Big Jaz

A small time rapper, also known as Jaz-O, that Jay-Z used to run around with. Although Jaz had a record deal, he had few sales. What he lacked in popularity, though, he made up for in expertise. He taught Jay-Z to navigate the rap industry and what moves to make. As a result, Jay-Z started his own label instead of being initially signed to an incumbent one. Though apparently largely forgotten, Big Jaz is one of the cornerstones of the careers of Jay-Z and many others that Jay brought to the spotlight.