Tony Yayo has claimed 50 Cent and Dr. Dre taught him important business lessons when it came to expanding his brand beyond Hip Hop.
In the latest segment from his conversation with VladTV, the former G-Unit soldier credited 50 and Dre for teaching him the ropes of business deals outside of the music industry. Both men broke ground with their respective partnerships with brands such as Vitamin Water, Beats, STARZ, Apple Music and more.
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According to Yayo, the real money for an artist comes from all the deals outside of the music industry. He was able to learn that by having a front-row seat to 50 and Dre’s business dealings.
“The outside ventures,” Tony Yayo said. “I always learned from 50 from Vitamin Water and Dr. Dre, the outside ventures is what makes the most money. Even with JAY-Z, the [Ace of Spades], Diddy with the Ciroc, so we see the biggest artists, most money came from outside ventures.”
It’s no secret that artists make most of their money outside of their music. Most of it comes from touring but there’s a space for them to double that with sponsorship deals. Travis Scott proved that in 2020 when he became the most profitable brand.
He reportedly earned over $100 million in 2020 through partnerships and branded merchandise alone, striking deals with Nike, Fortnite, McDonald’s and Sony, as well as launching his CACTI hard seltzer line.
Future is looking to expand his brand in the medical marijuana business as well. Trademark attorney Clarissa Harvey revealed last week that the “Mask Off” rapper’s legal team filed six trademark applications in several classes on February 17 for a line named ‘EVOL BY FUTURE.’
In addition to “providing a website featuring health information in the field of medical marijuana and cannabis,” the line may include smoking lounge services, vape pens, medicated oils and more.
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Diddy is getting in on the fun, too, after his company Combs Enterprises rebranded to Combs Global last month. The rebrand will have Diddy actively working to extend his professional interests in the music, fashion, drinks and TV industries overseas.
In addition to his iconic Hip Hop imprint, Combs Global is home to Sean John, which Diddy reacquired in 2020; his two liquor brands, Ciroc vodka and DeLeón tequila; his fitness and wellness water brand, AQUAhydrate; REVOLT Media & TV; and his newly minted R&B label, Love Records.
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Diddy has recently expanded his business portfolio to include three companies working to support Black-owned businesses: Empower Global, Our Fair Share and The Nile List. He also made his first foray into the cannabis industry with an investment in Cresco Labs.
