Jay-Z Is Hip-Hop’s 1st Billionaire!

Jay-Z Is Hip-Hop’s 1st Billionaire!

He’s not a businessman. He’s a business, man. And his hefty portfolio serves as proof! According to a recent article published by Forbes, rapper/mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has officially amassed $1 billion, making him hip-hop’s first billionaire! He’s ran a tight race on Forbes’ yearly lists with fellow hip-hop moguls, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Dr. Dre in recent years, but Jigga received a prophetic stamp of approval from notoriously rich investor Warren Buffet in 2010. He said:

“Hip-hop from the beginning has always been aspirational…Jay is teaching in a lot bigger classroom than I’ll ever teach in. For a young person growing up, he’s the guy to learn from.”

Here’s a breakdown of where Jay Z’s billions of Benjamins come from (most of which stem from the game of ownership), and the lyrics inspired from it:

Music Catalog – $75 million

“And we merrily merrily eatin’ off these streams” – Family Feud

He owns the publishing and master recordings of the music he’s written and performed, resulting in a bigger payday from each song.

Roc Nation – $74 million

“Yeah, I’m talkin’ Ye, yeah, I’m talkin’ Rih / Yeah, I’m talkin’ Bey, n*gga, I’m talkin’ me / Yeah, I’m talkin’ bossy, I ain’t talkin’ Kelis” – Clique

In partnership with Live Nation, Jay Z owns the record/management company home to the likes of industry favorites like Rihanna, Kevin Durant, and Angie Martinez.

Beyonce and Jay Z popping a bottle of Ace of Spades

D’Usse – $100 million / Armand de Brignac – $310 million

“That D’USSÉ is the sh*t, if I do say so myself” – Drunk In Love

One of the easiest ways to emulate Jay Z is to drink like him! His cognac and champagne brands pull in billions every year due to his influence. Beverage Marketing Corporation’s Director of Alcohol Research, Eric Schmidt, said:

“Jay-Z resonates with consumers who are attracted to the ultra-premium lifestyle.”

Art collection – $70 million

“Yellow Basquiat in my kitchen corner / Go ahead and lean on that sh*t, Blue! You own it!” – Picasso Baby

Hov’s impressive art collection only accumulates wealth the older each piece becomes, and from the sounds of his lyrics – he plans to pass them on to his three children.

Tidal – $100 million

“I made my own wave, so now they anti-Tidal / I’m livin’ the no-sock life to spite you!” – Black Effect

Along with celebrity investors such as his wife Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, and Prince – the acquisition of his multi-media streaming service results in a bigger payday for both he and all creators.

Jay-Z, Beyonce & Tidal’s staff circa 2015

The rest of Mr. Carter’s fortune is spread between real estate, and other cash investments – such as he and Beyonce’s buzzworthy Uber investment.

You could think of a few ways to help Jay Z spend his billion, couldn’t you?

Written by Miata Shanay