Happy 42nd Birthday, Jay-Z!

By:OK! Staff

Dec. 4 2011, Published 9:28 a.m. ET

Happy birthday, Jay-Z! The Black Album artist, originally known as Shawn Carter, rings in his 42nd on Dec. 4!

The Brooklyn native has a lot to look forward to this year as his wife, singer Beyonce, is expecting the couple’s first child together in the new year.

Jay-Z has won numerous awards for his musical work, including an American Music Award in 2009 for ‘Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist.’