Entrepreneurial Music Artists: hate all you want, 50 Cent is smart about money

Did you hear who his partner investor is? The inventor of PayPal and the chairman of Facebook; 50 Cent was letting you know what kind of business muscle he's aquainted with. He was giving his stock pick and why he is investing in them. He also talked about diversifying his music and telling artists that your not just going to be making money from album sales.



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2009 Forbes: The Hip Hop Cash Kings of the Year

Forbes released their 2009 list of “Hip Hop Cash Kings” a little while back and the top 3 are no surprise - Jay-Z, Diddy, and Kanye West in that order. Check the list of the 23 rappers who aren’t hurting in this recession:

1. Jay-Z - 35 Million
2. Diddy - 30 Million
3. Kanye West - 25 Million
4. 50 Cent - 20 Million
5. Akon - 20 Million

6. Lil Wayne - 18 Million
7. Timbaland - 17 Million
8. Pharrell - 16 Million
9. T-Pain - 15 Million
10. Eminem - 14 Million
11. Dr.Dre - 13 Million
12. Snoop Dogg - 11 Million
13. Ludacris - 10 Million
14. Common - 8 Million
15. Will.I.Am - 8 Million
16. T.I. - 8 Million
17. Swizz Beatz - 8 Million
18. Andre 3000 - 7 Million
19. Big Boi- 7 Million
20. Flo-Rida - 6 Million
21. Rick Ross - 6 Million
22. The Game - 6 Million
23. Young Jeezy- 6 Million

Forbes ranked 50 Cent the 2nd highest earner in 2008

Bob Lutz, left, Vice Chairman of General Motors with 50 cent


Forbes magazine has released its list of the top-earning African American entertainers, and according to their calculations 50 Cent pulled in $150 Million between June of 2007 and June of 2008. His income ranks him only behind media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who raked in $275 million during the same time frame.

So far, 50's portfolio includes his G-Unit record label, clothing brand and shoe company. He also brings in income from Vitamin Water, Right Guard, General Motors, Thisis50.com and a short-lived show on the MTV network.

Later this year, the G-Unit general will also release his final contractual obligation to Interscope Records, Before I Self Destruct. Should his ongoing campaign against Rick Ross drum up more interest in his upcoming project, he may likely see additional income by matching or exceeding 2007's platinum plus effort, Curtis.

The Newlyweds I admire, they pocketed $162 Million in 2008

They are becoming quite the force in popular culture amassing more together then probably any other couple since the Clintons lol. The chart-topping newlyweds have had a monster year in 2008 so far. Shawn Carter banked $82 million by signing a $150 million 10-year recording, touring and merchandising deal with concert promoter Live Nation and releasing his second platinum comeback CD, American Gangster. Beyonce banked $80 million, thanks to her entertainment empire which spans across fashion, film and publishing deals as well as a concert tour that sold $50 million in tickets and endorsement deals with L’Oréal, Direct TV and American Express, among others.

Hollywood's best-paid power couple watch a game of basketball while branding relative to Jay Z exists all around them (Rocawear on the seats and along the court-side). They represent the new black power of this era and their earning potential is unpredicatably enormous.



Naturally, powerful people tend to gravitate toward other powerful people, for reasons that range from proximity (stars hang around other stars) to familiarity (people are attracted, at least initially, to others like them) to clearer expectations (shared priorities make it easier for celebrities to relate). No matter how they get together, the results are good for the bottom line - and that shared incentive is not always just money; it could be the accomplisment factor that contributes to the relationship. Either way it is a healthy and inspiring image for countless thousands of people who percieve these musical icons as ro-models.