Due to the high level of cool Jay-Z embodied early in his career, the bulk of his fan base will never disappear, no matter what happens. The same way Jay-Z used to dominate rap is the same way he runs things on the business end. By taking a look at the artists he manages and that are signed to him, some would ask “is he gon’ eva fall off?”
But, the early phase of Jay-Z truly showed rappers how to control their own destiny in an industry hard to navigate. The impression Jay-Z gave off back then has lasted him close to twenty years in the game. Even as he is close to a billionaire, hanging out in Paris with his wife and daughter, some of that 1996-1997 Jay-Z shines through.
Recently, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Blue Ivy were in Paris and the paparazzi was all over the area, as they walked through. Security for the Carters told the paparazzi photographer “no cameras.” As Jay-Z walked by, he was asked by the photographer “who are you?,” a question he spun back in such an “Imaginary Player” tone.
