Top 6 Most Influential People in 2013

No. 5: Jay Z

Musician and entrepreneur, 42

Included by TIME on their titans list, Jay Z definitely stands out. Raised in public housing, the New York native overcame countless obstacles to become the influence he is today.

Though nobody would initially sign him on for a record contract, Jay Z didn’t let this incident bring him down. Instead, he took his passion and determination and used them to build his own music empire. Since then, he has went on to open clothing lines, sports bar, and ever represent athletes. If there’s one man that can prove the American Dream, Jay Z is him.