TIME presents its yearly “TIME 100,” a who’s who list of the most influential people in the world and no one other than Jay-Z graces the magazine’s cover. So, that means he bested 99 other artists, pioneers and icons, right? Well, they probably figured he’s one face – of seven different covers – that would help shill a of copies, if you want to take the glass half full approach. Nevertheless, Shawn Carter’s the only one who can boast an accompanying profile penned by NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
“Jay Z embodies so much of what makes New York New York. A kid from a tough neighborhood who grows up in public housing, overcomes lots of bad influences on the street, never lets go of his dream, makes it to the top — and then keeps going, pursuing new outlets for his creativity and ambition.”
Read the full entry and list at TIME.