IP_jayz5

“I’m not a business man, I’m a “business”, man,” are lyrics that have reverberated in the headphones of many on the Diamonds are Forever remix. While just another clever punch line to some, these words are a lifestyle to Jay-Z. Stepping slightly away from the musical forefront in 2008, Jay focused on making strategic business moves that continued to build his brand. Jay was able to sign an unparalleled 150 million dollar deal with concert promoter Live Nation, expand his NYC based night club the 40/40 to Atlantic City and New Jersey, become a stakeholder in a professional basketball organization, facilitate the sale of Swedish vodka “Armadale” in the US, and dip his fingers into the New York City real estate market. 

Like any good investor, Jay-Z’s portfolio is well diversified, so things like a “recession” weigh less on the Hip Hop moguls mind. Even with watching his revenue stream plummet by 57%, Jay was still able to be at the top of Forbes’ Hip Hop Cash Kings 2009 list with 35 million dollars. The economy has had a major effect on everyone, but with Jay-Z’s impressively diverse business structure, he will be able to cushion the economic blow and be in a great position to capitalize when the economy turns around. With the music industry going digital, record sales are at all time lows. Artists and A&R’s are racking their brains trying to keep music profitable. Jay-Z, like other artists have been able to take their musical celebrity into other markets and strike gold.  It’s a shame that the purity of the music industry is suffering, but “rapping” is still a “job”, and the name of the game is profit.

Full List:

Jay-Z – 35 Million

Diddy – 30 Million

Kanye West – 25 Million

50 Cent – 20 Million

Akon – 20 Million

Lil’ Wayne – 18 Million

Timbaland – 17 Million

Pharrell – 16 Million

T-Pain – 15 Million

Eminem – 14 Million

Dr.Dre – 13 Million

Snoop Dogg – 11 Million

Ludacris – 10 Million

Common – 8 Million

Will.I.Am – 8 Million

T.I. – 8 Million

Swizz Beatz – 8 Million

Andre 3000 – 7 Million

Big Boi- 7 Million

Flo-Rida – 6 Million

Rick Ross – 6 Million

The Game – 6 Million

Young Jeezy – 6 Million

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