The 50 most intriguing blacks of 2004

JAY-Z

Few entertainers retire at the peak of their career. But that's just what Jay-Z, one of the most successful rappers ever, did this year. In the process, he created a buzz almost as deafening as the one he created when he started dating singer/actress Beyonce Knowles.

Having made a fortune during the last eight years from his music and clothing line, Jay-Z (whose real name is Shown Carter) said that he has accomplished everything in the music industry, and plans to walk away from the promise of millions after one last concert tour. Born in the rough-and-tumble Marcy Projects of Brooklyn, N.Y., he hasn't indicated what he may do next, although there have been rumors he is being courted by Island Def Jam to take charge of Def Jam Records.

Whatever the 33-year-old New York native decides to do with the rest of his life, it's a good bet that he will continue to spend time with Beyonce. Whether it's New York City or an exotic Caribbean island, the two appear to be inseparable. He's too cool. She's too pretty. Together, they have become one of the entertainment industry's hottest couples.

SHAQUILLE O'Neal

AT 7-FOOT-1 AND 340 POUNDS, SHAQUILLE O'NEAL is usually the center of attention, and all eye--almost unblinkingly--will be on him during this basketball season to see how he adjusts to a new team, a new coach and a new city. It's a new beginning for the former MVP who packed his bags, left Los Angeles and is now the main man in Miami. But, at 32, can he meet the expectations of Miami Heat fans, who are counting on him to lead the team to a title, the way he did three times with the Lakers? And even though he is still perhaps the most dominating force in the NBA, there are repeated questions about his surgically repaired big toe, his conditioning and his continued effectiveness. Those questions, O'Neal says, should be of little concern, especially since he spent much of the summer putting in strenuous workouts. Aside from the questions about Shaq's durability and competitiveness, curious NBA fans are anxiously waiting for December 25, and not because it's Christmas Day. That's the first time O'Neal will return to Los Angeles to face his old teammates and continue what apparently was a tumultuous, running battle with Kobe Bryant. The sometimes-public rift between the two apparently led to Shaq being traded to Miami, and the "Diesel" wants to make a point that the Lakers made a mistake by shipping him out.

DENZEL Washington

This is the Big 5-0 year for Denzel Washington. The two-time Oscar Winner, and Hollywood Icon, turns 50 in December but he is still the baddest Brother on the film block. And unlike some 50-year-old performers, he's as busy as ever. On the heels of directing Antwone Fisher, one of last year's most acclaimed movies, Washington turned in riveting performances in two of the most noteworthy films of 2004, The Manchurian Candidate and Man on Fire. The actor-director, who is happily married to Pauletta Pearson, and the father of their four children, including a college-age football star, still evokes ooohs and ahhhs from women of all ages who say he is still the sexiest and coolest leading man around.