Kanye West, the African-American artist-turned-business tycoon, stands tall as one of the wealthiest Black individuals worldwide. His vast wealth comes from a diverse range of businesses, smart investments, and a valuable real estate portfolio.
In October 2022, he lost his billionaire status due to the fallout of several partnerships, including his lucrative deal with Adidas to design the Yeezy sneaker brand. This occurred after making comments that conflicted with the company’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality. However, Kanye West continues to be counted among the world’s richest people.
Originally a rapper, he transformed into a multifaceted entrepreneur. Kanye West is not only a music icon, with more than 160 million records sold and 24 Grammy Awards under his belt, but he’s also a prolific businessperson. His achievements in the music industry place him among the top Grammy winners alongside Jay-Z, who is now recognized as one of the world’s Black billionaires with a net worth of $2.5 billion.
Despite his setback in 2022, when Adidas severed ties with his Yeezy brand, West, now known as Ye, remains a prominent figure among the global Black elite. His net worth, valued at $400 million, includes real estate, cash, a music catalog, and a significant stake in Skims, the shapewear company co-founded by his former spouse, Kim Kardashian.
Billionaires.Africa has identified and cataloged various companies and holdings linked to Ye.
Here are seven companies where he holds direct or indirect ownership:
- Yeezy
Yeezy, born as a collaborative venture between West and Adidas, has rapidly evolved into an iconic brand within the fashion industry. Offering a wide array of exclusive products, including limited edition sneakers, shirts, jackets, track pants, socks, slides, lingerie, and slippers, Yeezy captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The inaugural shoe model, the Boost 750, debuted in February 2015, marking the beginning of an illustrious journey. Forbes has aptly characterized Yeezy’s ascent as “one of the most remarkable retail success stories of the century.” West’s Yeezy partnership with Adidas ended in October 2022 following Adidas’ termination of the partnership due to West’s controversial remarks.
Skims, a brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede, and Jens Grede, has substantially impacted the shapewear and clothing industry. Embracing body positivity and inclusivity through its product offerings and sizing options, Skims achieved a remarkable valuation surge after a successful funding round that raised a staggering $270 million. West holds a five-percent stake in Skims, a shapewear company founded by his former spouse, Kardashian. His stake in the company is presently estimated at a remarkable $200 million.
- Donda
Donda, a creative content company, finds its roots in West’s profound admiration for his mother, Donda West, and is named in her honor. This endeavor shares its name with his tenth studio album, released in 2021. West unveiled Donda as a design company on January 5, 2012, envisioning it as a torchbearer for Steve Jobs’ legacy, operating as a “design company” with a mission to craft affordable products and experiences that captivate the masses.
- GOOD Music
GOOD Music, an independent American record label founded by rapper Kanye West in 2004, transcends mere music. It serves as both a record label and a management company, nurturing a cadre of affiliated artists and producers, including luminaries like No I.D. and John Legend. The label has also played a pivotal role in producing chart-topping singles for artists such as Brandy, Common, John Legend, and Slum Village.
- Tidal
Tidal, a Norwegian-American music streaming service, emerged on the scene in 2014 under the auspices of Swedish public company Aspiro. Currently, Tidal’s majority ownership lies with Block, Inc., an American payment processing company that Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey co-founded. Notably, in March 2015, West joined a league of distinguished music artists as a co-owner of this innovative music streaming service.
- Yeezy Home
In May 2018, West ventured into the realm of architecture by announcing the establishment of Yeezy Home. This venture operates in tandem with his immensely successful Yeezy fashion label. The first Yeezy Home collaboration was unveiled in June 2018, featuring designer Jalil Peraza, and teased an affordable concrete prefabricated home as part of a socially conscious housing project.
- Kanye West’s real estate portfolio
Beyond his multifaceted business endeavors, West boasts a substantial real estate portfolio worth millions of dollars. Notably, in August, he listed his iconic concrete Hollywood Hills mansion for sale at $3.69 million, marking an attempt to profit from the sprawling property he initially acquired a decade ago. This spacious property, distinguished by its modern concrete exterior, encompasses three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Originally purchased in 2003 for $1.75 million, West’s potential sale could result in a substantial gross profit of $1.94 million.
