George Parker’s articles, Mr. Sam, Sam Walton, and Just Business, Jay-Z shares the story of how these two mega-businessmen went from rags to riches and their own version of the American dream. In both articles we see the both situations, Walton’s story of growing up a white entrepreneur who would go on to create one of the biggest franchises ever. Whereas Jay-Z’s story is less subtle, doing anything that he could to make a dollar, even if it meant putting his life on the line. In both articles, I noticed that both men had started their journeys only as humble Americans just like the rest of us, but with enough hard work, dedication, and some luck on the way, success for these two embodied what it means to achieve the American dream. Although their come ups were quite different, their persistent efforts to put out their product to the American people truly are inspirational stories; giving me hope that maybe one day, I’ll get to marry a Beyonce too.