Jay-z
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The culture just got more evidence that Jay-Z is breathing rare air. He is the only rapper slotted into Forbes’ 2023 World’s Billionaires list.
As spotted on Hip Hop N More the Brooklyn, New York native continues to put up numbers that his peers dream of. This week the American business magazine released their annual collection of entrepreneurs who have entered the three comma club. In total the staff estimates that there are only 2,640 billionaires throughout the world and the “Holy Grail” MC was slotted at 1,217 with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion dollars which is about $1.4 billion dollars up from last year. The publication affirms that much of Hov’s wealth is attributed to his success in the wine and spirits industry; namely Armand de Brignac. Back in 2021 luxury goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton purchased a 50% stake in the champagne brand with hopes of extending its global reach.
Speaking of LVMH, owner Bernard Arnault is ranked at number one with an estimated earnings of $211 billion. Other titans of industry round the top ten list including Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet, Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates. From a popular culture lens we also get some usual suspects holding a spot for themselves including Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian. Kanye West did not rank in 2023 due to losing several lucrative partnerships because of his behavior last year. The World’s Billionaires is an annual ranking by documented net worth of the wealthiest billionaires in the world, compiled and published in March annually. The list was first published in March 1987
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Many have been impressed with Damson Idris on the hit series Snowfall, but his uncanny impression of Jay-Z once again has people buzzing.
The 31-year-old British-Nigerian actor was a guest on The Drew Barrymore Show, and the host queried him about his friendship with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. After he answers with a laugh, Barrymore excitedly asks, “Oh my God! What is that like? They’re very embracing of you, right? Like, he’s paternal, basically, with you a bit.”
Idris admits that it’s true and shares a memory. “Yeah, I’ll be in Miami, it’s late, and I’ll call them up, and I’ll be like, ‘Hey, I can’t get a reservation at Carbone,’” he says, before delivering a spot-on impression of Jay-Z replying, “He’ll be like, ‘Damson, you gotta win a couple more Emmy’s before you can call me at 11:30.’”
It’s not the first time the actor has done it – his recollection of an awkward Zoom call he hopped on with Jay-Z and others during an appearance on Good Morning America in 2021 had many entertained.
After the crowd erupted with applause and laughter, he went on to describe his interactions with The Carters. “They’re the sweetest,” Idris said. “We’ve connected in many ways, but the Super Bowl was really great because it was really the first time I really connected with Bey, and I had just walked with Prada, and it was a huge, huge moment for me.”
The actor also spoke about his relationship with his sister and discussed his time auditioning for the lead role of Franklin Saint in the FX series with the late John Singleton – which led to him being dropped off in the middle of South Central Los Angeles.
“By audition number 8, Singleton took me to South Central, opened the car door, and said, ‘If you survive, you’ve got the role,’” he said to Barrymore. “And it really was an experience. You know, I was walking around South Central, I had to stay in character, so I wasn’t allowed to be British. And I said to his mother, ‘Oh, how lovely your hair looks today. I’m just gonna go, and you know, put this in a bin.’ And she goes, ‘John! He ain’t from here, huh?’ Nearly lost the part, but hey, six seasons later…” he concluded.
Check out the entire interview below.
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While he may not have a presence on social media Jay-Z doesn’t miss a beat. He sent flowers to an senior home who redid Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance.
As spotted on Bossip the residents at Arcadia Senior Living in Bowling Green, Kentucky got major respect from the legendary MC. It seems they were left very inspired viewing Rihanna’s game changing performance at the Super Bowl Half Time show. So much so they replicated her performance but gave it a more mature flair. They shared the clip on social media and the footage quickly went viral on TikTok. Their hilarious rendition eventually landed on Jay-Z’s radar prompting him to thank them with a spread of fresh florals.
WNKY spoke to some of the residents at the facility to detail how the idea came about. “My grandchildren and I watched and there were flips and flops and I was standing there thinking wow I wish I could do that…and then I did do that,” said Dora Martin. “I went to the doctor the other day and the nurses as soon as I walked in there, knew who I was”. The troop also made it clear that they were very flattered by Jay-Z’s gesture. “We thought about pressing them in a book but we haven’t got a big enough book,” said resident Ora Rampenthal.
You can view their rendition of Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance below which has been viewed over 30 million times, below.
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It seems there was no limit to Jay-Z’s rapport with the Miller family in the 1990’s. Silkk The Shocker recalls Hov declining payment over a verse.
Contrary to popular belief the legendary MC wasn’t always about the almighty dollar. As spotted on Vibe Magazine Jay-Z apparently told “Give Me The World” talent to keep his coins after doing a verse for him. Silkk recently sat down with the Art Of Dialogue platform and discussed his career. Midway he revealed his interaction with Jay over “You Know What We Bout”.
“Our relationship was dope because when I did the song with him, I thought I had a budget for him,” The Shocker shared. “I was like, ‘Yo, I got a hundred racks’ — that’s a lot of money back in the day too! I’m sure he could’ve used the extra $100,000; who ain’t gonna use that? When I hit him up, I’m like, ‘Yo, the song is dope, you killed it. Where I should I send that bread to?’ Jay was like, ‘Nah, it’s good, man. Just keep it and we’ll figure out something later on down the line.’”
Silkk also detailed why the gesture speaks volumes about Jay’s character when we fast forward to today. “What I came to learn was that it’s bigger than [money] for him,” he explained. “To me, that’s consistent with [where he is] today — if you look at him, it’s not a fluke that he’s successful.” He went to also reveal that he went on to repay the favor. “I don’t care how rich you are, you going [to] be like, ‘Man, send my bread.’ But he was just dead cool. He ain’t even second-guess it like, ‘Yeah, send me half of it.’ The good part about it: down the line, I kind [of] did something for him and I just thought it was solid.”
You can see Silkk discuss the situation below.
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Big Gipp feels a way about the recent GOAT rappers list. So much so that he thinks 2Pac would have landed Beyoncé if he were alive.
As spotted on AllHipHop.com the Goodie Mob member recently conducted an interview with Art Of Dialogue. In it he took serious umbrage with Billboard Magazine’s and Vibe Magazine’s “Top 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time” list. Their rankings had some very interesting surprises which naturally caused a stir online. The “Dirty South” MC expressed his frustration with Jay-Z taking the top slot and championed that 2Pac was more deserving of the honors.
“The only reason why you inching Jay past 2Pac is because he got God damn Beyoncé,” Gipp reasoned. “You take Beyoncé away then sh*t, bar for bar, yeah, he might rap better than ‘Pac. But ‘Pac came with the heart. That’s different, that’s just different. You can never beat the heart, bro. Some people can be technical, just like the difference between Jordan and LeBron.”
And he went on to further explain his position and also said Shakur would have bagged Queen B if he were still with us.
“If ‘Pac was here, who you think the girl would have been with? Hold up … you still can’t act. You can’t do no movies you can’t do what ‘Pac was doing” he said. “C’mon, how can you be better than ‘Pac? … that boy was a triple threat. He did groups that was successful, solo albums that was successful and movies that was successful, hands down partner. If he had lived he would have smoked everything walking.”
You can see Big Gipp discuss 2Pac in more detail below.
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It seems Jay-Z’s concerns over his cognac brand are no longer. He and Bacardi have jointly announced a long-term agreement that renews their partnership with D’USSÉ.
As spotted on Bloomberg Law, the two parties have come to terms on the splits behind the dark liquor. According to a press release, the agreement, which positions the iconic cognac brand for its next era of growth, Bacardi has acquired a majority interest in the multi-billion-dollar brand from Mr. Carter. And he will retain a significant ownership stake in the brand. The agreement brings their ongoing legal dispute to an end.
Back in October, Hov’s corporation, SC Liquors, demanded total financial transparency from the global conglomerate. In addition he is asked some very pointed questions regarding the production process including “the location of all warehouses storing D’Ussé barrels, bottles and accessories.” Empire Investments Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bacardi International Ltd., formally responded with a filing in Delaware’s Chancery Court.
Their legal team claimed Bacardi and Jay-Z made a “handshake deal” back in December 2021 agreeing that the “Otis” MC would sell his 50% stake in the brand. But the corporation says Hov “abruptly reneged on its agreement and doubled its demanded valuation.” Additionally, Empire stated that they have disclosed over 800 pages of financial records.
Jay-Z expressed his enthusiasm on reaching an agreement. “Growing D’Ussé over the past decade from an idea to one of the fastest-selling spirits in history has been a blessing. The next phase of this journey will further cement D’Ussé’s legacy as one of the world’s most respected brands. I am excited to renew this partnership with Bacardi.”
In 2012, Jay-Z and Bacardi partnered to launch D’USSÉ Cognac. Since then, the brand has landed numerous distinctions including Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the 2022 Proof Awards.
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Nowadays Jay-Z is a man of few words. In an exclusive interview with TIDAL’s Elliott Wilson, the Brooklyn mogul discusses his recent Grammy performance and more.
As spotted on Tidal the legendary MC made history at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards show. The ceremony included a tribute honoring Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary but DJ Khaled pulled off his own memorable moment in the first-ever live performance of his posse cut “God Did”. According to Wilson, he received a surprise text from Jay requesting he show up to Crypto.com Arena for rehearsals. In an exclusive interview Hov spoke with the Rap Radar founder about show and his history with the academy.
When asked why he ultimately decided to perform his four-minute verse he said he did it for the people. “Lenny S. [Roc Nation Senior Vice President Lenny Santiago] got to tell you that one. I thought about it, I was in my head and I just broke down and said, ‘You know, it’s a four-minute verse’. Again, for the culture, for Hip-Hop, we got to do that,” he said.
Jay-Z went on to explain why he needed to take advantage of the special occasion. “It’s not what you expect. And for the culture and for Hip-Hop, we got to do that. We owe that. This thing that changed our lives. We got to do that. A four-minute verse performed at the Grammys. We owe it to the culture, and it ain’t even a burden. It’s a blessing. It’s easy and fun.”
Wilson also got Jay-Z to speak on the elephant in the room regarding his complex history with the Grammys. “The truth is, we grew up wanting to be on the Grammys, and it was our goal. We just want them to get it right. That’s what we want. Obviously it’s music and it’s all subjective, but you got to be in the ballpark. That’s all we want” he added. You can read the interview in its entirety here and watch Rick Ross, John Legend, Jay-Z, DJ Khaled and Lil Wayne perform “God Did” below.
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It was a history-making night for Beyoncé at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night.
Beyoncé’s husband, JAY-Z, once rapped, “tell the Grammy’s fuck that 0 for eight shit,” but that feeling was swept under the rug as the couple returned to the awards show to see if Queen Bey could walk away a big winner.
The Houston native arrived fashionably late and took home four awards for her critically acclaimed album Renaissance. Earlier in the broadcast, her viral hit “Cuff It” won Best R&B Song while she was stuck in traffic. Her collaborators on the song, The-Dream, and Niles Rogers were on hand to accept the award on her behalf.
Beyoncé Was Thankful
Beyonce’s latest project also won Best Dance/Electronic Music Album award. The lead single, “Break My Soul,” won Best Dance/Electronic Recording, and “Plastic Off the Sofa” won Best Traditional R&B performance, cementing her as the greatest winner of all time at the Grammys.
“I am trying not to be too emotional, and I am trying to just receive this night,” she said while fighting tears.
“I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you God. I’d like to thank my uncle Johnny, who is not here but he’s here in spirit,” of course her parents got love too, “I’d like to thank my parents — my father, my mother — for loving me and pushing me,” she said during her speech.
“I’d like to thank my beautiful husband and my beautiful three children,” was the punctuation on her acceptance speech.
But she didn’t take home two of the night’s biggest honors. Song of The Year went to Lizzo’s retail store anthem, “About Damn Time,” and dedicated her win to the late legend Prince. She also gave Beyoncé her flowers during her speech.
Album of The Year, which always seems to elude Queen Bey, landed on Harry Style’s lap for his album “Harry’s House.” Of course, the BeyHive, who was happy for their queen making history, felt she was more deserving of Album of The Year.
Other Notable Grammy Moments
Other moments we care to talk about include Kendrick Lamar winning three Grammy Awards for his album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. He received the Rap Album award from Cardi B and, in his acceptance speech, thanked his family for giving him “courage and vulnerability” to share his truth on the album. He said his latest project was tough to make, and he “found imperfection.”
Lamar also won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for his song “The Heart Part 5.”
23-year-old Bronx Native Jazz singer Samara Joy took home Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album.
You can peep more reactions to all things Beyoncé in the gallery below.
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1. Heard You!
3. HOV Knew
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It was Grammy Weekend in Los Angeles, which in some circles means an event even more anticipated than the actual Grammy Awards, the Roc Nation Brunch. The annual event went down at a private residence in Bel Air on Saturday, February 4, and once again it featured a who’s who of industry movers and shakers, and the occasional clout chasers who finessed their way in.
Some of the A-listers in attendance, besides Beyonce and Jay-Z, of course, included Lil’ Kim, DJ Khaled, Lil Uzi Vert, Tyler the Creator, Benny The Butcher, Victor Cruz, Kelly Rowland and many, many more
Scoring an invite to The Brunch also means stepping out in your best attire because everyone is going to be watching, snapping photos and taking footage for the ‘Gram. That is, if you’re allowed to.
And from the looks of the pics, there are some dastardly stylists out in these Hip-Hop streets, respectfully.
Also, where is the food, bruv?
As for the brunch itself, peep some of the yays and occasional nays from the 2023 Roc Nation Brunch in the gallery.
2. Lil’ Kim and some guys.
3. We call Earl the legend E-40 around here.
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Tracy Stevens and Earl Stevens attend 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
4. We’re not sure what 2 Chainz’s direction here is, but just run with it.
5. Journalism royalty, Elliott Wilson and Danyel Smith
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Elliott Wilson and Danyel Smith attend 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
6. Push A Ton and Tyler understood the assignment.
7. Earn Your Leisure ‘Dem.
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Rashad Bilaland Troy Millings attend 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
8. Ari Lennox, period.
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Ari Lennox attends 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation) vertical,photography,people,one person,arts culture and entertainment,usa,looking at camera,music,smiling,california,three quarter length,bel air,brunch,residential building,ari lennox
9. Bleek!
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Memphis Bleek and Ashley Cox attend 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation) vertical,photography,people,arts culture and entertainment,usa,music,california,two people,three quarter length,bel air,brunch,memphis bleek,residential building
11. Teyana Taylor stays invited.
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Teyana Taylor and guest attend 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation) photography,people,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,waist up,music,california,two people,bel air,brunch,teyana taylor,residential building
12. Kelly Rowland, period.
13. June Ambrose is a style legend despite the big cap.
15. The Butcher coming!
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Guest and Benny the Butcher attend 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation) vertical,photography,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,music,california,guest,bel air,brunch,butcher,residential building
17. TEMS getting a lot of praise.
18. 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch – Arrivals
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: JID attends 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
19. 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch – Arrivals
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BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Offset attends 2023 Roc Nation The Brunch at Private Residence on February 04, 2023 in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
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It seems Dame Dash and Jay-Z are still not on good terms; even professionally. He says Hov only offered him 1.5 million for his stake of Roc-A-Fella Records.
As spotted Complex the outspoken mogul continues to be vocal as ever regarding all the ups and downs of bossing up. Recently the Harlem, New York native was as a guest on VEUIT TV. While he and the host discussed a variety of topics Dame’s reveal regarding his piece of the iconic record label quickly went viral. “When I was offered a certain amount of money for my interest in Roc-A-Fella Inc., which owns Reasonable Doubt, they offered me, like, a million and a half dollars—Jay-Z. And I was like, ‘That’s some disrespectful sh*t. So, I guess I have to sell it someplace else.’”
In 2022 Dash decided to take his percentage of the brand and sell it as a NFT as per his cousin and legal eagle Ronald Sweeney. The sale was quickly halted as Roc-A-Fella claimed Dame could not legally move forward with the sale. “The bottom line is simple: Dash can’t sell what he doesn’t own,” the company responded, as per by Rolling Stone. “By attempting such a sale, Dash has converted a corporate asset and has breached his fiduciary duties. His planned auction of Reasonable Doubt would result in irreparable harm. The Court should stop Dash from attempting to sell the copyright to Reasonable Doubt, require Dash to return the NFT of Reasonable Doubt to RAF, Inc., and hold him accountable for this brazen theft of RAF, Inc.’s most prized asset.”
Dash claims the lawsuit was based on inaccurate information saying “I got the lawsuit, ’cause again, I got accused of doing something I didn’t, to stop me from doing it, and then everybody just went missing,” he explained. “So I had to deal with the lawsuit on my own.” Luckily, the parties came to the agreement where he could sell his portion of Roc-A-Fella Records but “dispose of any property interest in Reasonable Doubt.”
You can watch Dash discuss things below starting at the matter below.