It’s been well-documented for years that Jay-Z lives a lavish lifestyle. Married to Beyoncé and claiming a net worth of over $1 billion dollars, how could he not? And while some people may think that Jay-Z’s success came overnight, it was actually years of hard work, hustle, and a bit of luck that helped get him to where he is now.

In his rhymes, Jay-Z frequently name-drops designer brands, jewelry, and exotic vacation spots that only the top 1% can identify, and he’s been doing this since the beginning of his career. If you listen closely, you can even hear some outlandish claims about the high-class exploits of his personal life. One boast in particular—about how he receives manicures while flying in private planes—is sure to catch even the casual listener’s attention.

Jay-Z is one of the most successful artists of all time

Jay-Z’s career spans more than 20 years, and during that time he’s racked up numerous accolades. After launching a record label, Roc-A-Fella Records with partners Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke in 1996, the group went on to release a slew of albums, including his critically acclaimed records Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album. He has since sold more than 50 million records and 75 million singles worldwide, while earning 21 Grammys, according to Teesside Gazette.

Since his earlier days as an artist, the music mogul has branched out in the entertainment industry, launching his own talent agency and management firm, Roc Nation. The company was formed in partnership with Live Nation, an events promotion company that he signed a 10 year,  $200 million touring deal with in 2017.

Beyond music, Jay-Z has also enjoyed enormous success in business, from his Rocawear clothing line to his Dusse Cognac brand. His stakes in tech companies such as streaming platform Tidal and Uber help round out his net worth to over $1 billion. 

He enjoys his wealth by getting manicures on private jets

Just as much as Jay-Z loves to make money, he enjoys spending it, as well. He’s made an array of lavish purchases over the years, for both himself and his wife Beyoncé. However, one of his favorite luxury pastimes was unveiled long before the two were ever a couple.

On “Imaginary Players,” a cut from his 2nd studio album, In My Lifetime: Vol 1, he raps lyrics about how he gets manicures while flying on private jets. On the record, he says: “Ain’t no platinum in those Cartiers, switch your frames / Ain’t no manicures on board, then switch your plane.” 

During an interview with Drink Champs, his childhood friend and protege Memphis Bleek discussed the lyrics, confirming that Jay-Z has more money than most would believe. 

“I’m still trying to figure out which airline he was on, cause my airline don’t have no manicures, and I done flew American, United, Delta, first-class […] Hov got that bread man, I told you, he got that bread.” 

The lifestyles of the rich and famous will always have a certain mystique to them, and the stories we hear will always be entertaining.