Forbes: Hip-Hop Cash Princes 2014 – The Ten Most Promising Acts (Video)
Forbes wameanzisha orodha waliyoipa jina Hip-Hop Cash Princes 2014 ambayo ni sehemu ya orodha yao kubwa ya kila mwaka ya, Hip Hop Cash Kings inayoangalia wasanii wa Hip Hop wenye mkwanja zaidi.
http://youtu.be/RWhmGZzhQ7E
A$AP Rocky (Age: 25)
A$AP Mob’s ringleader has been riding the success of 2012’s Long.Live.A$ap, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 400,000 copies to date. He is also DKNY’s latest poster boy, appearing in a recent commercial. It’s no wonder Long.Live.A$ap’s single “Fashion Killa” name drops 27 brands.
Azealia Banks (Age: 22)
The only female on the Cash Princes list has yet to release an album, but has already toured extensively. Between June 2012 and June 2013—the scoring period for our Cash Kings list—Banks pulled in over $1 million before management and lawyer fees, mostly through live shows. Her EP has sold about 32,000 copies in the U.S.
Big Sean (Age: 25)
Three years after Big Sean’s debut album pronounced him as such, the diminutive rapper is indeed finally famous. Several high-profile singles including the Nicki Minaj track “Dance” and Kanye West’s “Clique” brought his voice to radio; his 2013 sophomore effort Hall of Fame landed at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
Chance the Rapper (Age: 20)
Chicago newcomer Chancelor Bennett’s 2013 free mixtape, Acid Rap, notched over 500,000 downloads and catapulted him to critical acclaim. Following unauthorized sales on iTunes and Amazon, the 13-track record even landed on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart—a rare feat for a bootleg.
French Montana (Age: 29)
Born in Morocco and transplanted into the Bronx as a youngster, French Montana is already developing a healthy portfolio of brand extensions. He now boasts a record label, clothing line and a live show that grosses over $30,000 per night.
J. Cole (Age: 29)
The first artist signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation, J. Cole has been making good on the promise that led the rap mogul to sign him—and is already surpassing some of his early-career idols. His second studio album, Born Sinner, moved nearly 300,000 units its opening week, nearly outselling Kanye West’s Yeezus.
Meek Mill (Age: 26)
Since 2012’s Dreams and Nightmares, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, the Philadelphia rapper and Rick Ross protégé has turned his hand to endorsements—headphones with Monster Energy Drinks, a series of Puma sneakers and a forthcoming clothing line.
Travis Scott (Age: 21)
With guidance from veteran Cash Kings including Kanye West and T.I., the Houston-born rapper-producer has helped craft tracks for the likes of West and Jay Z. His mixtape Owl Pharaoh, released last May, earned high praise from the hip-hop press.
Tyga (Age: 24)
Pop quiz—which Young Money/Cash Money artist has a clothing line, a watch line, and a shoe deal with Reebok? A hint: his last two albums also reached the top of the hip-hop charts. The answer isn’t Drake, or Lil Wayne, or even label boss Birdman. It’s 24-year-old Los Angeles native Tyga.
Wale (Age: 29)
The Washington, D.C.-bred MC is already knocking loudly at the gilded door of our Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, pulling in about $5 million in 2012, just shy of the mark for that year’s list. His average nightly gross has surpassed $25,000—and if that trend continues, he’ll continue his journey toward the throne.
