Jay-Z Tops Times 100 Most Influential!

Hov never ceases to amaze, effortlessly blurring the lines between rap star and media icon. Time’s magazine selected Jay for his extensive influences in realm of sports, politics, business, and popular culture in general, TIME‘s editors listed him under the “Titans” category instead, with fellow Captain of Industry, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, penning the brief introduction below:

“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. When no one would sign him to a record contract, he created his own label and built a music empire — before going on to design clothing lines, open sports bars and, most recently, represent professional athletes. He’s an artist-entrepreneur who stands at the center of culture and commerce in 21st century America, and his influence stretches across races, religions and regions. He’s never forgotten his roots — “Empire State of Mind” was a love song to our city — and as a co-owner of the NBA Nets, he helped bring a major league sports team back to Brooklyn, not far from his old neighborhood. In nearly everything he’s tried, he’s found success. (He even put a ring on Beyoncé.) And in doing so, he’s proved that the American Dream is alive and well.”

– Michael Bloomberg is the 108th mayor of New York City.