If you’re a rapper and you’re looking to secure the bag, endorsement deals are the way to go.
But believe it or not, the concept of rappers getting endorsement deals is nowhere near a new concept. According to High Snobiety, the rappers of today can thank a legendary Hip-Hop group for securing the first-ever product endorsement deal in the rap industry, which kicked off the trend that’s still going strong today.
“You’ll likely recall Run DMC’s third studio album, “Raising Hell,” which thrust the group into the American mainstream and forever linked the genre to their iconic style and affinity for the Three Stripes,” they said. “When the album was released in 1986, one track particularly stood out: “My Adidas.” The song was more than just a powerful co-sign — it would soon become the catalyst for rap’s first endorsement deal, setting the stage for a generation of new artists to follow suit.”
Run-DMC may have been just the first of many rappers to secure the bag with endorsement deals — but not even they could have predicted the sheer numbers of rappers who have added to their bank accounts with pushes for everything from computers to CashApp, from liquor to jewelry, and even fast food.
These 10 Hip-Hop stars prove that endorsement deals will keep you paid.
Cardi B
Net Worth: $40 Million
As AfroTech previously reported, Cardi B didn’t just make her money in Hip-Hop. She also has made her money in fashion (with endorsements from Balenciaga, Fashion Nova, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford), and major brands (including Pepsi and UberEats).
50 Cent
Estimated Net Worth: $40 Million
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has a net worth of about $40 million. Part of his net worth comes from the variety of endorsement deals he either once had, or currently has. In 2014, he signed a $78 million underwear deal with the Frigo brand, according to CNBC. And this is to say nothing of his previous deals with Glaceau Water (which subsequently sold to The Coca-Cola Company), Le Chemin du Roi, SK Energy Drinks, and Effen Vodka (of which he recently sold his minority share).
Megan Thee Stallion
Estimated Net Worth: $6 Million
Celebrity Net Worth reports that the Houston Hot Girl has a net worth of $6 million. But that’s sure to climb in the coming years thanks to her endorsement deals with the likes of Balenciaga, Revlon, CashApp, and Coach.
Diddy
Estimated Net Worth: $900 Million
As of 2020, Sean “Diddy” Combs had earned billions of dollars and garnered a net worth of $900 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. And that’s partially due to his myriad of endorsement deals, including with Ciroc — a deal which provides him an eight-figure salary each year, and a nine-figure payout if it’s ever sold.
Jay-Z (& Beyoncé)
Estimated Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
One of Hip-Hop’s few billionaires, Jay-Z — together with his wife, Beyoncé — has amassed a small fortune thanks to dozens of endorsement deals from the likes of Carol’s Daughter, Tiffany & Co., Bing, Budweiser, and Hewlett-Packard.
Kanye West
Estimated Net Worth: $1.3 Billion
Another one of Hip-Hop’s billionaires got his first endorsement deal from MetroPCS back in the early aughts. Today, Kanye West‘s partnerships with the likes of Gap and adidas have garnered him a net worth of $1.3 billion.
Travis Scott
Estimated Net Worth: $50 Million
Don’t just call him Kylie Jenner’s baby daddy — Travis Scott has an estimated net worth of $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Scott’s net worth comes from high-profile endorsements with companies like Burger King and the video game Fortnite.
Dr. Dre
Estimated Net Worth: $35 Million
Even though Dr. Dre’s net worth has decreased, according to Forbes, his endorsement of a wide variety of products including Beats by Dre (which was sold to Apple in a record-breaking deal) have kept him well-fed and well-paid.
