Net Worth Ledger

Tag: HipHop

  • Jay-Z Net Worth in 2023

    Jay-Z Net Worth in 2023

    Jay-Z’s Net Worth is $2.5 Billion

    Jay-Z, a.k.a. Shawn Carter doesn’t just occasionally visit the VIP section of celeb billionaires, he has a permanent residence. As of 2023, he has a $2.5-billion net worth. That exorbitant amount didn’t accumulate from Jay’s record deals; the man is up to his neck in side hustles and business deals—a long way from his rough and tumble past.

    So fasten your seatbelts, we’re about to spill the beans on the Jay-Z empire, from his humble beginnings, to his mega music earnings, flashy lifestyle, canny investments, and even his good-guy deeds that cement his place in the big leagues.

    NameShawn Corey Carter
    ProfessionRapper, Songwriter, Record Executive, Businessman
    Net Worth$2.5 billion
    BirthplaceBrooklyn, New York, USA
    BirthdayDecember 4, 1969 (Sagittarius)
    NationalityAmerican
    Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
    Relationship statusMarried (to Beyonce)

    From The Marcy Projects to Magna Carter: Jay-Z’s Ascent to Stardom

    Shawn Carter was born in the humble Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, New York City. His father, Adnes Reeves, abandoned the family when Jay-Z was only 12, leaving his mother Gloria to raise him and his siblings. It was harsh, and sometimes chaos reigned, but it inspired Jay-Z and would end up as the basis for some of his lyrics down the road.

    Music was Jay-Z’s escape, having been turned on to it when his mom gave him a boombox. He’d play around creating drum beats on their kitchen table, an early indication of the musical pursuits that awaited him. As he matured, Jay started scribbling rhymes, freestyling, and messing with the beats that would shoot him up to worldwide fame. He first breezed into the music scene as Jazzy before stepping into the big league as Jay-Z.

    1995 was a big year. Tired of getting turned down by major record labels, Jay-Z teamed up with friends Damon Dash and Kareem Burke and launched their own music label, Roc-A-Fella Records. This was the launchpad for his debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996. The record blew up and put Jay-Z on the map.

    Jay-Z’s star continued to rise. In 1999, his album Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life didn’t just bag a Grammy for Best Rap Album, it flagged him as one to watch. On the strength of hits like “Big Pimpin”, “99 Problems”, and “Crazy in Love”, Jay made the wise decision to buy the masters and publishing rights to his music in 2004. This shrewd move added a cool $75 million extra on his worth.

    Mastering the Music: Reveling in Revenue from a Chart-Topping Career

    Rolling in the dough from his albums is an understatement. Jay-Z’s first album Reasonable Doubt may not be filled with top chart singles, but it still brings in a cool $100,000 every year. The rest of his music, however, has compensated for those early returns, adding up to $5 million a year.

    Beyond album sales, Jay-Z’s seriously got a knack for transforming his tunes into mega shows that have fans rushing from all corners of the globe. Just to give you an idea, the man pocketed $364 million from his “On the Run” and “On the Run II” tours with his equally famous wife, Beyoncé. His other tours are also massive draws, bringing in $174 million.

    A Maven of Multi-Streams: Jay-Z’s Alternate Sources of Income

    Everyone knows Jay-Z as a music giant, but his acumen also extends beyond the recording studio. The kingpin of hip hop has struck gold — or should we say, platinum — across industries like fashion, sports, drinks, and tech. Thanks to these side hustles, Jay’s bank account got a heavy bump and represent a huge portion of that $2.5-billion net worth.

    Jay-Z once had the lion’s share of D’USSÉ, a plush cognac brand. He sold it back to the parent company Bacardi in 2023 and walked away with $750 million. Apart from the cognac, he’s got a champagne brand, Armand de Brignac, pouring $310 million into his vault.

    Jay-Z made a serious fashion statement, too. He started his Rocawear clothing line in 1997, then sold it in 2007 for $204 million.

    Tech is another arena where Jay-Z’s been scoring big. He picked up Uber stakes worth $70 million, a leap from the original pocket change of $2 million he shelled out in 2011. Tidal, his music streaming service, which was initially scooped up for $56 million in 2015, is now valued at a mind-blowing $600 million, adding about $100 million to his pile of cash.

    The Good Life: Rollin’ with Jay-Z, His Bling and Giving Back

    Let’s discuss real estate. Jay-Z and his queen, Beyoncé, pretty much own the map. They’ve got a $26-million pad in East Hampton, a $88-million mansion in Bel Air, and other lush pads in New York City and New Orleans. These aren’t just homes, they’re a statement.

    Next up: wheels. Jay-Z and Beyoncé are serious car buffs. Their garage is stacked with dream machines, like a 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider, a 2006 Pagani Zonda F, and a 2010 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. And when they’re not driving, their air travel is pure class, with Jigga rocking a Bombardier Challenger 850, courtesy of Beyoncé.

    And if you thought the spending stopped there, think again. The walls of all those properties need decorating, after all. Jay-Z has put his discerning taste for art to good use, with a collection that features Michel Basquiat worth an estimated $70 million.

    But with great riches, comes great responsibility. Jay-Z and his mom, Gloria Carter, set up the Shawn Carter Foundation back in 2003. This organization helps disadvantaged kids and communities, through scholarships, college tours, counseling. He’s also quietly been there for social justice causes, stepping in to help Baltimore protestors and setting up a trust fund for the kids of police-shooting victim Sean Bell.

    Off the Stage: A Glimpse into Jay-Z’s Personal Life

    In the midst of his rap game, Shawn stumbled upon love. When he met Beyoncé, she was just this 18-year-old girl who captured his heart. A few dates later, and Jay-Z and Beyonce were an item. After about nine years of dating, they finally decided to put a ring on it in a small ceremony in Jay-Z’s Manhattan home. Now, they are not only ruling the music charts but also killing it as parents.

    A few years in, baby Blue Ivy came along—a little girl destined for greatness. Born January 7, 2012, Blue made her music debut early, featured in Beyoncé’s song “Brown Skin Girl”. And she didn’t stop there. She’s already bagged some juicy awards. Cut to June 13, 2017 — enter twins Rumi and Sir Carter. We can only imagine which avenue(s) of showbiz they pursue.

    Storms Amid Stardom: Controversies and Legal Battles Involving Jay-Z

    First up, let’s talk about the big Tidal wave that hit the news not too long ago. Jay-Z sold his music streaming show, Tidal. The City of Coral Springs Police Officers’ Pension Plan, who happened to own a chunk of Block, Inc – the company that bought Tidal – sued Block, claiming that $300-million deal was like burning money. Though Jay-Z was only indirectly linked to the lawsuit, we’re sure he nevertheless celebrated with a judge in Delaware dismissed the case in 2023.

    Then there was gossip closer to home, courtesy of a guy named Rymir Satterthwaite. Rymir rocked the rumor mill when he claimed he was Jay-Z’s secret offspring. He was so convinced, he even went to court in May 2023, asking for a DNA test to prove his legitimacy. Jay-Z kept denying it all the while, but Rymir was adamant he deserved acknowledgment. This whole fiasco showed how messy it can get when a celeb’s private life becomes a public spectacle. As of late 2023, the matter has yet to be settled.

  • Drake’s Net Worth in 2023: From TV Star to Rap Superstar and Mega-Millionaire

    Drake’s Net Worth in 2023: From TV Star to Rap Superstar and Mega-Millionaire

    Drake is Worth $280 Million

    Remember that cute kid from “Degrassi: The Next Generation”? That’s Drake, or should we say, Aubrey Drake Graham, who has gone from playing wheelchair-bound Jimmy to being a rap god and generating a whopping $280 million net worth. Our favorite Canadian (sorry, Justin Bieber!), born in Toronto on October 24, 1986, is the genuine article and it’s that vibe that’s got him fans all over the globe.

    Drizzy’s taken the best of both worlds – singing and rapping – and made it his signature style. Add in lyrics that will have you both pumped and feeling introspective and you’ve got a die-hard fanbase that can’t get enough. Awards? Check. Records broken? You bet. Boss moves in the business world? Count on it. Lavish lifestyle? You know it!

    So, how did Aubrey turn those TV pastures into a multi-million-dollar rap kingdom? And what is the king spending those millions on? We’re about to dive into the life and times of the 6 God and unveil the details on his incredible journey to global stardom.

    ProfessionRap Artist, Actor
    Net Worth$280 Million
    BirthdayOctober 24, 1986 (Scorpio)
    NationalityCanadian
    Height6 ft (183 cm)
    Relationship statusSingle

    How Drake Went from TV Actor to Hip-Hop Superstar: Early Career and Initial Breakthrough

    Aubrey Drake Graham was born in 1986 to parents Dennis and Sandi Graham, who split when he was just five years old. Young Drake mostly grew up with his mom in the Forest Hill area of Toronto. His musician father, who maintains a somewhat turbulent relationship with his son, is nevertheless a minor celebrity with his own online presence, even becoming the subject of a song by Canadian rock group the Arkells.

    Before Drake became a rap mogul, he cut his teeth as a young actor on the Canadian TV drama series “Degrassi: The Next Generation”. But it seems he always wanted to exchange the camera for a mic as his head was always turned towards music and, in particular, rap. So, taking cues from the likes of Jay-Z, Drake began exploring the music scene in the early 2000s. While his first mixtape, Room for Improvement (2006), grabbed the attention of the hip-hop community, it was his second mixtape that really got big names like Lil Wayne interested and led to Drake joining the “Tha Carter III” tour.

    His 2009 mixtape, So Far Gone, built on the hype of the first two, rocketing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning gold certification from the RIAA. The accomplishment earned him a spot on Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label in June 2009. His first studio album, Thank Me Later, also blew up, hitting No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts in the U.S. and Canada and attaining the platinum certification from the RIAA. Today, Drake’s not just an artist – he’s a music industry powerhouse. Whether he’s going solo or collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry, he shatters records and grows bigger and bigger.

    Views Around the World: Drake’s Revenue From Music & Touring

    While the cover of his Views album depicts Drake sitting atop Toronto’s CN Tower, he may as well be sitting on top of the world. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide with hits like “One Dance”, “God’s Plan”, and “In My Feelings”. But album sales only represent a portion of his wealth. Tours are where he really rakes in the cash. Take the “Aubrey & The Three Migos” tour, which scored a pretty $79 million in 2018. Or the “Summer Sixteen” tour with Future, which brought in an unbelievable $84 million in 2016.

    And he’s not just dominating music charts — fans can’t get enough of his music on such streaming platforms as Spotify and Apple Music. In fact, back in 2016, he partnered up with Apple Music for a cool $19 million. Drake agreed to making Views an exclusive release on the platform and in return, the man secured his own Apple Music radio show.

    Drake Diversifies: Other Revenue Streams

    When he’s not ruling over the music industry, Drake is ruling the board room, with his money tied up in so many lucrative ventures. First, there is his OVO clothing line. Around since 2012, it’s making moves, teaming up with big names like Air Jordan (Drake’s OVO Jordans are among the rarest and most-wanted kicks out there), Canada Goose, and the Toronto Raptors. But his interest in the fashion industry doesn’t end there: he’s got his Certified Lover Boy merch line, partnering with Chrome Hearts, that exclusive NOCTA deal with Nike, and even a home fragrance line with Better World Fragrance House.

    Beyond fashion, he’s a trendsetter with his investment portfolio. He’s putting his bucks into up-and-coming sports athletes with his investment into Overtime, and has also invested in e-sports brand 100 Thieves and the Player’s Lounge, which incorporates betting into the world of e-sports. And if you weren’t convinced by his forward thinking, consider his plant-based chicken investment. He is backing Daring Foods, a company that just raised a cool $40 million in Series B funding.

    Drake partnered with Brent Hocking to launch Virginia Black Whiskey in 2016. Hocking is the founder of DeLeón tequila, which he sold to Diageo and Diddy in 2013. This venture was Drake’s first foray into the liquor business. Drake, who funded the venture, received an equity stake in Virginia Black.

    It’s clear that Drizzy’s killin’ it when it comes to earning dough outside his music career, taking inspiration from hip-hop entrepreneurial legends like Jay-Z, and is dead set on building an empire.

    Drake’s Swanky Life and Awesome Collection: Notable Possessions

    Not only does Drake know how to make money, he also knows how to spend it. Check out his jaw-dropping collection of everything from mansions to fly rides. He’s got it all. He just sold his party pad (aka The YOLO Estate) in Hidden Hills, California, for $12 million, but even that property is dwarfed by the huge 50,000-square-foot mansion in Toronto, Canada, that’s been nicknamed “The Embassy”. And it comes with everything you’d expect of a property Drake calls home: a full-size basketball court, indoor pool, recording studio, and a healthy mix of modern and traditional decor.

    Drizzy also loves his wheels and has got a collection that proves it. It includes a Bugatti Veyron, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, and a bunch of Ferraris — not one Ferrari, a bunch. And when he’s not cruising in his cars, the man took to the seas aboard his custom 200-foot yacht in 2021. He also chartered a yacht for his friends in 2022 and paid a whopping $660,000 a week for the privilege.

    Drake owns a Boeing 767-200, named “Air Drake.” It is one of the largest private planes owned by an individual and was gifted to him by the Canadian cargo carrier, Cargojet. It can hold up to twenty thousand gallons of fuel, which adds up significant operating costs. Drake spent an impressive $100 million on renovations, including the fitting of leather armchairs, luxury bathrooms, and a full kitchen! It also features Drake’s signature OVO Owl painted on the fuselage.

    But don’t think the money only moves in one direction. Drake’s been known to give back, too. He has built a recording studio at a youth center in Toronto, donated to hurricane relief efforts in Houston and Miami, supported cancer research, and hooked up students with scholarships. And, ya know, that’s why we love him. He’s got the luxe life, but he’s also makin’ a difference with his cash.

    Drake’s Dating Game: His Personal Life and Loves

    Drake’s had a number of women in his life, including Rihanna, J.Lo, and Serena Williams, just to name a few. Plus, he’s sparked some juicy rumors with gals like Zoe Kravitz, Bella Hadid, and Kylie Jenner. Right now, though, it seems like he’s loving the single life — single DAD life, that is.

    In 2017, he became a father to his adorable son, Adonis, with the cool French artist Sophie Brussaux. At first, he kept the news of fatherhood under wraps but now he regularly shares pics of his son on Instagram and has even dropped a line or two about him in his songs. Throughout his career, Drake has made some real tight friends in the celeb world, frequently seen with the likes of Lil Wayne, RiRi, and Future. These BFFs helped push his career to the top, but they also seem there for him outside of the limelight, making Drake an all-around relatable and lovable guy.

    OMG, Astroworld!: Major Events

    Drake was a guest artist during Travis Scott’s performance at the Astroworld Festival in 2021, where eight people passed away, and many more got injured. Consequently, both artists were sued, being accused of hyping up the crowd, which caused that horrible crush that led to the tragedy. The incident shook the music world and forced it to question safety at concerts, artist responsibilities, and how to step up event planning so everyone can enjoy themselves without fear of injury. To his credit, Drizzy didn’t stay quiet. He expressed his sadness and shared his thoughts with everyone affected. He promised to pray for them and lend a hand however he could. Since the tragedy, Drake has worked towards making live shows safer for everyone.