with gestures. Overall, his mannerisms and body language favor the right side.
Wearing Watch
Jay-Z is closely associated with wearing high-end watches from brands like Rolex, Hublot, and Audemars Piguet. In many photos, he wears expensive watches on his left wrist, which is common among right-handed people so the watch doesn’t get in the way when writing.
Left-Handed Speculation
Despite the overwhelming evidence of Jay-Z’s right hand dominance, there has been occasional unverified speculation over the years that he may be left-handed. However, these claims lack conclusive proof.
Mixed Representation in Media
Some depictions of Jay-Z in media show him holding a mic in his left hand or shooting a basketball left-handed. However, these sporadic portrayals contradict the consistent evidence of his right hand dominance. They likely reflect creative license rather than factual evidence of left-handedness.
Ambidextrous Ability
Jay-Z has exhibited some ambidextrous tendencies at times, like occasionally signing an autograph left-handed. This has sparked some speculation around left-hand dominance. However, Jay-Z has never claimed to be left-handed, and his overall actions strongly favor right hand usage.
Unconfirmed Rumors
There are unverified rumors from some fan forums and blogs claiming that Jay-Z is left-handed. However, these rumors lack legitimate sources or proof. Given the overwhelmingly right-handed evidence, unsubstantiated rumors are insufficient to question Jay-Z’s right hand dominance.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, there is no doubt that Jay-Z is right-handed rather than left-handed. The vast majority of photographic and video evidence over decades of his career shows Jay-Z writing, shooting a basketball, gesturing, and wearing watches in a right-hand dominant way. While there has been occasional unconfirmed speculation about left-handedness, this lacks conclusive proof and is contradicted by Jay-Z’s consistent right hand usage. Unless Jay-Z were to state otherwise, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that he is right-handed.
