Hip-Hop is one of the most impactful and successful genres in the music industry, in which hip hop artists are highly relatable and have a widespread influence on their fan bases around the world. Originating in the Bronx area of New York in 1973 when DJ Kool initiated such music, hip-hop is all about minority communities making a stand and making themselves heard while going against the status quo.
Thanks to the relatability, widespread success and large global fanbase of the hip hop industry, many brands that were initially hesitant to work with such artists when the genre first came about are now competing for the attention of such artists.
Below, we will take a look at some of the most lucrative sponsorship deals undertaken by Hip-Hop stars.
Cardi B
With a net worth of around $40 million, Cardi B may have started out by making her money in the Hip-Hop industry but she has intelligence as well as good looks. Cardi B has made much of her fortunes by working with major fashion brands, including Balenciaga, Fashion NOva, Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs to name a few. She has even partnered with major brands like Pepsi and Uber Eats, in which much of her income is now passive as she continues to grow her fortunes.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott is known for being more than just Kylie Jenner’s baby daddy. Travis Scott has an estimated net worth of $50 million, with much of his income coming from endorsement deals with the likes of Burger King. Scott has also been known to dip his toe in the waters of video gaming endorsement deals, in which he’s recently partnered with Fortnite.
Dr Dre
Dr Dre is known for his incredible music across the globe and what better way to listen to him than with a pair of Beats by Dre. Since being taken over by Apple in 2014, Dre has been able to live off of his endorsement payments alone, despite the millions he earns in the Hip-Hop world. Now that’s a win-win deal.
Drake
Drake, a global music icon, has excelled not only in the music industry but also in forging lucrative sponsorship deals. His collaborations with brands like Nike and Jordan have been hugely successful, with the “Nocta” line receiving critical acclaim. Drake’s partnership with Canadian whiskey brand Virginia Black was also a hit, showcasing his influence on consumer trends. He is an ambassador for the online casino Stake, and as a native Canadian he is aware of the amount of competition within the industry at present. If you check an updated list with the New Brunswick online casinos, you’ll notice Stake are listed as “being partnered with Toronto’s very own Drake”, emphasizing just how important his endorsement is, which is reportedly worth a $100 million per year deal.
Megan Wap
Coming from the Bronx, Megan Wap follows in the footsteps of the originator of Hip-Hop music. Yet her lifestyle today couldn’t be further away from the lifestyle she had growing up on the streets of New York. After becoming the face of Balenciaga, Wap now features on Billboards in the City of Lights itself, which is a pretty big deal for her given her roots.
Kanye West
Kanye West has an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion dollars and is one of the most successful and well known Hip-Hop artists around. However, his endorsement deals started off pretty modest with her first deal being with MetroPCS back in the early 2000’s. However, today West has come a long way with his celebrity endorsement deals, in which he now partners with the likes of Gap and Adidas, further promoting everything that the Hip-Hop industry represents.
Jay Z
As one of Hip-Hop’s most successful billionaires, Jay Z and Beyonce have undertaken some incredible endorsement deals together. From Carol’s Daughter to Tiffany and Co, much of their fortunes have amassed from carefully selected endorsement deals that offer a mutual partnership.
Overall, there is significant power in the history and representation of Hip-Hop artists. Whether it is a top designer fashion label, a cologne, or even one of the best-known fast-food chains on the globe, Hip-Hop artists have been able to wield the power of their music and what it represents to further their success.
What’s more, as the Hip Hop genre continues to have a profound impact on the younger generations, we will continue to see bigger and better partnerships between brands and Hip-Hop artists that will continue to ignite a passion for the industry and support the promotion of the Hip Hip genre further.
