When we think of hip-hop artists what often comes to mind are images of luxury cars, lots of jewelry, and wads of waving cash. While there is still some truth to these images, artists are now seeing the importance of investing their hard-earned funds in lucrative business ventures. The artists of hip-hop set trends and define the culture. Here are a few that are setting a new trend of transforming their street smarts to the world of technology and business.
Drake
Image via @tmcleod
Drake with Omni founder, Tom McLeod (from far left). Drake has partnered with Omni, a San Francisco based company with an innovative concept of providing storage. The Omni App catalogues your items into photos that you can view and share. Their Omni Concierge service provides convenient pick-up and delivery service.
NAS
Nas speaking at mParticle's "Acceleration" conference. mParticle
Nas is probably one of the most well-known investors in hip-hop. As a co-founder of QueensBridge Venture Partners he has invested in over 150 companies. The firm was started in 2014 and focuses on technology startups. Investments range from $100,000- $500,000 per company.
Jay Z
Business mogul, Jay Z recently launched a new venture capital firm Arrive, through his entertainment company Roc Nation. The company will partner with startups in the early stages, providing capital, assistance with branding, developing their business, and more.
Nicki Minaj
Image via Music Messenger
Rapper, singer, and musical icon Nicki Minaj is finding new ways to multiply her fortune by investing in the app, Music Messenger. The app allows you to choose the music you want to share with a personal message and picture for the receiver. You can import your music or use their collection, which has access to most streaming sites.
MC Hammer
Although no longer at the forefront of hip-hop, musical pioneer MC Hammer has been a quiet investor in Silicon Valley Tech companies for over a decade. His ventures include the mobile payment company Square, and the magazine app, Flipboard.