Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., better known as Lil Wayne, or simply “Weezy,” has made significant waves in the rap industry since a young age. He was already honing his craft at just eight years old, writing compelling rhymes. His early dedication to music led him to sign with Cash Money Records, an association that would lay the foundation for his meteoric rise. By 2008, Lil Wayne dominated the charts with “Tha Carter III,” an album that moved 8 million units.
However, beyond the microphone, Lil Wayne has proven his acumen as an entrepreneur, sealing deals with emerging brands, penning his memoir “Gone Til’ November: A Journal of Rikers Island,” and holding endorsements with big names such as Mountain Dew, Sprint, and Beats by Dre.
Join Billionaires.Africa as we delve into seven ventures the rapper owns.
Young Money APAA Sports Agency
In 2016, Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. set up Young Money APAA Sports Agency. It handles the marketing and branding of top athletes, artists and game changers worldwide. The company has negotiated over $1 billion in contracts to date. Young Money APAA Sports Agency acquired PlayersRep Sports Agency in 2017.
GKUA Ultra Premium is a cannabis brand the hip-hop artist launched in California in 2019.
Young Money Radio is a radio station founded by Lil Wayne in collaboration with Apple Music. The radio station offers in-depth conversations with leading figures in hip-hop.
Young Money Entertainment
In 2005, Lil Wayne and close associate Mack Maine co-founded this record label, which has since been instrumental in the careers of global stars such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, and DJ Khaled.
TRUKFIT, an acronym for “The Reason U Kill For It,” is a clothing brand Lil Wayne debuted in January 2012.Â
Sqvad Up
In partnership with the tech firm UTILITY, Lil Wayne rolled out this mobile video game in 2016, where players navigate hazards while collecting money.
SPECTRE by SUPRA
SPECTRE by SUPRA is a vulcanized skater shoe designed by Lil Wayne through an exclusive partnership with ONE Distribution, the parent company of the world renowned skateboard sneaker brand.
