Jay-Z rookie card? Yup. Topps signed the rap music superstar and entrepreneur to be a focal point of their 2005-06 basketball products.
The deal gave Topps exclusive rights for all trading cards including inserts, autographs, memorabilia cards. Jay-Z’s image also appeared on packaging and advertising.
Jay-Z, multi-platinum selling artist, founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and then part-owner of the New Jersey Nets, made his trading card debut in 2005-06 Topps Basketball where he has a rookie card, relic and an autograph card. Jay-Z also appeared on the box alongside Allen Iverson.
Jay-Z headlined a list of celebrities, including Carmen Electra, Shannon Elizabeth and Christine Brinkley, who have cards in 2005-06 Topps Basketball.
That was far from the end, though. He appeared throughout the season in plenty of other Topps products.
