Former G-Unit Member Recognizes the Importance of Expanding Brand Beyond Music.
During his interview with VladTV, Tony Yayo acknowledged 50 Cent and Dr. Dre for providing him with valuable business lessons on expanding his brand beyond the world of hip hop. Yayo attributed his success to the business deals both men initiated with brands such as Vitamin Water, Beats, STARZ, and Apple Music, among others.
The former G-Unit member emphasized that the majority of an artist’s income comes from outside ventures. Yayo credited his front-row seat to the business dealings of 50 Cent and Dr. Dre for instilling this important lesson in him. By venturing beyond the music industry, he was able to expand his brand and capitalize on lucrative opportunities.
“The outside ventures,” Tony Yayo said. “I always learned from 50 from Vitamin Water and Dr. Dre, the outside ventures is what makes the most money. Even with JAY-Z, the [Ace of Spades], Diddy with the Ciroc, so we see the biggest artists, most money came from outside ventures.”
Although it’s known that musicians generate most of their income from non-musical sources, particularly touring, there’s still a chance for them to double their earnings with lucrative sponsorship deals. Travis Scott’s case in 2020 serves as a prime example of this, as he emerged as the most profitable brand by earning a staggering $100 million through branded merchandise and partnerships alone. Among his deals were collaborations with Nike, Fortnite, McDonald’s, and Sony, and he also launched his own line of CACTI hard seltzers.
Future has plans to expand his brand in the medical marijuana industry. Recently, trademark attorney Clarissa Harvey disclosed that the rapper’s legal team filed six trademark applications on February 17 for a line named ‘EVOL BY FUTURE’. The line is expected to include smoking lounge services, vape pens, medicated oils, and more, in addition to providing a website featuring health information in the field of medical marijuana and cannabis.
Diddy is also joining the trend, as his company Combs Enterprises has rebranded to Combs Global in the previous month. Diddy is now actively working to extend his professional interests in the music, fashion, drinks, and TV industries overseas. Combs Global comprises Sean John, which Diddy reacquired in 2020, Ciroc vodka, DeLeón tequila, AQUAhydrate fitness and wellness water brand, REVOLT Media & TV, and his newly created R&B label, Love Records.
Moreover, Diddy recently expanded his business portfolio to include three companies supporting Black-owned businesses, namely Empower Global, Our Fair Share, and The Nile List. He has also made his first move into the cannabis industry by investing in Cresco Labs.
