How popular is Jay Z now in 2014 compared to 96-04?

[BulletProof]

^
Pac mentioned Jay because he was being a hype man for Biggie and Pac was paranoid.

If Jay was popular then, Pac wouldn't have had to reference Hawaii Sophie.

 

[MartyMcFly]

He's more popular, his name carries more weight and he has more influence yet his actual music isn't as potent or having the impact like it did during his peak. Jay is more known now for his business moves and his legacy

 

[BulletProof]

And for being in a power couple.

 

[JustCKing]

To say Jay Z wasn't popular in the 90's means one of two things (or both):

1) You were too young to even know who was poppin' in the 90's and who wasn't

2) You're delusional

Forget the record sales. Jay Z went on a hot streak from the '97-'99 that was crazy. He had some of the hottest songs on the radio and he was featured on the hottest songs and albums. Even in '96, he was writing hit songs for Foxy.