When people talk about the rap industry, two names always come up: Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Both artists have proven they’ve got the talent, swag, and charisma to attract music lovers across the world, but there’s always someone better than the other.
Awards and recognitions are a great way to honor one’s creative journey, and in this case, Lamar takes the lead. However, why is it that he still earns less compared to his industry rival – and even other popular rappers for this matter – if he’s such a celebrated act?
Despite His Multiple Awards, Kendrick Lamar is Not in the Top 10 Richest Rappers
Many celebrities come from humble beginnings, and Kendrick Lamar knew a tough life. His family dealt with poverty and gang violence which shaped his childhood. But, he found music as a means of escape. While he was still in high school, he released his own self-made mixtape which caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment, the record label that helped him jumpstart his career.
The rapper continued releasing tracks that went to the top of the global charts, earning him a spot in major award-giving bodies such as the Grammys. Lamar has an impressive 17 wins, while Drake only has five under his belt. This already raises speculation as to why the former only has a net worth of $140 million, leagues away from the latter’s staggering $250 million. In the list compiled by Celebrity Net Worth, the Euphoria singer ranks 18th, while the Canadian rapper secures the fifth spot.
This could be attributed to his decision to maintain creative control in his work. Collaborations are a great way to earn more profit, but as partners, one must learn how to adjust. This leads to Lamar turning down offers. He told Forbes:
I promise myself any type of venture or partnership I’m doing with a brand I have to have 100% be in control of how I want the proceeds to go and the look and the creative process and actually what it’s saying.
Lamar also opened up about his financial mindset with Rolling Stone and how his early life influenced him when it came to dealing with money. “I still got family that go through hard times, and I have to look out for them.” He recalled the uncertainty of surviving life in the first twenty years of his existence which was still embedded in him. “So I can’t let my career get the best of me,” he noted.
Drake Rakes in Millions Because of His Multiple Business Endeavors
Music fans will notice that Drake is very open to collaborations with other artists as well as entrepreneurs. Chances are, he’s made a song or two with your favorite singer, or his own record label, OVO Sound, has produced your favorite tracks.
Apart from his music ventures, he also owns a brand of bourbon-based whiskey called Virginia Black and has partnered with diverse companies such as Burger King, Nike, and Apple. Now, it’s easy to see why he has become one of the highest-earning rappers today.
