Tag: Jay-Z

  • Meek Mill’s Net Worth in 2023

    Meek Mill’s Net Worth in 2023

    Meek Mill ‘s Net Worth is $35 Million

    Do you want to know what it takes to go from hustling on the mean streets to rolling in the big bucks? Ask Meek Mill. Here’s been there, done that. Born as Robert Rihmeek Williams, Meek managed to play with the hand he was dealt in the rough ‘hoods of North Philly, rise up the rap music ranks, and stack up a fortune while at it.

    As of 2023, the rough estimate of his net worth stands at $35 million, a mind-blowing bump from the humble $800K he was worth back at the turn of the millennium.

    Meek Mill’s story moves from a broke young rapper to a platinum-selling rap sensation and boss man. This cash climb showcases a story of dogged ambition, relentless hustle, and major talent. Want to add a few commas to your bank account? Here’s how it’s done.

    NameRobert Rihmeek Williams
    ProfessionRapper/ Songwriter
    Net Worth$35 Million (as of 2023)
    BirthplacePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
    BirthdayMay 6, 1987 (Taurus)
    NationalityAmerican
    Height6 ft. 2 in. (188 cm)
    Relationship statusSingle

    The Blaze of Meek Mill’s Early Life and Breakthrough

    Before he was globally known as Meek Mill, he started off as Robert Rihmeek Williams, born in Philadelphia on May 6, 1987. The early chapters of his story take place on the hard-knock streets of North Philly, where reality hit him quicker than most. He lost his dad when he was only five, putting his family in a tough spot. His mom hustled to make ends meet, juggling jobs and even resorting to shoplifting for the survival of her family.

    Still, there was always this streak of brightness in Meek—his love for music. Hip hop was therapeutic. At just 14, he was already spitting bars in public and getting into street rap beefs in his hometown. In 2004, when his rap game started to blossom, he linked up with the local crew, Bloodhoundz. This move was his ticket to rock the stage at a popular local spot, the Blue Horizon.

    But 2008 was the real game-changer. When he dropped his first mixtape, Flamers, no one could ignore his raw talent. He turned heads, including Charlie Mack‘s – a one-time bodyguard for Will Smith. Charlie signed him up for management in 2009. Not too long after, rap royalty Rick Ross caught his performance at a college show and signed the young artist to his Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. It was just the turbo boost Meek needed to reach stardom.

    In 2011, Meek earned plaudits for his verses on the Self Made Vol. 1 mixtape, featuring on more than half of the songs. His spotlight moment was cemented with his debut album, Dreams and Nightmares, which dropped in 2012. The album snagged the #2 spot on the Billboard 200 and would eventually reach platinum status.

    Meek Mill’s Earnings from Music Career

    Meek’s bread and butter is his rap and songwriting gig, with most of his dough coming from album sales, singles, playing gigs, his YouTube videos, and those sweet, sweet endorsement deals.

    The money started rolling in with the release of Dreams and Nightmares, which would sell over 414,000 copies and put $4.5 million in Meek’s pocket. And his singles, “All Eyes on You” and “R.I.C.O”, were not just fan faves, they sold a million copies each. His songs do well on YouTube, too, bringing in $5.4 million collectively.

    Beyond his recordings, Meek is making serious cash from his live gigs. As of 2016, his performances have raked in $13.2 million.

    What’s so refreshing about Meek is that he’s not shy about talking money. He’s upfront about the fact he only got 13% of the earnings from his album Expensive Pain. But that hasn’t dampened his spirit. He’s gunning to make $10 million from all his future albums.

    Big Streams from Meek Mill’s Alternative Revenues

    First up, Meek is riding the crypto wave. He chucked $50,000 at Dogecoin, a digital dollar everyone was discussing. This isn’t just about hopping on trends, it shows Meek is doing his research and has got the smarts for solid, diverse investments.

    He has also strolled into the fashion game. Along with big shots like Jay-Z, Lil Baby, and Michael Rubin, he bought a piece of the sports apparel company, Mitchell & Ness—a $250-million deal.

    Meek and his buddy Rick Ross then auctioned off publishing rights to a seven-year-old catalog with tracks from both of them. They raked in $41,000 for the lifetime royalties of those hits.

    Then there was his record label deal with Roc Nation, which reportedly netted him $100 million. He has since gone his own way in order to, as he says, handle his own business so he can take risk and grow.

    Meek Mill’s Ritzy Belongings and Cool Charitable Works

    Meek has some killer real estate under his belt, especially in Atlanta. He had a massive dream house there with eight bedrooms, a tennis court, and an assortment of other high-end real-estate goodies. He sold it to friend Rick Ross for $4.2 million.

    Meek also has a garage full of luxury cars. We’re talking a Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley Flying Spur, Lamborghini Urus, and a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class—just to give you a sense of the quality of his mean machines. These beauties are worth more than money though; they’re a testament to how far he’s come in his career.

    Speaking of which, Meek is no stranger to charity and helping out those less fortunate. He stepped up big time for a lymphoma patient named Gillian Chrisphonte by covering her medical bills. Plus, he, along with Kevin Hart and 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, gave $15 million to Philadelphia communities to help less fortunate kids afford private and parochial schools.

    His inner Santa comes out for the yuletide season. Meek brings cheer to his hometown with swag-filled events and massive contributions to the Philadelphia chapter of the 12 Days of Christmas organization, easing the struggle many families encounter over the holidays.

    A Glimpse into Meek Mill’s Personal Life

    Meek Mill is a big name in rap but what about life behind the name? When he was just a kid, his dad was killed and the family was thrown into a real money crisis. Growing up with his tireless mom in North Philly, Meek found his sweet escape in hip hop while they hustled to keep afloat.

    On the love front, Meek’s had his share of romances, including a dramatic two-year stint with fellow rapper Nicki Minaj. Their relationship was all over every gossip column and shook up his celeb status a fair bit. He also dated Milan Harris, a fashion designer; together they have a kid. Although they’ve split, they’re committed to raising their son together.

    Aside from his son with Harris, Meek’s a father to two other kids: Murad and Rihmeek. He and his kids’ mom, Fahimah Raheem, make excellent co-parents. Knowing what it was like to grow up tough, Meek’s set on giving his children a better life.

    And from the ‘didn’t see that coming’ files, Meek’s not just about creating rap hits; he’s also hit the books. After dropping out of high school in the 10th grade, he later realized education’s worth and headed off to college, highlighting the power of learning for self-growth.

    As for friends, Meek and rap legend Jay Z are pretty tight. Their bromance extends far beyond the music scene, with several collabs and investments strengthening their friendship over the years.

    Striking a Chord: Meek Mill’s Legal Challenges and Social Impact

    As much as Meek Mill’s name is associated with hip hop it has at times been more closely linked with legal trouble. In particular are matters that involve gun and drug possession charges, misdemeanors, and parole violations, among others.

    Ten years of drama kicked off in 2007 when he was arrested on drug and weapons charges, convicted the next year, and spent the next decade dealing with parole violations and prison stints. Meek claims the judge was biased against him, which led to a national uproar. Between lawyer fees and lost income, Meek estimates he’s lost $30 million.

    Meek not only survived the legal matters, he would eventually thrive. He’s using his experiences to drive change in our justice system. He co-founded with Jay Z the REFORM Alliance, an advocate group fighting for real change in the broken probation and parole systems. His story got us all talking about why our criminal justice system needs a reboot, turning Meek from a popular rapper to a recognized social justice warrior.

  • 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.

  • Beyonce’s Net Worth in 2023

    Beyonce’s Net Worth in 2023

    Beyoncé is Worth $500 Million

    There’s this one artist who not only entertains us with song and film, but inspires us. She is so highly revered, she has been made a queen. Yes, we’re talking about Beyoncé. She’s the Texas girl who brought it big with Destiny’s Child then went one step (or several steps) beyond to prove to the world she could rock it on her own—be it through her epic music, killer acting gigs, or her business moves.

    Amid the glory of her journey, flooded with over the top praise like breaking the glass ceiling for most Grammy wins by a lady in a night, Beyoncé has also managed to redefine “money moves”. The diva has gathered herself a crazy treasure estimated at $500 million as of July 2022. Yep, you read it right! Her crazy moolah comes not just from her music that we so love but also from her business games, money-spinning tours, and smart dollars moves.

    NameBeyoncé Giselle Knowles
    ProfessionSinger, Songwriter, Actress, Director, Record Producer
    Net Worth$500 million
    BirthplaceHouston, Texas, USA
    BirthdaySeptember 4, 1981 (Virgo)
    NationalityAmerican
    Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
    Relationship statusMarried to Jay-Z

    Princess Bey: Early Career and Breakthrough

    At just 9 years old, Beyonce Giselle Knowles had her eyes on the prize. It was then that she assembled her friends to form Girl’s Tyme, the group that would go on to be known the world over as Destiny’s Child. They faced hardship, having crashed out of TV’s Star Search (think an ’80s/’90s version of America’s Got Talent) and had their first record deal canned even before their debut album could hit the shops.

    But they kept their heads up, probably motivated by the fact that they were able to land a recording deal at all (no mean feat). That “can do” attitude paid off when, in 1997, they bagged a contract with Columbia Records. Their first album, which featured the foot-tapper “No, No, No Part 2”, was a smash hit. Album No. 2, The Writing’s on the Wall (1999), knocked it out of the park, bagging them two Grammys and over eight million copies sold in the States alone. And let’s not forget their third biggie, Survivor (2001), that topped the Billboard 200 chart.

    Chasing the Bucks: Revenues From Primary Career

    Amid the success, the group’s leading lady, Beyonce, was carving her solo path in the industry. Using Destiny’s Child’s 2003 break as her launchpad, she made a solo debut with Dangerously in Love. Her first album shot her to the heights of stardom and became one of the year’s top albums. And when Destiny’s Child parted ways in 2005, Bey was more than prepped to rule the world solo.

    After that, everything Beyonce touched turned to gold. Her second solo, B’Day (2006), skyrocketed up the charts just like the first. Then came the ground-breaking third solo album, I Am…Sasha Fierce (2008), which got her a jaw-dropping 10 Grammy nods in 2009, winning six—a record at the time.

    Queen Bey’s star just kept on rising. Later albums, like the spectacular 4 (2011) and the self-titled Beyoncé (2013), busted the charts wide open and flaunted her creative chops. With every tune song and lyric, Beyonce climbed the ladder of success, broke the rules, and stamped her mark as a game-changing artist of her time.

    Every new album she drops seems to beat the last in both rave reviews and dollar signs. For instance, her 2022 Renaissance album made a cool $26 million just from digital sales.

    Despite their gargantuan numbers, those album sales are just a small part of the pie. Bey knows to hit the road and rake in the big bucks from tours. Her 2016 “Formation” tour bagged her $256 million—the biggest tour cash draw of the year despite involving the fewest number of shows. Then there was the “On The Run II” tour she shared with hubby Jay-Z, which pulled in more than $250 million—more than double their first tour’s $95 million. Even her early tours like the “Dangerously In Love” tour in 2003 cashed in a decent $3.6 million.

    Besides these mega tours, Beyoncé also knows how to make a quick buck from exclusive gigs. For example, in 2023, she performed at the swanky opening of the Atlantis The Royal Grand in Dubai marking her first show in five years. This private, hour-long performance added $24 million to her earnings.

    Raking in Riches: Diversified Revenue Streams

    Queen Bey’s hustle goes beyond dropping jaws onstage. She’s a worldwide super star, and she’s got a bunch of clever deals, collabs and investments that thicken her wallet.

    Take Pepsi, for instance. Back in 2012, Bey nailed a $50-million deal by partnering with them. And let’s not forget her work with Samsung in 2007. She didn’t just feature in their Ultra Music F300 phone ads, she got her own company, Parkwood Entertainment, to work with Sprint and bring out a special edition of the phone loaded with exclusive Bey content.

    Bey’s been killing it as a beauty and fashion icon, too. She got on board with L’Oréal when she was just 18. Building on that success, Bey launched her own fragrance line in 2010, raking in $500 million over the last decade.

    Beyonce has also been bossing it in the business world. In 2022, she made a significant investment in Lemon Perfect, a low-sugar lemon water brand. She went in early on companies like WTRMLN WTR in 2016 and SideStep, a company specializing in fun merch, back in 2015.

    But when it comes to her ventures, Bey’s not just putting her money in someone else’s business, she’s also made a name for herself in the fashion world. Her own line, Ivy Park, has made great strides since it was launched in 2014. Her collab for the 2019 and 2020 collections with Adidas was such a hit, products were flying off the shelves.

    And about the aforementioned Parkwood Entertainment? Beyonce masterminded this all-in-one entertainment company, which looks after her music production, films, and TV specials. It’s her creative playground and another major income source.

    Beyonce’s Pricey Possessions and Philanthropic Pursuits

    Let’s talk about digs. Bey and her hubby, Jay-Z, have a real estate portfolio that’s as hot as their albums. They’ve snapped up a swanky $26-million pad in East Hampton, and an $88-million palace in Bel-Air that boasts not one, but four swimming pools and a basketball court. Just when you thought they were done, they purchased a private Bahamian island for $4 million (kinda sounds like a bargain to us). 2023 was a record year—they splashed out a record-breaking $200 million on a home in Malibu. And let’s not forget their property at the ultra-fancy Indian Creek Island in Miami.

    The Carters not only conquer concert stages, but highways too. Their garage is a real car candy-store that features a 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider, a 2010 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, a 2004 Maybach Exelero, and a 1993 Lexus GS300, among others. And when the open road is not enough, they jet off in their very own Bombardier Challenger 850, a sweet Father’s Day gift from Bey to Jay back in 2012.

    But Bey’s not just about the bling. Through her charity, BeyGOOD (since 2013), she’s been throwing life-lines all over the world, providing education, job training, and more. Add building homes for people in need and supporting rehab centers into the mix, and it’s not an exaggeration to say Bey’s doing her part to make the world better.

    Behind the Curtains: Beyoncé’s Personal Life

    Queen B was born on September 4, 1981. She comes from quite an eclectic family tree. Her father, Mathew Knowles, is African-American, while her mom, Tina Knowles-Lawson, is a mix of Louisiana Creole that’s primarily African and French. Both heavily influenced who Beyoncé has become. Also, her little sister, Solange Knowles, has made a name for herself in the music scene, too.

    Her love life involves one man: rap king Jay-Z. They first bumped into each other when Beyoncé was just 18 and sparked their romance after a year. Since then, they’ve set an inspiring example of how love and success can thrive together. They had a super low-key wedding on April 4, 2008, and are still going strong.

    The cherry on top of their love story? Their three super cute kids. Their firstborn, Blue Ivy, arrived in 2012 and fast became the youngest star to be featured on a Billboard chart, thanks to Jay’s song “Glory”. Then in 2017, Beyoncé and Jay-Z doubled their joy with the arrival of twins, Rumi and Sir.

    Major Milestones and Controversies: Beyoncé Under the Spotlight

    Bey courted controversy early in her solo career with the song “XO” from her 2013 self-titled album. For the track she used an audio clip from NASA’s own Steve Nesbitt in which he talks about the “major malfunction” that caused the devastating Challenger space shuttle explosion in 1986. Seven astronauts lost their lives. NASA wasn’t pleased and called her out publicly for being disrespectful to those astronauts’ memory. In response, Beyoncé clarified that she meant it as a tribute to those who perished.

    Legal drama also made its way into Queen B’s life. In 2017, the late New Orleans rapper Messy Mya’s estate dropped a copyright infringement lawsuit on her. They claimed she used Mya’s voice on the song “Formation” and neither gave credit nor cash, and consequently sought $20 million in damages! The courts, however, dismissed the claims.

    2022 brought more legal issues for Beyoncé when she tried to trademark her daughter’s name, ‘Blue Ivy Carter’. Veronica Morales, the owner of events-planning firm Blue Ivy Company, thought the names were too close for comfort and challenged Beyoncé. After claims of fraud and probably some legal headaches, Beyoncé came out on top, getting the trademark in 2020.