5 Hip Hoppers Who Understand Big Business

Russell Simmons:
He parlayed his early days managing Kurtis Blow into turning his
brother’s group Run DMC into mega-stars and launching his own label,
Def Jam Recordings, with his partner Rick Rubin. Simmons is now head of
Rush Communications, Phat Farm and Simmons Jewelry, Co.

Ludacris:
The onetime local Atlanta DJ made the leap to artist in 1998 and has
become one of the most successful rappers of his generation. He’s also
shown a remarkably savvy business sense. He’s opened his own
restaurant, Straits Atlanta. The Ludacris Foundation has also been
successful, providing creative arts exposure for young schoolchildren.

Diddy:
His Bad Boy Entertainment label launched the careers of Ma$e, 112,
Faith Evans, Danity Kane and, of course, the late, great Notorious
B.I.G. But Sean Combs’ business instincts have also led to success in
fashion (his Sean John imprint), fine dining (his restaurant Justin’s)
and television (he produces hit shows like “Run’s House” and “Making
the Band”)

Jay-Z:
Shawn Carter has been hip hop’s alpha male for the better part of a
decade; but he has become one of the smartest business minds in the
industry. His RocaWear clothing line continues to be among the top
sellers in urbanwear and he recently launched his own brand of vodka
and paired up with several of the biggest corporations-like General
Motors.

Jermaine Dupri:
He went from break-dancing in Whodini videos to shepherding the careers
of young rap acts like Kris Kross and Da Brat. Dupri built his So So
Def label from the ground up and has parlayed his talents into a
successful career as a producer, philanthropist and business mogul.