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TIME is out with its 100 most influential people in the world, and hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay Z” Carter is heading up the list. The Brooklyn-born rapper also graces one of the seven covers the magazine’s releasing for the 10th annual list.

According to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Jay-Z’s “influence stretches across races, religions, and regions.”

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“He’s an artist-entrepreneur who stands at the center of culture and commerce in 21st century America,” he wrote in the upcoming issue of TIME. “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.”

Other celebs who made the list include Jay-Z’s wife Beyonce, President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Shonda Rhimes, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Valerie Jarrett and LeBron James.

The April issue of TIME hits newsstands on Friday, but until then lets take a look at 10 reasons why we agree that Jay-Z is a BOSS! Click through to read the full list.

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For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.