The production tagline on Metro Boomin’s beats, “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gone shoot you,” is more than a cultural statement — it’s rooted in the long-time friendship and business partnership he has with Atlanta, GA, rapper Future. Emerging from St. Louis, MO, Metro Boomin, born Leland Tyler Wayne, has carved his name in the annals of Hip-Hop history. His talent and ingenuity have propelled him to the forefront of the industry, with his production credits and collaborative acclaim spanning chart-topping songs with Drake, Travis Scott, Gucci Mane, Big Sean, and The Weeknd, among others. It’s About More Than Rap For Metro Boomin While Metro Boomin’s catalog is predominantly rooted in Rap and Hip-Hop, his music is a testament to his diverse range of influences. From the Pop icons that shaped his early musical journey to the eerie soundscapes of horror movies, his unique blend of inspirations is a fascinating insight into his creative process. “Michael Jackson. He was always...

Known as one of the best players to play in the NBA, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., is one of the most successful former athletes in America. Aside from the handsome salary he earned as a pro basketball player, Magic has started several business ventures that have helped him achieve success beyond his playing days. You might be wondering, what is Magic Johnson’s net worth? It may be higher than you think. Magic Johnson’s net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million. During his career as an NBA player, Johnson’s annual salary was around $24 million, an amount that hasn’t been adjusted for inflation. Despite his career ending prematurely due to hysteria over his HIV diagnosis, Magic Johnson had an impeccable 12-year run in the NBA. He won five championships out of nine trips to the finals, earned three MVP awards, and was selected to the All-NBA First Team nine times. With such a successful NBA career in spite of his contraction of the HIV virus, one would think Johnson...

Multi-hyphenate entertainer B. Simone has set out to do one thing: earn one million dollars. Late February, the comedian made the bold promise to herself “to be a millionaire by her 30th birthday” and share her journey with her 4 million-plus followers. “This is a crazy goal and it’s insane and I”m gonna do it,” she told fans in an IGTV video. “I don’t care. I’m not gonna be 30 without a million in my savings [account].” To accrue this much cash in 50 days, the self-proclaimed “Female Jamie Foxx” leans into her brand. The Houston-bred, Atlanta-based personality has several businesses and even prior hustles she can tap into. At the start of this journey, Simone promoted her merch store, B Inspired By B. Simone , and B. Simone Beauty , a vegan and cruelty-free makeup collection. Also, the licensed beautician offered hair services, including sew-ins. “I will go to the mall and pass out lip gloss,” she said adamantly, showcasing her drive to reach the goal. “I haven’t done hair in over...

Many may know Trevor Booker from his days playing basketball for the Clemson University Tigers. Many may know him from his nine-year tenure in the NBA, playing for various teams such as the Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and most recently, the Indiana Pacers. While he has had a tremendous basketball career, what many do not know is that Booker is also a venture capitalist, owning his own firm JB Fitzgerald with partner Jonah Baize. I was able to catch up with Booker to learn what he had to learn about finance prior to starting his firm and what motivated him to seek to become a billionaire. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. AfroTech: So, what was your knowledge level of finance and investing prior to the NBA? Trevor Booker: My knowledge level prior to the NBA — ooh, I would have to say, it was definitely not as high as it is now. I knew a little bit from going to college and taking classes, you know, about investment and finance, but it...