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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Atlanta luminary, Nayvadius DeMun Cash (born Nov. 20, 1983), popularly known as Future, has stashed and cashed for himself a future, buoyantly bright as the stars through ceaseless seasoning of his spitting skill. Future was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Columbia High School in Decatur. At age 16, someone shot and robbed Future in the hand, an event he regards as a major turning point in his life.
Future began his career under the name “Meathead” as a member of a Georgia-based musical group Dungeon Family. He performed in a smaller hip hop group within the collective who went by the name “Da Connect,” where one of the group members, G-Rock, nicknamed him “The Future.” The group recorded one album, Rico Wade Presents: Da Connect which was slated for commercial release in 2003, but didn’t air.
His first cousin, record producer and Dungeon Family member Rico Wade, encouraged him to sharpen his writing skills and pursue a career as a rapper, as recording would create temporary respite from street life. During this time, Future appeared in numerous Dungeon Family music videos, and received his first songwriting credit on the Organized Noize-produced single, “Blueberry Yum Yum” for rapper Ludacris in 2004. Future praises Wade for his musical influence and instruction, calling him the “mastermind” behind his sound. Fellow Atlanta rapper Rocko discovered him and signed him as a solo artist on his A1 Recordings record label.
Rise to Fame and Critical Acclaim
Future’s distinctive murmuring vocal style, coupled with expansive production, has vaulted him to the forefront of the modern trap music movement, particularly in the realm of melodic and auto-tune innovation. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, his 2011 signing with A1 Recordings and Epic Records catalyzed Future’s ascent in the music industry. His early albums, “Pluto” (2012) and “Honest” (2014), featuring platinum hits like “Turn On the Lights” and “Move That Dope,” signified pivotal moments in his burgeoning career.
The artistic journey of Future reached new heights with albums like “DS2” (2015), which included hits like “Fuck Up Some Commas,” and “Evol” (2016), featuring the acclaimed “Low Life” with The Weeknd. In a historic feat, both his self-titled album and “Hndrxx” (2017) debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, a testament to his growing influence. Post-A1, Future’s artistry continued to flourish with “The Wizrd” (2019) and “High Off Life” (2020), the latter boasting the Diamond-certified “Life Is Good.” His collaboration with Drake on “Way 2 Sexy” in 2021 marked his first chart-topping single on the Hot 100, a precursor to the success of his ninth studio album, “I Never Liked You” (2022) which spawned his second single to peak the Hot 100 and first to do so as a lead artist, “Wait for U” (featuring Drake and Tems). The song won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, while its parent album received a nomination for Best Rap Album. Beyond his solo work, Future’s creative range extends to collaborative mixtapes like “Beast Mode” and “What a Time to Be Alive,” as well as full-length projects with Young Thug and Juice Wrld. As a two-time Grammy Award winner, Future’s legacy in the music industry is characterized by both his artistic innovation and his profound influence on the genre.
Future’s Business Ventures: How the Rapper Diversifies His Income
Future is not only a successful rapper, but also a savvy entrepreneur who owns several businesses across different industries. From clothing to gaming, Future has invested in various ventures that showcase his creative vision and business acumen. Here are four of his most notable businesses:
- FREEBANDZ
Freebandz is an international full service entertainment company founded by Grammy award winning, multi platinum recording artist Future in 2011. As a recording label and full-service organization the company supports a diverse roster of talent via label services, artist management, music publishing, production, touring, strategic brand development, merchandising and more. The label’s releases are distributed through Epic Records. Freebandz has signed artists including Real Boston Richey, Lil Double O, Doe Boy, Young Scooter, and Future’s personal mixtape compiler, DJ Esco.
- EVOL
In 2022, Future launched his ultra-premium cannabis brand, EVOL by Future, in collaboration with the leading cannabis company, House of Dank. This venture represents a significant step for Future into the rapidly evolving cannabis market, blending his artistic vision with the industry’s growing potential. House of Dank, known for its expertise and prominence in the cannabis sector, provides a strong foundation for this partnership, promising a unique blend of quality and innovation in the products offered under the EVOL by Future brand. Future’s venture into the leafy business is a part of a wave of cultural icons collaborating with cannabis operators to harness the booming energy in the market. Even as endorsements, equity investors and shareholders, the association of celebrities with cannabis products introduces another level of marketing to the industry’s nascent cultivation.
- REAL ESTATE
Future has astutely diversified his portfolio with an array of multi-million dollar real estate holdings, including a palatial mansion nestled in the opulence of Beverly Hills. These ventures in property not only stand as substantial assets in Future’s impressive financial repertoire but also serve as lucrative sources of passive income, derived from rentals and the potential for significant appreciation in their value.
- DOPE DOLLA BILLS
Future has also made money through his successful clothing line, Dope Dolla Bills. The brand features a range of streetwear and accessories that have become popular with fans worldwide. With this venture, Future continues to make money and expand his business empire.
