Entertainment
From Marcy to Millions: What Jay-Z’s $2 Billion Wealth Teaches Us About Building Wealth – Essence

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 1: American musician Jay Z appears on the pitch throughout the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 1, 2024 in London, England. (Photo: Daniela Porcelli/Eurazja Sport Images/Getty Images)
If you told 14-yr-old me – sneaking into my bedroom to listen to music because at that age I should not be listening to Jay-Z’s music – that sooner or later he can be a billionaire (not once, but twice), I might have nodded like, “Of course “. Even then, I sensed ambition in his rhymes, a plan for something larger than music. For me, this album wasn’t nearly rap – it was a masterclass in vision and hustle.
Now, on the age of 55, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has gathered roughly Worth $2 billionproving that success doesn’t just occur, it’s built. From Marcy Projects to the world stage, Jay’s story is just not only inspiring – it’s textbook. And for black women pursuing their very own path to wealth, his moves offer lessons in entrepreneurship, ownership and uncompromising ambition.
Lesson 1: Start with hustle, end with ownership
“You want to know what’s more essential than throwing money at a strip club? Credit.” (, 4:44)
Jay-Z didn’t just rap about hustle, he lived it. Even before his first album was released, he already had his own record label and was selling CDs out of his automobile when nobody else was willing to take a likelihood with him. His first big move? Founding of Roc-A-Fella Records with Damon Dash and Kareem Burke in 1995. Having his champions from day one set the tone for his profession, teaching us that true power comes from owning the belongings you create.
For us, this might mean starting a side business, saving for a down payment on a property, or negotiating ownership of our jobs. Ownership builds capital – not only in business, but additionally in life.
Lesson 2: Diversify like a tycoon
“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business man.” (, Kanye West ft. Jay-Z)
Jay-Z’s portfolio reads like a masterclass diversification. From founding the Tidal streaming service to investing in Uber, Armand de Brignac champagne, and D’USSÉ cognac, Jay understands the worth of sharing your wealth across industries. His philosophy? Choose brands you think in and products you eat.
For Black women, who often need to be more strategic about their investments, this could appear like constructing multiple streams of income. Whether it’s investing within the stock market, starting a web based store, or monetizing your talents, diversification helps secure your financial footing.
Lesson 3: Build for culture
“I won’t lose, ’cause even if I fail/I learned a valuable lesson from it, so that evens me out.” (, Plan 2: The Gift and the Curse)
What sets Jay-Z aside from many other moguls is his commitment to culture. He doesn’t just construct wealth for himself – he creates opportunities for others. From funding criminal justice reform initiatives to REFORM Alliance to using Roc Nation as a platform for emerging talent, Jay ensures his legacy will uplift the subsequent generation. His collaborations with Beyoncé in cultural moments resembling concert tours it also reinforces the message of collective power and influence.
For us, which means eager about generational wealth and community impact. How can we make sure that our successes spread outward—in our families, our communities, and beyond?
Lesson 4: Partner strategically, think globally
“Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.” (, Plan 3)
Jay-Z’s wealth is not only the results of individual actions – it’s the facility of smart partnerships that expand reach and results. His collaboration with Live Nation to launch Roc Nation transformed the music and entertainment landscape, and his equity-based artist model for Tidal redefined the standards of the streaming industry. Strategic moves like invests in Uber ahead of its IPO Or creating luxury brands resembling Armand de Brignac exhibit the flexibility to seize opportunities that ensure measurable, long-term success.
For us, this implies considering big when it comes to partnerships. Whether it’s cross-industry collaboration, collaborating with those that share our vision, or identifying opportunities to grow together, strategic alliances can speed up growth and position us for greater victories.
Lesson 5: Play the long game
“You can’t knock on the hustle and bustle.” (, reasonable doubt)
Jay-Z didn’t change into a billionaire overnight. It took a long time of vision, patience and sensible decision-making. His willingness to grow – from rapper to label owner, from entrepreneur to philanthropist – shows the importance of playing the long game and making moves with intention.
For us, that may mean starting small, staying consistent, and eager about where we wish to be in five, ten, or twenty years.
Entertainment
Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

It seems that there will not be much that Usher Raymond IV – Better, known to the world, simply as a USher – no. He can sing. He can dance. He can sing and dance while skating. He works. Sells Las Vegas residences. Performs philanthropic work.
And also performs the completion addresses. Usher was utilized by the University in its own yard. May 12 Usher will provide the address at Emory University 180. Ceremony of graduation and shall be awarded with an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letters from the institution. This will not be the first Usher Rodeo with an honorary doctorate; In 2023 Berklee School of Music in Boston He awarded the International Superstar with distinction. He also gave comments then.
Usher will not be alien to Emory University. His non-profit, New Usher Lookwhich according to the website“He transforms the lives of malnourished youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion, global leaders”, has established cooperation with Emory’s University’s University Goizueta Business School in a 400-hour program helping to prepare teenagers for faculty. Apparently, non-profit influenced over 50,000 students.
“I spent my life following my spark – my passion – and trying to support young people when they find and follow their own passions. I am excited that I have the opportunity to talk to these amazing Emory students who graduate and prepare for imprint in the world – said Usher in Billboard statement.
Usher is one of the most successful musical acts in history, selling over 80 million records, winning many Grammy awards and has toured throughout the world since his profession in the mid -90s. His album “Confessions” from 2004 is the second best -selling album from 2000 and is taken into account by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of all of all of all.
YES!
(Tagstranslate) graduation
Entertainment
The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.
In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.
Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.
In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.
Entertainment
Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.
After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.
The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.
“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”
The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.
Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.
“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.
Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.
While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.
Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.
“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”
(Tagstotransate) latest balance
-
Press Release11 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Press Release11 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance9 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance11 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump11 months ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater11 months ago
Telling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump12 months ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump12 months ago
The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis
-
Theater11 months ago
Applications open for the 2020-2021 Soul Producing National Black Theater residency – Black Theater Matters
-
Theater9 months ago
Cultural icon Apollo Theater sets new goals on the occasion of its 85th anniversary