Forbes released its first “Hip-Hop Princes” list last week. It’s a slideshow that’s a de facto who’s who of hip hop this year. Technically, these ten artists are likely nominees for its elite Cash Kings club, reserved for those stacking the most serious paper in the industry. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the following ten performers aren’t going anywhere but higher in 2014.
- A$AP Rocky: It’s been 2 years since Long.Live.A$AP, but life is pretty good when you’re the new face of DKNY. And you know that “Fashion Killa” beat bumps. Is he an artist or an advertiser? Both. Good call, Mr. Rocky.
- Azalia Banks: Read: hip-hop princess. She pulled in a milli in a year, and she doesn’t even have a record yet. ‘Nuff said.
- Big Sean: Keeps it really real. He finds himself at the center of some 2013′s heaviest hitters, including “Clique,” and those aren’t even on his record. Also, he has his own Adidas line.
- Chance the Rapper: His 2013 album “Acid Rap” is unbelievably good. If you haven’t heard it yet, go listen to it right now. Chance the Rapper has grown his career the grassroots way, with downloads, shows, and good music. We’re rooting for this dude.
- French Montana: Who knew his show pulled in about $30K per? He ain’t worried about nothin’.
- J. Cole: As Forbes points out in the article, his nearly 300,000 units sold surpassed lots of the rap icons he revered on it. He can definitely fix that smile if he changes his mind.
- Meek Mill: He has his own headphone line, the Monster 24Ks, a Puma deal, and a pending fashion line. It’s a solid endorsement for grinding like that to shine like this.
- Travis Scott: If you don’t know this 21-year old yet, you will in 2014. He’s making moves with his rhymes, he contributed production to songs on Yeezus, and he told Forbes he’s learning time management from T.I. In other words, he’s in it.
- Tyga: He’s 24. He’s on Young Money/Cash Money. He has a clothing line, a watch line, and a Reebok deal. In his words, “It’s not just about rap. It’s about branding…” Touché.
- Wale: He pulls in about $25K a night. Also, “LoveHate Thing” is sick, and you know it.
These are the performers to watch this year. They all share an essential quality: keen awareness of their personal brands. Branding is the crux of today’s hip-hop. The music isn’t enough anymore. You need the look, the authenticity and, most of all, the deals. We wish them luck in 2014. We hope we get invited to the parties.
The post The Forbes Hip-Hop Princes (and Princesses) of 2014 appeared first on Don Diva Magazine.
