How to become the highest paid musician of the year: profit from a multi-billion dollar buyout of your company.
That’s the lesson to be learned from Forbes Magazine’s tally of the top paid musicians of 2014. Dr. Dre, or just “Dre” as he’s affectionately referred to by Tim Cook, amassed a whopping $620 million before taxes this year, giving him “the biggest single-year payday of any musician in history.”
The large bulk of Dre’s cash money obviously came from Apple’s acquisition of Beats for $3.2 billion. The former N.W.A. member hasn’t put an album out since 1999’s 2001, and aside from finding new talent like Kendrick Lamar, he’s been pretty quiet in the music scene for awhile.
To give some perspective on just how much money Dre made in 2014, Forbes awarded second place to Beyonce, who made $115 million off sales of her surprise album, multiple brand endorsements, and a sold-out tour.
This all takes us back to Dre’s celebratory video before the Beats deal had been officially announced. While he’s not quite the “first billionaire in hip-hop” with an estimated net worth of $550 million, he’s on his way.
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
19 responses to “Dr. Dre is the year’s richest musician by far, thanks to Apple”
Why is classified as a musician? A business man yes. But as a musician makes a better headline.
An investor, he didn’t run Beats. he just invested money and promoted them using one of the most fundamentally basic marketing of a product. Get famous people to wear them so they get photographed and videotaped wearing them to be seen by the masses of teenagers and young adults. And? That’s basic marketing that anyone can think of.
If it’s that easy, why don’t you do it and get rich? lol. Basic marketing.
in 1990-1991 @ CLuB GLaM SLaM, as Dr. Dre sat to our left in our drivers seat in one Mercedes Benz 190e he was interjected with the words “F*ck That” and then told “In the FUTURE the way you Sound in the Studio” was to be put into the Mercedes Car Stereo , the Sony Walkman and the Panasonic Car Phone upon the floor of that vehicle. We had listened to Dr. Dre and TOLD him while swiping our left hand as a “Price is Right” hand model across the center console. Dr. Dre’s mouth flung WIDE OPEN and just said “DUHAYMMnnn!!!” as these advents were NEWS to Andre. We shook hands on it and took pictures, and throughout many years of our lifetime we continued to remind Dr. Dre that he was To Do these things, we also utilized Interscope Records 1800 – number divulging to key personnel of what of us was FOR Dr. Dre and how Dr. Dre had been TOLD prior at CLUB GLAM SLAM in 1990-1991. A cassette tape single with “Gangsta Party and Hit em Up” was sent to us in the mail as we were priveleged to precede all radio. In accord with this treatment, our last meeting with Dr. Dre was backstage at N.B.C. in New York as Dr. Dre performed “Been there done That” on Saturday Night Live. Backstage with four in my company against the “plus one” of our liasons guest list we got to see, and TOLD Dre to DO, OUR thing and to TELL any of the many “of business” appearing men there dressed in black suits what you have. We were shown a man whom our liason called ” the owner”, this must have been “Jimmy Iovene”. …Our reasons for interjecting what Dr. Dre had to say that morning in 1990-1991 have been kept private as (Dr. Dre is CLEAR). We are immitated by Jimmy Iovene on “The Tanning Effect pt. 3 Steve Stoute Jimmy Iovene interview on you tube. On the Steve Stoute WILL-I-AM interview pt. 3 on you tube this individual pretends involvement as well.. Our “the way you Sound in the studio” words to Dr. Dre have been used by 50 cent as well. The GOOGLE post of a “Self Proclaimed Inventor of Beats by Dre….” has a Steven Lamar stating he had a “vision” as he sat in a car with Jimmy Iovene, this is for YOUR entertainment purposes ONLY. He was given “Declaratory Relief” (in our absentia and without our knowledge of the preceedings) and is believed (as he’d logically prefer) to be the creator of this that has become called “Beats by Dre”. In 1990-1991 Dr. Dre was TOLD by us as well that, “…muthaf*ckas is gonna be wearin this sh*t and don’t even got it plugged into nuffin’…”.
Ur both idiots. He makes world renowned beats and is musically talented so is a musician according to the Oxford Dictionary. And not only did he run Beats he also played a major role in the making of the headphones and did more than just invest money in it. Neither of you do any research but like to act like you know everything. You’ve just been proven wrong.
Dear “Dre” : …are YOU happy to have ever met us “Dr. Dre” ? , (oh, what YOU were TOLD in the Benz in 1990 – 1991) , well, we are NOT impressed , you see Dre we are of the “Martin Luther King Theory” of “…I might not get there with you…, but…”. (you just follow these instructions and we shall meet in again , in “the “FUTURE” ) . this ? today ? , is ALL as we TOLD you in 1990 -1991. “Stronger Love” ? , concerns us, are you gonna be alright ? , …well, be alright, as YOU are NOT your fault. ” LOVE x Love ” by George Benson (1st verse). …why you aint call the phone number written on the letter to the “Beats by Dre” offices in Santa Monica, prior to the relocation to Culver City. The letter is dated “…, .., ….” ( the same day of the night YOU was on stage “Taking it Back” to the “Aftermath” 90’s ). p.s. “WHO” ? , is LOSING their “innocence” ? . (continue, as TOLD to YOU, …here it is ). ” You gonna, ‘” …show us HOW to reminisce ? “. “…is we Down, …to ride wit’ you ? , NOT wit ’ you talking about Suicide (K.R.S. One)” ? ……boy ? We are imitated by Jimmy iovene on “The Tanning Effect” pt. 3 on you tube.. On “The Tanning Effect pt. 3 Will – I – Am interview ? “, this individual pretends involvement as well. Is 50 cent still talking about how things need to “Sound” as he does in any studio ? . JIMMY iovene ! , thank you sir for “Forging Ahead”, as one of our “MAD” comics paperback books was entitled as a child, and doing such, 1. Timely. …” “…just Move – IT…!”, we hear you with Steve Stoute ) on you tube. No ones fault that there is a “SIGNATURE” withheld. We see that the “Self Proclaimed Inventor of Beats by Dre ” (GOOGLE post) was / is , he only awarded, “Declaratory Relief “” , in our absentia , without our knowledge, for our ( Musical Flightline Ear Protection etc. ) , Amalgamated with (Andre). The Mercedes Car Stereo, and Sony Walkman, and Panasonic Car Phone ( in rapid succession to Dr. Dre, as seated to our left in our drivers seat. …all of this was for ulterior , and specific , particular purposes and reason (s).
How’s that been working out for you? Using your anger to coverup your ignorance?
You’re the ignorant one.
Oxford Dictionary: Musician – A person who plays a musical instrument, especially as a profession, OR IS MUSICALLY TALENTED.
Understand why he’s classified a musician now?
Try and check your facts next time.
the year was, 1990-1991 @ CLub GLaM SLaM as (Dr. Dre) sat to our left in our car, a BOISTEROUS laugh was shared as Dr. Dre was TOLD as well, “… and charge $2000.00 dollars each for them sh*t’s “, and then we reduced to $1000.00 dollars each, and then we reduced to $800.00 each, and then $500.00. This is the factor that has become referred to as the “Fashion Quality”. “Dr. Dre ” was then TOLD, “…muthaf*ckas is gonna be wearing this sh*t, and don’t even got it plugged into nuffin’”. “In the FUTURE” 2014?, and as SPOKEN into being to Dr. Dre in 1990 – 1991, many walk around and interview wearing our (Musical Flightline Ear Protection) “not plugged in”, nor with requisite power supply, and even “Off”. That a “Social Status” would derive was foreseen, and that “Status” have (Andre) “Dr. Dre”, at it’s basis, by our CHOICE !, and pursuant to what (Andre Young) “Dr. Dre” had to SAY, to which he was “INTERJECTED”, with our RESOLVE.. (Did it work?), … just ask “Dr. Dre or Jimmy iovene, and that 3rd man from “Daimler Chrysler” (American Mercedes / Dodge ).
the year was, 1990-1991 @ CLub GLaM SLaM as (Dr. Dre) sat to our left in our car, a BOISTEROUS laugh was shared as Dr. Dre was TOLD as well, “… and charge $2000.00 dollars each for them sh*t’s “, and then we reduced to $1000.00 dollars each, and then we reduced to $800.00 each, and then $500.00. This is the factor that has become referred to as the “Fashion Quality”. “Dr. Dre ” was then TOLD, “…muthaf*ckas is gonna be wearing this sh*t, and don’t even got it plugged into nuffin’”. “In the FUTURE” 2014?, and as SPOKEN into being to Dr. Dre in 1990 – 1991, many walk around and interview wearing our (Musical Flightline Ear Protection) “not plugged in”, nor with requisite power supply, and even “Off”. That a “Social Status” would derive was foreseen, and that “Status” have (Andre) “Dr. Dre”, at it’s basis, by our CHOICE !, and pursuant to what (Andre Young) “Dr. Dre” had to SAY, to which he was “INTERJECTED”, with our RESOLVE.. (Did it work?), … just ask “Dr. Dre or Jimmy iovene, and that 3rd man from “Daimler Chrysler” (American Mercedes / Dodge ).
How can he be considered a musician? He doesn’t know how to play a musical instrument, nor does he play a musical instrument on any of the albums he’s been on. I don’t classify a rapper as a musician since they don’t sing musical notes. They are basically the bottom feeders in the industry that are perpetrating one of the lowest forms of musical expression, if you can even call it that. He made his money by an investment in a headphone company selling fairly inexpensive headphones to teenagers and young adults.
Jesus you are a hateful little fellow aren’t you? It must make you so angry that a black man/rapper has beaten out all of your “real musicians” huh?? LOL
Assume much?
http://www.vulture.com/m/2008/10/dr_dre_receiving_piano_lessons.html
You don’t need anything of what ur saying to be a musician. He’s got a distinct style of production and his mixes are world renowned. Stop acting like his job is easy or that he does nothing. Why don’t u try being famous if it’s that easy?
in 1990-1991 @ CLuB GLaM SLaM, as Dr. Dre sat to our left in our drivers seat in one Mercedes Benz 190e he was interjected with the words “F*ck That” and then told “In the FUTURE the way you Sound in the Studio” was to be put into the Mercedes Car Stereo , the Sony Walkman and the Panasonic Car Phone upon the floor of that vehicle. We had listened to Dr. Dre and TOLD him while swiping our left hand as a “Price is Right” hand model across the center console. Dr. Dre’s mouth flung WIDE OPEN and just said “DUHAYMMnnn!!!” as these advents were NEWS to Andre. We shook hands on it and took pictures, and throughout many years of our lifetime we continued to remind Dr. Dre that he was To Do these things, we also utilized Interscope Records 1800 – number divulging to key personnel of what of us was FOR Dr. Dre and how Dr. Dre had been TOLD prior at CLUB GLAM SLAM in 1990-1991. A cassette tape single with “Gangsta Party and Hit em Up” was sent to us in the mail as we were priveleged to precede all radio. In accord with this treatment, our last meeting with Dr. Dre was backstage at N.B.C. in New York as Dr. Dre performed “Been there done That” on Saturday Night Live. Backstage with four in my company against the “plus one” of our liasons guest list we got to see, and TOLD Dre to DO, OUR thing and to TELL any of the many “of business” appearing men there dressed in black suits what you have. We were shown a man whom our liason called ” the owner”, this must have been “Jimmy Iovene”. …Our reasons for interjecting what Dr. Dre had to say that morning in 1990-1991 have been kept private as (Dr. Dre is CLEAR). We are immitated by Jimmy Iovene on “The Tanning Effect pt. 3 Steve Stoute Jimmy Iovene interview on you tube. On the Steve Stoute WILL-I-AM interview pt. 3 on you tube this individual pretends involvement as well.. Our “the way you Sound in the studio” words to Dr. Dre have been used by 50 cent as well. The GOOGLE post of a “Self Proclaimed Inventor of Beats by Dre….” has a Steven Lamar stating he had a “vision” as he sat in a car with Jimmy Iovene, this is for YOUR entertainment purposes ONLY. He was given “Declaratory Relief” (in our absentia and without knowledge of the preceedings) and is believed (as he’d logically prefer) to be the creator of this that has become called “Beats by Dre”. In 1990-1991 Dr. Dre was TOLD by us as well that, “…muthaf*ckas is gonna be wearin this sh*t and don’t even got it plugged into nuffin’…”.
1990-1991 @ CLuB GLaM SLaM, as Dr. Dre sat to our left in our drivers seat in one Mercedes Benz 190e he was interjected with the words “F*ck That” and then told “In the FUTURE the way you Sound in the Studio” was to be put into the Mercedes Car Stereo , the Sony Walkman and the Panasonic Car Phone upon the floor of that vehicle. We had listened to Dr. Dre and TOLD him while swiping our left hand as a “Price is Right” hand model across the center console. Dr. Dre’s mouth flung WIDE OPEN and just said “DUHAYMMnnn!!!” as these advents were NEWS to Andre. We shook hands on it and took pictures, and throughout many years of our lifetime we continued to remind Dr. Dre that he was To Do these things, we also utilized Interscope Records 1800 – number divulging to key personnel of what of us was FOR Dr. Dre and how Dr. Dre had been TOLD prior at CLUB GLAM SLAM in 1990-1991. A cassette tape single with “Gangsta Party and Hit em Up” was sent to us in the mail as we were priveleged to precede all radio. In accord with this treatment, our last meeting with Dr. Dre was backstage at N.B.C. in New York as Dr. Dre performed “Been there done That” on Saturday Night Live. Backstage with four in my company against the “plus one” of our liasons guest list we got to see, and TOLD Dre to DO, OUR thing and to TELL any of the many “of business” appearing men there dressed in black suits what you have. We were shown a man whom our liason called ” the owner”, this must have been “Jimmy Iovene”. …Our reasons for interjecting what Dr. Dre had to say that morning in 1990-1991 have been kept private as (Dr. Dre is CLEAR). We are immitated by Jimmy Iovene on “The Tanning Effect pt. 3 Steve Stoute Jimmy Iovene interview on you tube. On the Steve Stoute WILL-I-AM interview pt. 3 on you tube this individual pretends involvement as well.. Our “the way you Sound in the studio” words to Dr. Dre have been used by 50 cent as well. The GOOGLE post of a “Self Proclaimed Inventor of Beats by Dre….” has a Steven Lamar stating he had a “vision” as he sat in a car with Jimmy Iovene, this is for YOUR entertainment purposes ONLY. He was given “Declaratory Relief” (in our absentia and without knowledge of the preceedings) and is believed (as he’d logically prefer) to be the creator of this that has become called “Beats by Dre”. In 1990-1991 Dr. Dre was TOLD by us as well that, “…muthaf*ckas is gonna be wearin this sh*t and don’t even got it plugged into nuffin’…”.
And as well know, the measure of a person’s numbers in a bank account means everything to a species headed for apocalyptic disaster. Dr Dre raps about stupid gangster people being stupid, doing stupid things and being criminals in the worse way. But I guess lots of dollar bills flocked on to a stinking pile of violent ignorant banality makes it a success story. The Dr Dre headphone sound awful.
…throughout our life and anytime since the song , to include this day , the song called “Forget about Dre” has always made us CRY, CRY , and shed TEARS , for we hear (through EMINEMS verses and Dr. Dre’s verses) and see of Dr. Dre what the ENTIRE WORLD does not. ie: “…one day I was walking by, wit’ a walkman on, and I saw a guy, wit’ an awkward eye, in the parking lot, …..” , (@ CLuB GLaM SLaM 1990-1991)…harder than me, …In a Mercedes Benz wit’ the Windows up….”, ********, Dr. Dre and us were as TWO …”twin babies, in a Mercedes Benz wit’ the windows up…”, (pursuant to our topic’s of discussion) , …”it got HOT like the mid -80’s (as EMINEM states, figuratively) ************…”. Dr. Dre had listened as well, in our Monumental Moment of Divine “AMALGAMATION” (in 1990-1991) to a demo tape that spoke, …….”I keep it STREET unique in that BEAT, but won’t EVER say I’d NEVER go “POP” cause that’s DEEP…”. ********* , On “Forget about Dre”, we hear Dre say, “Mad at me cause I turned “POP”…”. a.k.a. , “…and F*ck RAP , you can have it back”…! “(STRONGER LOVE) , by George Benson ” LOVE x Love ” (1st verse) , (Dr. Dre and us).”…we was both “CRID” , on some Double – O – Seven “SH*D , ..now were “OFF the GRID…”. as we are shown how to “reminisce” etc. by Dre , , pursuant to “received” letter (s).
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa-XYi49Jg8
people need to hear this.