According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than one-fourth of children grow up without a father figure in their lives. This was the case of the famed hip hop star Jay Z whose father, Adnis Reeves abandoned.
He reportedly left his wife of 11 years and children in a quest for revenge which saw him become an alcoholic and heroin addict. So many years passed, and his family nursed their wounds that time couldn’t heal until a reconciliation happened.
Sadly, death was already waiting by the door and only spared them three months to patch up things. Here’s all you should know about him.
Elusive Facts about Adnis Reeves
1. He Was Born in the United States
Jay-Z’s father was born Adnis Reeves in the United States of America. While many details regarding his date of birth, family members, and education have been kept private, some sources confirm that he left home for New York at a very young age to search for better opportunities.
In New York, he did a lot of odd jobs to sustain his livelihood before he was eventually employed by a travel company to occupy the position of a driver.
2. His Marriage Was Blessed with Four Children
Adnis Reeves got married in the early 60s to his better half who happens to be Jay-Z’s mother. His wife’s name is Gloria Carter she was born on the 15th day of August 1954 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. She was a clerk at an investment firm and was later promoted to the position of an investment analyst.
Before the marriage came to an end, the couple lived in a public housing complex called Marcy Projects with their four kids Shawn Corey Carter, Eric Carter, Michelle Carter, and Andrea Carter.
Jay Z once mentioned in his song that his mother had two kids from her previous relationship but he never regarded them as his step-siblings.
Read Also: Gloria Carter Is Jay-Z’s Mother: 12 Shocking Facts About Her
3. He Abandoned His Family When His Youngest Son Was Only 11 Years Old
Adnis was said to have left home when his youngest son was only 11 years old. Although he gave no reasons for his actions, it was linked to his excessive drinking habits that started after the tragic death of his younger brother.
His actions didn’t go down well with his family and most especially with his wife who was overly disturbed by his new lifestyle. Adnis suddenly vanished from their lives leaving them to fend for themselves.
Following this, Gloria took up several odd jobs to provide for her family since her primary occupation as an analyst wasn’t enough. She even took up the job of a security guard at some point. Adnis children were also exposed to street life at a very young age and had to stick to some basic needs and forego others.
4. Adnis Reeves Was an Alcoholic
As stated, Adnis’s life took an entirely different turn the moment his younger brother was found stabbed to death. He started an unending search for his brother’s killers and depended on alcohol to ease the pain he was constantly feeling.
His quest for revenge did not only separate him from his family but also turned him into an alcoholic and heroin addict as he struggled to cope and move on with life.
5. His Ex-Wife Came Out as a Lesbian in 2017
Adnis ex-wife Gloria Carter made a shocking revelation to her son about her sexuality which had been her little secret for a very long time. She made it known that was a lesbian. In her words, she said ‘ I feel like I love someone and while opening up about this significant other, the hip hop star broke down in tears.
Jay Z made this known during a Netflix preview with David Letterman. According to him, he cried because he couldn’t contain his happiness for her. Away from the embarrassment and judgment, she was finally free after so many years and greatly accepted by her son.
5. One of His Son is a Hip-Hop Star
Adnis’s son, Shawn Corey Carter is a celebrity rapper and entrepreneur known widely by his stage name Jay Z. He is also listed as one of the world’s best rappers of all time with a lot of awards to show for it. Jay Z is known for songs including;
- Big Pimpin
- 99 Problems
- Drunk in Love
- Suit and Tie
- Empire State of Mind
6. His Daughter-In-Law is Also a Celebrity
Adnis’s daughter-in-law is none other than Beyonce Knowles; a popular American singer and songwriter. Jay Z exchanged vows with her on April 4 2008 in a private ceremony witnessed by their friends and family.
In 2012, the pair welcomed their first child Blue Ivy Carter followed by a set of lovely twins; Sir Carter and Rumi Carter who were born on June 8, 2017.
8. How Rich Was Adnis Reeves?
Adnis’s occupation wasn’t known while he lived. Some sources claim that he lived off the street and did some petty jobs. Nonetheless, his son is a successful rapper and entrepreneur counted as one of the richest rappers of all time with an enviable net worth of $1 billion.
9. He Reconciled With his Son Three Months Before His Death
Adnis’s decision to abandon his family put a strain on the relationship between his son and himself. Nonetheless, Jay Z decided to meet up with his dad because of his mother’s plea and his father’s deteriorating health condition.
After their reunion which one can assume was filled with several questions from the past and crying, Jay Z buried the hatchet and was ready to make his dad’s life better. He got him an apartment and while furnishing the house, his father passed on.
The rapper has since dedicated several songs to his dad. One of his songs in the album 4:44 featured a song titled ‘adnis’.
10. Adnis Reeves Died After Severe Liver Disease
Adnis kicked the bucket on June 19, 2003. This was so sad because he had just met with his son. Death gave the just reunited no chance for some daddy son pictures or adventures.
The cause of his death was linked to liver failure. Other sources claim that he also had diabetes and suffered from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
