Hugely responsible for the birth of West Coast gangsta rap, hip hop mogul Dr. Dre is not only a rap pioneer but a ridiculously successful producer and record executive.
Almost 50 years old, his net worth is about $730 million after last year’s sale of Beats Electronics to Apple for $3 billion, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com. Dre is also in the midst of producing the highly anticipated film “Straight Outta Compton” along with other original N.W.A. member Ice Cube, slated for theaters in August.
So, what does it take to launch a career like the Dr., and what younger rappers are poised for such a path?
Kendrick Lamar
The New York Times touts Kendrick Lamar as hip-hop’s newest old-school star, and for good reason. Lamar had a rough life growing up on the streets of Compton. He’s overcome harrowing obstacles to become one of hip-hop’s princes. Lamar is finishing his upcoming album, “To Pimp a Butterfly,” where you will hear funk and jazz influences as well as spoken word. He took home two Grammys last month and has hit the studio with Dr. Dre and Pharrell. Lamar has a Dre-like past and his future is bright. He has exceptional business sense, works with top talent and is destined to build an entrepreneurial career that extends far beyond music.
Joey Bada$$
One of the four co-creators of the crew Pro Era, Joey Bada$$ has come a long way in a short time on the scene. SF Weekly describes his debut album “B4.DA.$$” (Before Da Money) as what fans of hip-hop’s golden age have been yearning for. The Brooklyn-born rapper is a risk taker who produces an authentic sound. He views his growing career optimistically and his sound echoes Biggie. He’s currently getting his entrepreneurial and designer swagger on by recently being named creative director at Ecko clothing. He’s making good business moves and going further into branding, marketing and product development like Dre. Often.
Big K.R.I.T.
Rapper/producer Big K.R.I.T. (King Remembered in Time) is on his way up the ladder in music and business. Currently signed to Def Jam records, Krizzle has been active in the scene since 2005. Hailing from Mississippi, he spent five years on the mixtape circuit and currently has two albums under his belt. His latest release, “Cadillactica,” delivers a bass-laden Southern sound mixed with gospel and blues masterfully produced and performed. His ability to create his own beats will lead to more business opportunities in years to come. Big K.R.I.T. will be performing at the SXSW Music Festival on March 21.
Run the Jewels
Also appearing at SXSW is the wildly popular hip-hop duo Run the Jewels. El-P and Killer Mike have been hitting festivals across the globe as well as appearing on talk shows like Conan. Their second album, “Run the Jewels 2,” made it all the way to number six on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Collaborations with Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha and Massive Attack add to their insanely diverse fan base. The two 39-year-old rappers have a ton of history and entrepreneurial skills under their belt, putting them well on their way to colossal success.
Keep your eyes on these four future hip-hop moguls who are on the path to living the fabulous life of hip-hop’s richest playah, Dr. Dre.
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