Jay Z isn't just a businessman. He's a business, man. Thus, he realizes the significance of aligning oneself with brands that exude luxury and taste. He doesn't have a song devoted to one of America's most iconic fashion designers for nothing.
Vanity Fair's Philip Rhie has put together an infographic breakdown of Hov name-dropping brands by album. You'll notice there's quite a bit of Lexus references on his 1996 debut Reasonable Doubt. Not so much on Magna Carta Holy Grail, where a Maybach seems to be his ride of choice. There's also a large decrease in Cristal references over the years. Signing up to be the new man behind Ace of Spades will do that.
