Music and branding Part 2: Forbes Richest Rappers 2012

Becoming a musician means that you work hard to strive and grow your brand to stand out from the rest of the crowd. In Part 1 we saw how branding in music can play a vital role in fusing fashion with music when artist form a cult following amongst their fans in an effort to sustain and maintain dominance in the music industry. In Part 2 we look at the 5 wealthiest and most prominent brands in Rap music.

1. Sean “Diddy” Combs

Net worth as of April 2012: $550 million

Besides making music Diddy has branded his empire through his record label “Bad Boy” and from his luxurious clothing label Sean John. He has also invested in an alcohol (vodka) beverage called Ciroc. He has proved to be a triple threat (an actor, a singer and a self made business man).

(P.Diddy at the Grammy's- image source: hiphoplead.com)    

2. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter

Net worth as of April 2012: $460 million

If your life has not been studied and taught as a University course yet then its wise to take tips from this man. Jay-Z has managed to literally own shares in a Basketball team called the New Jersey Nets in the NBA and to sign a 10-year $150 million live nation deal since 2008. The artist smartly merged his music career with his love of sport and fashion when he sold hip hop label Rocawear for $204 million in 2007.

(Jay-Z -image source: hiphoparchive.org)

3. Andre “DR Dre” Young

Net worth as of April 2012: $260 million

If you have seen giant colourful headphones anywhere in the city it’s probably DR Dre’s beats earphone range which has reaped in millions of dollars for the rapper, Super producer and Aftermath record label owner which has jump started big names like Eminem, 50 cent and Snoop Dogg. In August last year he sold 50% of his earphone company to HTC for 191 million pounds.

(DR Dre- image source: animaajes.nl) 

4. Bryan “Birdman” Williams

Net worth as of April 2012: $125 million

The New Orleans born Cash Money records co-founder Birdman AKA stunner has made his fair share of millions by managing music’s biggest stars including the likes of Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Drake. He has also signed a $30 million distribution deal with universal in the 90’s.

(Birdman- image source: hiphoparchive.org) 

5. Curtis “50 cent” Jackson

Net worth as of April 2012: $110 million

50 cent sold his upcoming vitamin water company to Coca-Cola a few years ago and never looked back. This mogul has made it big by acting gigs, videogames, books, wireless earphones and hip hop’s classic G-unit clothing label. The 9 bullet survivor has since splurged in buying Mike Tyson’s house and classic automobiles. 

(50 cent- image source: animaajes.nl)