As Jay-Z celebrates the release of his new book, 'Decoded,' the Brooklyn MC is also shedding some emotional weight hanging over him by disclosing details about the childhood shooting of his brother. Jay, born Shaun Carter, opened fire on his drug-addicted brother at the age of 12, reports The Guardian.



In The Guardian's 'Weekend' magazine, the Roc Nation head honcho admits he pulled the gun's trigger after his older sibling stole a ring from him. "I thought my life was over," Jay-Z reveals. "I thought I'd go to jail forever."

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has had quite a career thus far. Since debuting in 1996 with hip-hop classic Reasonable Doubt, he has sold over 50 million records worldwide. He’s parlayed his musical success into lucrative businesses in the realms of fashion, cuisine and advertising (for more, check out my new Jay-Z book, which hits stores next week). Last year he earned $63 million, tops among hip-hop artists for the third time in four years.

Lil Wayne’s Carter IV track ‘It’s Good‘ sparked some interest amongst the fans yesterday due to an alleged Jay-Z diss line which goes as follows:

“I got your baby money/Kidnap your bitch, get that how much you love your lady money.”

This was a response to Jay-Z’s jab aimed at Birdman on ‘H.A.M’: