Joe Budden might have gone from chart-topping rapper to podcast host, but today, he’s building a business on his own terms. The 44-year-old podcaster recently gave The New York Times a rare look into the numbers behind his booming podcast network. According to Ian Schwartzman, CEO of the Joe Budden Network, the company is projected to generate more than $20 million in 2025, the outlet reports. When A Flex Turns Into A Teachable Moment In June, Budden posted a screenshot on Instagram showing his Patreon traffic — Patreon being the fan-funded platform where his most loyal supporters subscribe for exclusive content. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the image accidentally revealed he made just over $900,000 in earnings that month, sparking headlines and internet buzz. The image showed more than 30 million visits in 30 days, per The New York Times. Budden confirmed to The New York Times that his podcast network brings in an average of $1.04 million per month through Patreon alone, based...

Brandy and Monica’s R&B tunes are still high in demand. The pair released “The Boy Is Mine” in 1998, which was a single featured on Brandy’s album “Never Say Never” and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine,” both launched that same year. The song led to the first Grammy win for both artists in 1999, according to That Grape Juice, and went double platinum, notes “Good Morning America.” It has stood the test of time. In fact, the classic was also remixed by pop star Ariana Grande in 2024, introducing the hit classic to a new generation. In 2020, it became apparent that fans wanted to see more collaborations by Brandy and Monica. The pair lit up Verzuz, a one-on-one music battle platform co-founded by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, garnering 1.2 million viewers on Instagram, Billboard reported. That battle played a key role in the women’s upcoming co-headlining “The Boy Is Mine Tour,” which was announced on June 24, 2025. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 4 e v e r b r a n d y ♠️ (@brandy)...

Lloyd understood the importance of being a student of the game when he entered the music industry as a child. Industry Journey The R&B crooner is known for hit songs such as “You,” his “biggest earned streamed song.” He spent a lot of time in the studio learning from those who paved the way such as Dallas Austin, Gerald Busby, Tricky Stewart, as well as Joyce Irby, a mentor of his who signed him to Atlanta-based teen pop group N-Toon in 1997 when he was just 10 years old, noted Foxy 107.1/104.3. “She basically just poured a lot of time and love into me so that I wouldn’t make kinda the same pitfalls in the beginning. So by the time I was 18 years old, I was really headstrong. I knew exactly what I wanted. I knew exactly how to find my sound, and I wasn’t gonna let anybody tell me what I already knew, “ Lloyd said following a performance on the Coca-Cola Stage at the Convention Center during the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, held in his hometown of New Orleans, LA. Photo Credit:...

Don Lemon’s lawsuit against Elon Musk and his platform, X, is officially heading to trial. According to CNBC, a San Francisco judge ruled that the case accusing Musk and X of breach of contract and fraud can move forward. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Lemon filed the suit in 2024, claiming X pulled out of a $1.5 million content deal just hours after he recorded a tense, on-camera interview with Musk. That interview was meant to launch “The Don Lemon Show” exclusively on the platform. Lemon’s team had already started production, and both parties had publicly announced the show. The journalist had also reportedly “incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses” in preparation. But before the first episode could air, X canceled the deal, sparking allegations of retaliation and broken promises. Judge Backs Don Lemon Lawsuit In Court The courtroom developments mark a major step forward for Lemon’s legal claims. Judge Harold Kahn rejected Musk’s motion to dismiss the case or...

Amaya Espinal, also known as “Amaya Papaya,” may have a new career once she exits the villa. From A Nurse To A Reality TV Star The 25-year-old from New York is a first-generation American with roots in the Dominican Republic and is among the cast members on Season 7 of Peacock’s “Love Island USA”. Her search for love could lead to a $100,000 prize, one she may split with her partner if they make it to the finale — unless one of them decides to take it all. Espinal, who is currently coupled up with fellow cast member Bryan Arenales, has quickly become a fan favorite among viewers for wearing her heart on her sleeve. She already has a viral sound on platforms such as TikTok, where she currently has 2.3 million followers (at the time of this writing). @printedofperfection Song of the summer ✨ #fyp #loveislandusa #casaamor #amayapapaya ♬ original sound – Love love love A personal moment was captured of her singing in front of a mirror on the show. The sound bite of the original song has...

Playboi Carti , born Jordan Terrell Carter, is an influential figure in the modern hip-hop scene known for his distinctive sound, fashion influence, and cult-like fan following. Emerging from Atlanta, Georgia , Carti has quickly risen to prominence since his debut, carving out a niche with his minimalist beats and catchy ad-libs. His unique style blends elements of punk, trap, and avant-garde aesthetics, influencing a new wave of artists and shaping contemporary hip-hop culture. As a performer and cultural icon, his financial standing has been a subject of curiosity, especially given his rapid rise and high-profile collaborations. How have Playboi Carti’s career, business ventures , and earnings contributed to his net worth in 2025? From album sales and streaming revenue to merchandise and endorsements, we’ll break down how he has built his financial portfolio beyond just music. Early Career And Rise To Fame Playboi Carti first gained attention with his self-titled mixtape, which...

Westbrook Inc., the entertainment studio founded by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada, is entering the anime world — and not quietly. According to a report from Variety, the company has announced a partnership with the newly formed Studio Azuki, signaling a global push that connects Hollywood storytelling with next-generation anime development. The collaboration pairs Westbrook with a new kind of anime studio, one rooted in Japanese tradition, driven by fan participation, and powered by digital culture. “…Our mission has always been to tell stories that connect, inspire, and transcend borders,” Yada, CEO of Westbrook, said via Variety. “…[Studio Azuki’s] creative vision and cultural insight align seamlessly with our global strategy.” Studio Azuki is a joint venture formed by digital-native brand Azuki, manga publisher Comisma Inc., and animation house Xenotoon Inc. Each brings something different to the table. Azuki, born from an NFT project, has already...

Kendrick Lamar and SZA have made history in the music industry. Grand National Tour The Grammy-award winning artists are frequent collaborators and performed together at the 2025 Super Bowl LIX performance in New Orleans. The pair later embarked on the “Grand National Tour,” which kicked into gear on April 19 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, according to USA Today. The tour, presented by Live Nation, pgLang (Lamar’s agency), and Top Dawg Entertainment, made its way to 19 stadiums in cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, Las Vegas, and Atlanta, mentions Seattle’s Lumen Field. Concluding the North American leg on June 18, the tour will continue throughout the U.K., Europe, and Australia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar)   This has marked the first stadium tour for both artists. “There’s so many firsts happening back to back,” SZA said on the “Sherri” show . “I can’t express what it’s like to go through life for the first time but in front...

“Insecure” actor Kendrick Sampson wants to liberate marginalized communities. The Houston native said that in his foray into Hollywood, he wanted to prioritize securing guidance from Black men in the entertainment industry. Sampson’s Hollywood pursuit led him to the Los Angeles-based Robey Theatre Company, founded by actors Danny Glover and Ben Guillory. The company is intentional about telling nuanced and complex stories of the Black experience, according to its website. Within his first year working at the theatre, Sampson was exposed to figures such as Toussaint L’Ouverture, a Haitian general who led the country’s independence movement; civil rights leader Malcolm X, who advocated for Black nationalism; and Paul Robeson, a singer and radical activist. “These are the stories we need to be telling, and I saw how much resistance there was to get resources to tell those stories and why…[I read ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’]. So there was no mistake in where I was supposed to be...

David Banner is thanking T.I. for making it possible for him to have a lucrative career as a producer . On the “Club Shay Shay,” podcast, Banner reveals how important a tag in a song is for producers to ensure they receive full recognition. He also claims he is one of the first rappers to put his name before a beat in contemporary Rap and says the decision was inspired by Jay-Z, who would shout out producers on his songs. “I noticed Jay-Z would say ‘Kanye, you a fool fool fool. Just Blaze, you did it again,’ and every time he would say their name they could charge $10,000 extra right,” Banner told host Shannon Sharpe on the podcast. “Southern rappers hid their producers. It hurts me to this day. KLC from Beats By The Pound, as big as ‘No Limit’ was, don’t nobody know who they are. They’re some of my mentors… I really think Beats By The Pound is as big as Timbaland and Pharrell, because they changed music in the same way that those people do but we don’t know who they are.” He...

Producers Swizz Beatz and Chris Brancato are turning it up a notch with their collaboration. Launching Media Company Baller Alert reports Swizz Beatz has worked on the theme songs for Brancato’s television shows “Godfather of Harlem” and “Hotel Cocaine,” and is currently a consulting producer for Brancato’s eight-episode Irish crime drama series, “The Westies,” with production beginning in July 2025. Now, the pair are taking their creative works to new heights. They will be launching a media company, which has not been named, with a focus on developing material for TV, film, and podcasts. “We’ve found a creative rhythm that feels rare,” Brancato, the creator of “Narcos,” explained, according to Variety. Swizz Beatz commented: “Moving into producing and creating new shows with [Brancato] felt incredibly natural and organic. That’s our vibe, our inclusive chemistry, fueling and driving each other to spark fresh creative ideas.” The songwriter’s latest creative venture comes a year...

Memphis Bleek’s trust in Jay-Z led him to turn down a five-figure signing bonus. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, Memphis Bleek splashed onto the music scene by being featured on the “Coming of Age” track of Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt” album. He later became the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s label, Roc-A-Fella Records. The pair had also grown up together in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn, NY. “He really grew up with me, on the third floor of the same building in the same project,” Jay-Z said recently on Power 105.1 with DJ Envy. During an interview with “The Breakfast Club,” Memphis Bleek was asked by co-host Jess Hilarious, born Jessica Robin Moore, about his dynamic with Jay-Z and if he believes his fate would have been different if he had signed with another label. Memphis Bleek eventually parted ways with Roc-A-Fella Records, and while Jay-Z went on to launch Roc Nation, Memphis Bleek admits he likely wouldn’t have become a bigger artist — or reached where he is today — even if...

Skai Jackson is an American actress, author, and social media influencer who rose to fame at a young age. Best known for her role as Zuri Ross on the Disney Channel sitcom “ Jessie ,” she has evolved into a multi-talented entertainer with a growing presence in acting, writing, and digital media. Beyond her early acting success , Jackson has diversified her career with brand partnerships, entrepreneurial ventures, and activism, making her one of the most prominent young celebrities today. Let’s explore her career trajectory, sources of income, and estimated net worth in 2025. Early Life And Career Beginnings Born on April 8, 2002, in New York City , Jackson started her career as a child model, appearing in commercials for major brands. Her natural talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of casting directors, leading to minor roles on television shows. Her big break came in 2011 when she was cast as Zuri Ross in “Jessie,” a Disney Channel series that ran until 2015. “Jessie”...

Damon Wayans is a renowned American comedian, actor, writer, and producer whose career has spanned more than three decades. From his early days in stand-up comedy to becoming a key player in iconic television shows and films, Wayans has left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. A member of the famous Wayans family, Damon has carved his own path through his unique blend of humor, social commentary, and acting talent . That recipe for success has built Wayans an empire, leaving many wondering what his estimated net worth is in 2025. Early Life And Career Beginnings Damon Kyle Wayans Sr. was born on September 4, 1960, in New York City . Growing up in a family deeply rooted in comedy and entertainment, Damon was surrounded by creativity from a young age. His older brothers, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Shawn Wayans, were influential figures in comedy, and this environment nurtured Damon’s passion for performance. He started his career in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian , quickly...

Allen Media Group (AMG) CEO Byron Allen has long been a formidable presence in the entertainment industry, but his recent legal victory against McDonald’s has thrust him into the spotlight once again.  Thanks to the settlement, Allen’s already considerable wealth is sure to reach new heights. The media mogul previously filed a discrimination lawsuit against McDonald’s for $10 billion. While the final numbers of the settlement aren’t public, they could be substantial. Given the stakes, the settlement is sure to increase Byron Allen’s net worth even more. For some people, this lawsuit may have been the first time they’ve heard of Byron Allen. If so, they’re likely wondering how he amassed enough wealth, influence, and capital to sue one of the most recognizable brands in the world. However, his journey from stand-up comedian to billionaire media mogul is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Born in Detroit in 1961, Allen moved to Los Angeles at a young age and...