Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. On our Haute New York list are Beyonce and Jay Z, a power couple whose names are some of the most recognized in the entertainment industry as a result from their determination to boost their businesses outside of music.
Beyonce & Jay-Z
CATEGORY: Power Couples
INDUSTRY: Music
WHAT MADE THEM HAUTE: These media darlings together make up one of the wealthiest power couples in the entertainment industry. More than just a hip-hop icon, the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella co-owns the New Jersey Nets, the 40/40 Club, and is the creator of the clothing line Rocawear and Roc Nation. With the 2009 release of The Blueprint album, he became the record-holder of most No. 1 albums by a solo artist. The track “Empire State of Mind” pays homage to New York City. Beyonce Knowles, who he quietly married in April of 2008, is an R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and model considered to be one of the most marketable artists in the music industry. In 2009, Forbes listed Beyonce fourth on its list of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities” in the world, third on its list of the top-grossing musicians, and No. 1 on the list of “Best-Paid Celebs Under 30,” with more than $87 million dollars in earnings between 2008 and 2009.
WHAT MAKES THEM HAUTE NOW: Known as the most influential power couple in hip-hop, Beyonce and Jay-Z have expanded their entrepreneurship beyond the music business. Beyonce, previously fourth on Forbes “100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities,” is now power ranked second for the 2010 list and holds endorsement deals with lucrative companies such as L’Oreal and Nintendo. One of the most radio played songs, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” from the album I am… Sasha Fierce, became the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks, and Beyonce also grossed $86 million from her most recent I Am… Tour. Leading the 52nd Grammy Awards with 10 nominations, Beyonce set the record for most awards won with her six wins and was recently featured in Lady Gaga’s 2010 single, “Telephone.”
Beyonce’s other half, Jay-Z, is one of the most successful businessmen and rappers in America with a net worth of more than $150 million. In 2009 he kicked off his tour, The Blueprint 3, and began work with another power couple, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, on the production of the Broadway musical, “Fela!” Recently, Jay-Z developed a real estate venture called J Hotels in Chelsea, New York, and he is part-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team, reportedly disbursing $4.5 million for his share. Similar to Beyonce, Jay-Z has relationships with powerful companies outside of music such as Budweiser, which he contributes to their marketing and ad development.
