As much as some rappers detest doing interviews [see Kanye West], it is a sure way to properly document the various stages of a career. With the recent addition of Vanity Fair to his publication hit list, Jay Z has graced the covers of almost 100 print magazines since 1996.
While Jay admittedly struggled to secure high profile press during his “In My Lifetime” days, Hov has since gone onto bless us with numerous classic magazine features that speak volumes about his ongoing legacy.
But more than that, these issues serve as timeline that shows a hustler from Marcy Projects slowly make it to be the king of New York to one of the greatest, ever.
Here we present the 15 greatest Jay Z Magazine covers of all time. Leave a comment below naming your favorite and why; feel free to reference Every Jay-Z Magazine Cover, Ever* [PHOTOS]
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Photos: Various
Probably his most memorable magazine solo cover, Jigga actually dressed up as a cook to work at a Brooklyn Crown Fried Chicken spot. On top of that readers had to inspect the wording real carefully as Jay was far from broke.
Murder Inc.; the super group that never was. Outside of one or two freestyles, this is all we were left with.
Blender captured Jay looking real bossed up during the American Gangster era.
Here we see Jay in a candid moment behind the scenes during one of his many tours. The black and white shot of him smiling gave his larger than life personality a human touch.
The 15th anniversary of Vibe magazine’s “Juice Issue” is probably the last time we’ll get Jay holding a knife and mean mug at the same time.
Back when The Roc was truly the La Familia, Hov was literally the big homey as he backed Beanie Sigel with the Roc chains in full glory.
Stress Magazine was the first magazine to give Jigga a cover story and rightfully so this super rare issue makes the list.
While other rappers flicked it up with blunts, Hov donned the premiere issue of XXL in an iconic shot of him in a walk in humidor.
Mr. Carter set himself apart from his competition in real way when he was the first rapper to on the cover of Cigar Aficionado.
Jay took his presidency at Def Jam Records seriously when he assembled Lebron James, Kanye West, Foxy Brown, Memphis Bleek, Freeway, Peedi Peedi, Teairra Marí, Young Gunz and DJ Clue all in one extended pull out cover for XXL.
Hov extended his championship run by getting the GQ 2011 “Men Of Year” issue cover.
Jay gave the streets a nod sporting a Yankee fitted, heavy chain and pinky ring on music industry trade magazine Billboard.
The usually snarky Village Voice newspaper gave Jay Z a red hue that made the Roc Nation CEO appear larger than his already large life.
Jay brought the Bentley out to rep the Hard Roc Life along with Beanie, Amil, Bleek and Dame Dash.
When you are on the cover of Forbes with Warren Buffet, consider yourself a made man.
