Today’s top names in hip hop like Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar have not only found their success in hot new music, but also in numbers. The three argumentatively greatest new acts to hip hop are creating buzz with their new music and it shows. Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar have landed themselves on Forbes’ Top 30 Under 30 list . Joining them is also another popular hip hop artist Wiz Khalifa.
These culture shifting innovators made it on the prestigious Forbes list due to their exciting new music, touring, and all around general buzz. J. Cole’s sophomore album Born Sinner got major attention and shot straight to the charts, and with more fans discovering who he is it’s only a matter of time before he reaches an all-time high.
Drake, arguably the biggest name in the group has grossed $30 million over the last two years due to albums, endorsement deals, and general buzz. Drake definitely has a leg up on the competition as the Canadian actor-turned-musician has become an ambassador of Toronto’s Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which means Drake has his hand in the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the NHL’s Maple Leafs, and the MLS’ Toronto FC. Drake has so much pull in the community that Toronto FC’s newest member Jermain Defoe might have signed solely because of the singer’s involvement.
Speaking with the Toronto Sun , Drake said:
“I think that all I did was give him the necessary information about a city he didn’t know much about. I told him how great it’s been to me, and how great I assumed it would be to him. We had a great conversation. We built up a personal relationship. I’m excited to see him begin his career here. I just do what I can.”
As for Kendrick Lamar, who also joins Drake on the Forbes list, he’s been the most recognized new name in the hip hop community, mostly because he came up under Kanye West’s name. For most of the year Kendrick has been spreading his wings from his mix tapes and released tracks that have found their way into the mainstream culture of hip hop, but with a twist. Lamar also joined West on tour, and has performed in festivals as well. Did we mention he was nominated for seven Grammys? Not bad for a newcomer.
These innovators of hip hop join all walks of life including Clinkle founder Lucas Duplan, Lucy Baldwin, managing director at Goldman Sachs, co-founder to Coinbase, Fred Ehrasam, Carryn McLaughlin, the VP of JPMorgan Chase, and many more.