HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The humginnings of rapper Andre Young a.k.a Dr. Dre began when he broke onto the scene as a producer and rapper in one of rap’s most controversial rap groups in the west coast known as N.W.A (whose members included rapper/actor Ice Cube, MC Wren, Dj Yella, and the late Easy E) .
Going forward, he made his mark throughout the industry for producing for artists like (most notoriously) Snoop Dogg, and Eminimen and 50 Cent (just to name a few).
However, most of Dre’s wealth accumulated after co-founding Beats Electronics with music producer Jimmy Iovine in 2008.
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
If Apple goes through with its purchase of Beats Electronics Dr. Dre, Dre will have officially made use of his producing name and moniker: “Dr.”
According to reports, the $3.2 million dollar deal on the table will make Dr. Dre the surgeon of all of hip-hop as raps first billionaire.
With an estimated wealth of $550 million, Dr. Dre is ranked on Forbes’ list of wealthiest hip-hop artists of 2014 however, with Apple in his sights and eye, the acquisition could very well propel Dr. Dre into the number one spot-bypassing Sean “Puffy” Combs who ranks in at a reported net worth of $700 million.
LET’S GET DOWN TO BRASS TAXES
No information is publicly available about how large Dre’s take is Beats Electronics, but Wall Street Journal is reporting that he and Jimmy Iovine are majority owners.
According to reports, with Dre’s current $550 million dollar estimated new worth-he needs another $450 million in order to become raps first billionaire. His $450 million net worth is equal to a 15% stake in a $3 billion dollar company like Beats Electronics and it is likely that Dr. Dre’s stake, although unknown, still exceeds that figure.
With an approximate 65% share of the headphone market (with this deal on the table with Apple), Beats Electronics valuation has topped the $1 billion dollar mark.
FOR THE RECORD (FOR OUR BUDDING ASPIRING RAPPERS TRYING TO “BLOW” HERE’S SOME F.Y.I FOR YOUS TO KNOW
According to the release of April 2014’s Forbes’ list, the majority of rappers rose wealth past fame primarily due to non-music ventures.
2nd place (after Dre)
Sean Combs a.k.a “Puffy” a.k.a “Diddy” : His digital cable television network: Revolt TV + joint venture tequila deal with Diageo increased his fortune by $120 million in the last year alone.
3rd place (after Puffy)
Shawn Carter a.k.a “Jay Z”: His net worth is around the $520 million dollar mark-all praises due to his management, music publishing, and entertainment company Roc Nation (which is reportedly worth around nine figures).
4th place (after Jay Z)
Bryan Williams a.k.a “Birdman” : Co founder of record label Cash Money Records whose roster includes the likes of Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, and even Paris Hilton and others. His estimated worth is around the $160 million dollar mark (which, according to reports) is up $10 million from a year ago, as, he has diversified his business portfolio by expanding his brand into a clothing like and deal with Grand Touring Vodka.
5th place (after Birdman)
Curtis Jackson a.k.a “50 Cent” : According to Forbes, 50 Cent has a net worth of around $140 million and his energy drink: Street King boasts of a whopping 90% share of the energy drink market. As a result, this has increased 50’s wealth by $15 million just last year.
So there you have it.
Sometimes it extends a lot further than putting your money where you mouth is as, these rappers’ wealth accumulated after and as a result of them well over being just “a rapper.”
Here’s a lil’ inspiration-handwritten by Dr. Dre. to his girlfriend “Nicole” on 2.26.1995. Enjoy!
HEART ” BEATS ” BY DRE:
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