Despite releasing three albums, Common found himself struggling to sustain his music career. The rapper’s career took off in Chicago, IL, in the ’90s. He released three albums during this decade: “Can I Borrow a Dollar?” (1992); “Resurrection” (1994); and “One Day It’ll All Make Sense” (1997). Common explains that his first album received limited attention and credits his second album with putting him on the radar of some of the industry’s greats. “I remember Biggie doing one of those promos for me, being like ‘Yo this I wish this kid was from Brooklyn.’ I remember seeing Nas, and he was like ‘Keep doing your thing,” Common recalled on the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. The rapper also opened up about the challenges he faced in the music industry early in his career, which caused him to question whether it was a sustainable path. “It was hard being in Chicago and trying to get even signed or get heard… I still wasn’t planted in the industry. I...

Adrian Peterson, one of the most dynamic running backs in NFL history, has built a substantial fortune over his illustrious career. While Peterson is known for his extraordinary athletic skills, particularly his record-breaking performances on the field, his wealth is the result of his successful football career, endorsement deals, and business ventures. NFL Career And Earnings Peterson’s net worth was primarily accumulated through his long career in the NFL, which spanned from 2007 to 2017. The running back was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, and quickly became a household name. Over his career, Peterson earned an impressive $102 million in salary alone. His time with the Vikings, along with stints with the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals , and Washington Football Team, contributed to his financial success. Peterson’s highest-paying contract came in 2011 when he signed a seven-year, $96 million deal with the Vikings, which...

Russell Simmons , a pivotal figure in the music and fashion industries, has amassed significant wealth over the decades.  This fortune stems primarily from his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop culture, business ventures, and media endeavors. Simmons is best known as the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, a label that helped launch the careers of iconic artists like LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Run-D.M.C. Building Wealth Through Music The foundation of Simmons’ net worth lies in his revolutionary work in music. Def Jam Recordings , which he co-founded with Rick Rubin in 1984, became one of the most influential labels in hip-hop history. The label’s success, fueled by signing game-changing artists, established Simmons as a major player in the music industry. By the late 1990s, he sold his stake in Def Jam to Universal Music Group for a reported $100 million, cementing his financial success. Expanding Into Fashion Simmons didn’t stop with music. In 1992, Russel Simmons ventured...

Robert L. Johnson ’s journey from a young man with a vision to a media magnate and philanthropist is a story of perseverance, strategy, and relentless pursuit of success. As the founder of BET (Black Entertainment Television), Johnson became the first African American billionaire, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in the media industry. His journey, however, was not without its challenges. Here’s a closer look at how Johnson built his empire and made a lasting impact as a businessman and philanthropist. Early Life And Education Born on April 8, 1946, in Hickory, Mississippi , Johnson grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. His parents were both educators, and their influence instilled in him a desire to succeed academically and professionally. Johnson attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Afterward, he went on to obtain a Master of Public Affairs degree from Princeton University. His time...

Many who grew up in the 80s and 90s are quick to associate the nostalgia of heading back to school with the bright and cheery supplies designed by Lisa Frank. The notoriously private artist is best known for crafting lunchboxes, stickers, toys and trapper keepers covered in dolphins, unicorns, pandas and other adorable critters that decorated classrooms for decades. Before she rose to fame, Frank grew up in Michigan’s Bloomfield Hills (one of America’s wealthiest cities ), the daughter of a higher-up in the automotive industry who supported her creative pursuits. “ My dad was an art collector, my mom had a little kiln in our basement and we would make pottery. I think from about age five on, they sent me to art classes, and I was a huge colorer. HUGE. I think to keep me quiet, they would bring the coloring books and crayons, and I would fill up the books,” Frank told Urban Outfitters in a rare interview. She went on to attend Cranbrook Kingswood School with Mitt Romney, then headed...

Beyoncé’s influence is undeniable. Spotify has finally released Spotify Wrapped 2024, revealing that the music icon inspired over 36 million people to listen to country music for the first time this year. Beyoncé released “Cowboy Carter” on March 29, 2024, in collaboration with Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records, according to AFROTECH™ . The album’s 27-song track list includes “ Blackbiird ,” “16 Carriages,” “Jolene,” and “Levii’s Jeans.” While creating the album, Beyoncé noted that in the rising age of artificial intelligence (AI), she wanted to focus on authentic sounds, as reported by AFROTECH™ . She made good use of various instruments, such as the accordion, harmonica, washboard, acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar, mandolin, fiddle, tack piano, banjo, and her fingernails as percussion. On its release day, Spotify announced on X that the album was the most streamed on the platform in a single day in 2024, marking the first time a country album held this distinction...

The Forbes Union has walked out after publishing the company’s annual “30 Under 30” list. The list’s Class of 2025 features individuals across industries such as sports, entertainment, energy and green tech, artificial intelligence, food and drink, venture capital, marketing and advertising, science, and gaming, among others. Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum, country artist Shaboozey , actress Ryan Destiny, Miss EmpowHer founder Caitlyn Kumi, and Foundry Technologies founder Jared Quincy Davis are some of the individuals listed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Forbes (@forbes)   A total of 600 individuals are featured, collectively contributing $3.6 billion in funding and amassing over 300 million followers across social media, Forbes states. Unsurprisingly, the list generates significant buzz and excitement among readers. It’s precisely for these reasons that editorial staffers made a calculated decision to stage a walkout, drawing attention to a three-year-long...

If you grew up watching classic sitcoms of the 1980s and 1990s, you’re surely already aware of Jaleel White. The former child star, best known for his breakout role as Steve Urkel on the ABC series “Family Matters ,” has grown to become a veritable superstar since he got his big break over 30 years ago. Those looking to find White in something a little more modern should tune into the Disney+ original series, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” which premiered on Dec. 2. The show, which has already amassed tons of positive reviews from critics and general audiences alike, sees the beloved entertainer fighting against the forces of intergalactic evil in a galaxy far, far away, alongside the likes of Jude Law, Nick Frost and Tunde Adebimpe. Since Jaleel White has been all over newsfeeds lately, many fans have begun to wonder just how well the actor has saved his sitcom salary and diversified his financial portfolio. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with a comprehensive guide to Jaleel’s life,...

24-year-old actress Yara Shahidi felt protected when she entered the entertainment industry. At just 6 weeks old, she landed a photo shoot gig for a life insurance company, and by 6 years old, she had her first movie audition. In an interview with SoFi, led by Vivian Tu of Your Rich BFF, the actress reflected on her experience, noting that she was able to enjoy acting as a craft rather than as a means to support her family — a privilege she acknowledges isn’t always afforded to child stars. “My parents were able to set it up so that we had either family members or people that were helping us that were on set with another brother that were looking after me where they were able to dip out and do things for themselves,” she told SoFi. “So it was under that environment where I was able to have a fulfilling career at a young age and even be in my 20s, and say I’m happy I started that young. But it was so particular to being under those set of circumstances, which allowed me to enjoy...

Keke Palmer has no regrets about being the breadwinner for her family. As previously reported by AFROTECH™, Palmer earned her first $1 million at just 12 years old as a child actress . At that time, her parents, Sharon and Larry, also hired a business manager to help oversee her finances. “They wanted me to know that they weren’t the ones controlling my money. They had heard these stories, and my mom said ‘I don’t want money to come in between me and my child,'” Palmer said on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast. Her parents would remain her backbone as she found her footing in Hollywood. Her early acting footprint included roles in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”, “Akeelah and the Bee,” and “Jump In!” In 2008, she landed her own show on Nickelodeon with “True Jackson, VP” and her “life was changed after that,” she told People. “I was happy my family, we came to California for me to pursue my dreams I got my own show, right. H oney, my parents at their best made $40,000 a year growing...

Lady London chose to pursue rap after being accepted into medical school. While speaking on Revolt’s podcast, “The Blackprint,” the rapper born Zaire Miylaun Stewart reflected on the pivotal moments that led to her transition into music. She boasts two degrees, starting with a bachelor’s from Howard University, where she double-majored in sports medicine and chemistry. Lady London holds her time at the Historically Black College and University in high regard. “I was a rambunctious teenager. I went away to school because I was always told I had to go to school..and if I was going to be a part of community it had to be the Black community. So I went to a HBCU. I wanted educational goals but I didn’t think I would come out with so much experience of life. I know there’s like this whole thing where they say like ‘PWIs are the real reality of school because 72% of the world is white. The reality is if you learn how to make it in these communities and at Howard, if you can make it at...

Rumors surrounding Cynthia Erivo’s and Ariana Grande’s compensation have been addressed. T he two actresses star in “ Wicked ,” directed by Jon M. Chu. The film impressed with a stellar opening weekend, earning $162.5 million globally, according to Deadline. Based on the Broadway adaptation, it was produced on a budget ranging from $145 million to $150 million, per Screen Rant. Grande plays Glinda the Good Witch while Erivo plays Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West. Speaking on their roles, Grande commented to Blavity’s Shadow and Act, “I think it’s such an incredible honor and privilege to be trusted with the responsibility of playing Glinda, a role that I’ve loved since I was 10. And it does in a way, feel like a reintroduction. I feel like for both of us [Cynthia and I], this baby of ours has been a secret for such a long time. And I know it’s coming fast, and it’s loud, and it’s everywhere, but it’s been such an intimate part of our lives for the past three and a half years...

If you’ve spent any time staring at a television or film screen in the past few years, you’ve likely encountered some of Colman Domingo’s handiwork. The 54-year-old Academy Award winner has graced the screen for such impressive projects as “Candyman,” “The Color Purple,” “Fear The Walking Dead,” and the HBO original series “Euphoria,” just to name a few. Earlier this year, he was listed among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world due to his powerful ethos, moving performances and commitment to creative excellence. Currently, fans are awaiting Domingo’s appearance in a myriad of upcoming works, including Netflix’s forthcoming outing “The Madness,” as well as next year’s Michael Jackson biopic . Needless to say, many fans are wondering just how much money Colman Domingo has stacked up over the course of his decades-long career. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with a quick but comprehensive look at the revered actor’s financial portfolio, investment holdings and film...

If you’re tuned in to the world of early 2000s hip hop , or the world of modern Belizean politics, you may already be familiar with the name Shyne Barrow. The former rapper and current Opposition Party leader in Belize’s House of Representatives has one of the most fascinating backstories in all of pop culture and politics. Though he may not be as well known as his contemporaries like Busta Rhymes and Jay-Z, Shyne’s story is finally being told with the recent release of the Hulu original “The Honorable Shyne,” which dropped on the streamer earlier this month. In the documentary, Shyne outlines the untold truth about his time laboring under Bad Boy Records , his lengthy incarceration and his pivot into politics within his home country. Given that the 46-year-old politician has led such a storied life, fans are justifiably wondering about other personal details, including his net worth, investment portfolio and various streams of income. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with a quick...

Keke Palmer became a millionaire by the age of 12. In 2004, the Chicago native landed her first film role in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” . Her breakout role came in 2006 with “Akeelah and the Bee” and just a year later, she showcased her acting skills as Mary Thomas in Disney’s “Jump In!” alongside Corbin Bleu. By that time, Palmer’s parents had already hired a business manager—a strategic decision aimed at ensuring financial transparency. “They wanted me to know that they they weren’t the ones controlling my money. They had heard these stories and my mom said I don’t want money to come in between me and my child,” Palmer said on “Club Shay Shay.” Palmer also benefited from a Coogan account, which was designed to hold a percentage of child star’s earnings. She added, “That always was there regardless of anything else.” Palmer also spoke on the intricacies of reaching millionaire status by 12. “I became a millionaire at 12. To expect everybody to have become a millionaire at 12...