The billionaire's empire at risk: The sexual assault allegations against Jay-Z.

In the 1990s, Jay-Z began his career in the music industry and later built his billion-dollar empire through various business ventures.

As of 2024, Shawn Carter, also known as Jay-Z, is estimated to be worth $2.5 billion, making him hip-hop's first billionaire in 2019.

Despite his involvement in several successful businesses, including partnerships with the NFL, a music streaming service, and a global entertainment agency, it is uncertain if any of his companies will be impacted by allegations that he raped a minor with Sean "Diddy" Combs following the 2000 MTV VMAs.

On Friday, Jane Doe, the accuser of sexual assault against Jay-Z and Combs, spoke with NBC News and admitted to making "some mistakes" while recounting her alleged assault by the two rap moguls 24 years ago. Despite this, she maintains that her accusations against the two men are true.

Across three decades, Jay-Z's music career has produced 13 studio albums, starting with "Reasonable Doubt." He has amassed 24 Grammy Awards, tying him with Kanye West for the most wins by a hip-hop artist.

"In a 2010 Forbes interview, Warren Buffett was told by someone that hip-hop has always been aspirational and has consistently challenged the idea that artists cannot think about money."

In 1994, he founded Roc-A-Fella Records, which he later sold to Def Jam for $10 million in 2004.

"Hip-hop from the beginning has always been aspirational. It always broke that notion that an artist can't think about money as well." — Jay-Z

In 2021, Forbes valued Jay-Z's music catalog, which consists of nearly 300 songs, at $95 million. Jay-Z owns both the master recordings and publishing rights.

In 2008, the "Takeover" rapper established his own entertainment agency, Roc Nation, through a partnership with Live Nation. In 2017, he renewed the agreement for another decade in a $200 million deal, as reported by Variety.

The NFL recently extended its five-year deal with Roc Nation to restructure the Super Bowl halftime show as part of the NFL's Inspire Change initiative of social activism.

Despite being aware of the rape allegations against Jay-Z, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that he was not concerned about the impact on Jay-Z's relationship with the league.

"Goodell stated on Wednesday during the NFL's winter meetings that the league is aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z's strong response. He also acknowledged that litigation is currently taking place. Despite this, the NFL's relationship with Jay-Z and their preparations for the next Super Bowl remain unchanged from their standpoint."

In 2021, Jay-Z sold a 50% stake in his French champagne brand Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades) to luxury fashion giant LVMH, which Forbes valued the liquor brand at $640 million.

Jack Dorsey's online payment company, Square, bought a majority stake in Jay-Z's music streaming company, Tidal, for $297 million.

The day after the "Run This Town" rapper was accused of sexual assault, Jay-Z filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and denied the plaintiff's request for anonymity, according to Planet Chronicle Digital's obtained documents.

Alex Spiro, Jay-Z's powerful lawyer, recently defended Alec Baldwin in his involuntary manslaughter trial.

On Sept. 17, a federal indictment was unsealed, accusing Combs, his longtime friend, of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

According to an unsealed indictment obtained by Planet Chronicle Digital, it was alleged that Combs ran a criminal enterprise through his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises and Combs Global, among others. He used "firearms, threats of violence, coercion and verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse" to fulfill his sexual desires.

According to the indictment, "Freak Offs" were elaborate produced sex performances that Combs arranged, directed, masturbated during, and often electronically recorded. Combs and his staff allegedly transported commercial sex workers across state lines and internationally for these performances, which regularly occurred and sometimes lasted multiple days, often including multiple sex workers.

If convicted, the "Last Night" singer could receive a minimum of 15 years in prison or a lifetime sentence.

Arun Subramanian set the trial of Combs to commence on May 5. The prosecution anticipates that the government's case will take three weeks to present, while Combs' legal team predicts needing only one week to defend the rapper.

As a reporter for Planet Chronicle Digital, Tracy Wright can receive story tips at [email protected].