Jay-Z is more than just a rapper.
Just a quick perusal through all of his work that we here at AfroTech have reported onalone is indicative of a man that has earned every penny of his $1.4 billion net worth. He is one of the only men in Hip-Hop (outside of, most notably, Kanye West) to achieve a billion-dollar net worth and was the first rapper in history to do so.
Jay-Z is also one of the world’s few Black billionaires. Even in years that he doesn’t release music or go on tour, Jay-Z is good for about $500 million a year, by one estimate. And this is to say nothing of how his marriage to fellow icon Beyoncé has also increased his net worth.
In short, when it comes to money moves, S-Dot-Carter is second-to-none.
But more than investing in businesses, Jay-Z has also invested in Black-owned businesses.Crunchbase reports that Marcy Venture Partners, founded in 2019, is a venture capital firm that has invested in 24 companies — 11 of which are considered “diversity investments.” The term “diversity investments” includes women-owned companies, Latinx-owned companies, and Black-owned companies.
Marcy Venture Partners’ last investment was in September 2021, when they invested in the Series A round for MERIT Beauty. In the past, they’ve invested in companies like Wyze, Savage X Fenty, and Misha’s Kind Beauty. The fund has raised more than $97 millionacross two funds.
Hova has also invested in Black-owned businesses through Roc Nation, which has morphed from a record & entertainment label into a full-service sports management, entertainment management, and investment firm.
And this is just the beginning of Jay-Z’s journey. Let’s take a look at the myriad of ways that Jay-Z has earned his estimated $1.3 billion net worth — and the best part is, you won’t have to choose between $500,000 or dinner with Hova to get this knowledge.
FAQs
Through his business ventures, Jay-Z became the first hip-hop billionaire in 2019. In 1999, he founded Rocawear, a clothing retailer. In 2003, he founded 40/40 Club, a luxury bar chain. Both businesses grew to multi-million-dollar corporations, permitting him to launch Roc Nation in 2008.
Who was the first hip-hop artist to become a billionaire? ›
JAY-Z Is the First Hip-Hop Artist to Become a Billionaire: Inside His Fortune.
Who is the number 1 richest rapper? ›
Jay-Z is the richest rapper in the world, according to Forbes' real-time billionaires list. As of June 2023, Jay-Z's net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion.
Who is the 2nd richest rapper? ›
Diddy's Net worth: $1 Billion
With an estimated net worth of $900 million, Sean' Diddy' Combs (or Love) is officially the second richest dude in hip-hop, and one of the most well off in the world to boot.
Who is worth more Beyoncé or Jay-Z? ›
What is Beyonce's net worth? Beyoncé's net worth is $500 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Beyoncé is worth $800 million less than her husband, Jay-Z, who is worth $1.3 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Are there any black billionaires? ›
1. Aliko Dangote. Aliko Dangote is not only the richest man in Africa in 2023 for the 12th year in a row, but he is also one of the Black billionaires in the world with an estimated net worth of US$14 billion.
Who is the first black rapper to become a billionaire? ›
JAY-Z Is the First Hip-Hop Artist to Become a Billionaire: Inside His Fortune.
Who was the first rapper to get $1 billion dollars? ›
Less than four years after becoming the first billionaire rapper, Jay-Z is showing no signs of slowing down. The Brooklyn-born artist's net worth is now $2.5 billion, according to the latest estimate from Forbes.
Who is the first black rapper billionaire in the United States? ›
Jay-Z, whose name is Shawn Carter, is a multihyphenate and hip-hop's first billionaire. He is a rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur married to singer Beyoncé.
How rich is 50 Cent? ›
50 Cent is a well-known rapper and actor. His entertainment success and wise business acumen has allowed him to amass a net worth of $40 million. 50 Cent has released hit songs such as “In da Club,” “P.I.M.P.,” “I'm the Man,” “Inferno,” “Window Shopper,” “Ayo Technology” and many more.
“So when they financially say, 'Oh, you're a billionaire, this person is a billionaire,' it's like, 'I've been a billionaire since 2007. I'm that far from where I came from that I've been a billionaire financially because everybody around me is being paid,” 50 Cent said.
Who is the richest singer ever? ›
Richest Musician In The World – (Quick Overview)
| Rank | Musician | Net Worth |
|---|
| 1 | Rihanna | $1.7 Billion |
| 2 | Paul McCartney | $1.2 Billion |
| 3 | Jay-Z | $1.3 Billion |
| 4 | Andrew Lloyd Webber | $1.3 Billion |
7 more rows4 days ago
To put this perspective, Jay Z's net worth was estimated to be $52 million in 1998. By 2004, his net worth had skyrocketed to 284 million. A little over ten years later, by 2016, Jay Z officially became a billionaire.
How did Jay-Z make money before becoming a famous rapper and producer? ›
He was a drug dealer before becoming a musician, starting his own label, Roc-A-Fella Records, to release his 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt. Since then he's amassed 14 No. 1 albums, 22 Grammy awards and over $500 million in pretax earnings in a decade.
How did Blue Ivy make her money? ›
Blue Ivy Carter, age 11, is the eldest daughter of singer Beyoncé and rapper Jay-Z. Besides her trust assets and investments and her inheritance, which make up the bulk of her net worth, Blue Ivy has production and songwriting credits to her name, which equal royalties.
