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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...
Atlanta-based social media startup Fanbase has reached a significant fundraising milestone — surpassing $12.7 million in its ongoing $17 million equity crowdfunding campaign, according to an Instagram post by founder and music industry executive Isaac Hayes III. Marking a shift in the broader tech landscape , Fanbase is bypassing traditional venture capital and turning everyday people into investors — offering the public a chance to own a piece of the platform for as little as $3.99. After reaching its $10 million equity crowdfunding goal in 2024 — a historic achievement that reportedly made Hayes the first Black man to raise this amount in a seed round via StartEngine under Regulation Crowdfunding — Fanbase launched this new $17 million Reg A equity crowdfunding campaign, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. “We have a plan, and we’re going to be able to scale and build the business in real time without having to stop and start and stop and start,” Hayes told AFROTECH™ Brand Manager...
Stephanie Dinkins is merging AI and art for an exhibition in Brooklyn, NY. An “artist by birth,” Dinkins began with a display of her photography from a trip to Central America — a trip prompted by her interest in learning Spanish. This exhibit, held in Staten Island, would become her first. Fast forward to 2025, and she has launched an exhibit that is merging art and AI with the goal of creating a more equitable future. Dinkins told AFROTECH™ in an interview that she’s always been drawn to technology, and in 2014 a pivotal moment pushed her to deeply explore how the future is being shaped. She witnessed a humanoid robot on YouTube, called Bina48, being interviewed by reporters. The technology was launched by Hanson Robotics four years earlier based primarily on the personality and appearance of Bina Aspen Rothblatt, a Black woman, the company website mentioned. Dinkins reached out to the company, which permitted her to talk to the robot that was being trained through conversations...
Rejection led Druski to bet on himself. The comedian and content creator, born Drew Desbordes, has brought belly laughs to the masses. His content creation journey started by propping up a phone in his mother’s home. Today, the grind has led him to establish a loyal fanbase, which includes over 20 million followers, and changed the course of his life trajectory. He went from being a broke college student to being named among the 2025 Forbes’ Top Creators list — with an estimated $14 million in earnings — all while self-funding his dreams. “A lot of those skits, you get nothing in return money wise, because it goes on TikTok or Instagram or X or Facebook. It’s a big sacrifice, but it’s worked for me so far,” Druski said during an exclusive interview with AFROTECH™. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DRUSKI (@druski) The decision to self-fund his own ventures followed after several rejections while attempting to seek a traditional deal. While he isn’t opposed to that route,...
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...
Taylor Rooks is launching a foundation that will assist Black and brown families. Taylor Rooks Foundation According to a press release shared with AFROTECH™, the two-time Emmy Award-nominated journalist and producer was inspired by the stories she has told and people she has encountered throughout the course of her life to launch the Taylor Rooks Foundation. This has led to what will be a long-term effort to support storytellers and uplift Black and Brown individuals and families through education, health, and opportunity regardless of their “zip code, background, or bank account.” The nonprofit is guided by the following pillars: REACH (educational resources, community wellness initiatives, small business support, and direct giving) RELIEVE (support for health and recovery, crisis assistance, and essential living needs) REPRESENT (mentorship for journalists, storytelling workshops, and launch of Rising Rooks Award) “I believe that equity starts with access — access to care, to...
JaNa Craig knows how to get to the bag! Craig was among the cast members on Season 6 of Peacock’s “Love Island USA,” which spurred an “unprecedented audience boost” for the franchise, notes Deadline. While Craig was not the overall winner, she is still winning in the business world. Following Craig’s time in the villa, she has landed a slew of brand deals, particularly in the beauty space, which includes: Flamingo Axe Maybelline Shea Moisture Revolve Lemme Covergirl Shark Beauty @jana.craig GRWM for a top-secret mission! 😉🔎 #MaybellinePartner New episodes of #LoveIslandUSA every day except for hump day – 9/8c only on Peacock. ♬ original sound – NayNay However, even before her time on reality television, she had a knack for spotting business opportunities. During an interview on the “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” podcast, she joked about living nine lives. It all started when she was in high school and was selling 50-cent chocolate bars from the corner store for $2. “I just told...
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...
Data analyst Hervé Aniglo is on a mission to make coding fun through music. The University of Memphis alum’s passion for technology began in elementary school. Over the years, he gained experience as a software engineer and business analyst, but it was his love for using data to tell compelling stories that ultimately led him to his current role. “I just like working with data — gathering information and seeing what I can do with it. I love to tell stories,” he told AFROTECH™ in an interview . “So that, being a data analyst, it shows the world and it shows people like what stories you can tell from it in a sense. You can predict the future. You can see what’s going to happen with the current trend.”‘ Personal Call To Action In Tech Aniglo is also dedicating time within the industry to give back, guided by two personal calls to action. The first is to help people find roles and support their professional development. This mission, which began in college, includes reviewing resumes,...
Entrepreneur Jordyn Weaver is bridging the gap between creators and Black-owned businesses. Forefront Weaver, who comes from a non-technical background, built a team to help her bring Forefront’s vision to life. The company was founded in 2020, initially operating within the social commerce industry. Consumers could discover and shop Black-owned brands and also invite their friends into the process. On the “Black Tech Green Money” podcast, Weaver said while the platform still carries this sentiment, it has pivoted its focus to creators. Forefront markets itself as a “content and creator marketplace for the culture.” Emerging brands looking to connect with culture and tap into influencer marketing organically could benefit from the platform. Influencer marketing is projected to be a $480 billion industry, according to Goldman Sachs. Creators can onboard the platform and have the chance to interact with BIPOC brands to spark gifted, paid and UGC partnerships, according to the...
Target’s latest collaboration with a popular streaming group is sparking controversy. AMP, one of the top streamer groups in the world, has scored a deal with the major retailer for its unisex personal care brand, according to a press release. The group, which also releases videos on YouTube, includes Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis, Fanum, Agent 00, ChrisNxtDoor, and ImDavisss. They have collectively earned millions of dollars. Cenat alone earned $8.5 million over the past year, which earned him a spot on Forbes’ 2025 Top Creators list , according to the publication. Together, the group leveraged their platforms, which garner 1 billion monthly views, to launch TONE in February 2025. TONE is formulated with natural and clean ingredients and is dermatologist-tested, according to its website. Additionally, it’s now available in Target stores and on Target.com as of July 6. “We really saw a gap in the shelves for a new brand to break through — and for a brand that is fresh and represents who we...
Drew Desbordes, better known as the comedian Druski, has achieved huge online success, landing him a spot on Forbes’ 2025 Top Creators list. Druski’s financial success has come a long way since he was a “broke” 23-year-old turning his mother’s living room into a playground for skits that he recorded with a phone, he told Forbes in 2023. “I just was using what I had, and it worked out for me,” Druski told the outlet. Druski’s content took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he was inspired by shows such as “American Idol” and “Making the Band,” The New York Times mentions. This led to “Coulda Been Records,” a serious then later satirical record label — of which he retains full ownership and self-funds — that many tuned in to on Instagram Live throughout the pandemic, notes Complex. “I think social media during the pandemic was like big time because nobody’s going outside. Nobody was doing anything,” Druski explained to Forbes. “A lot of people were just tuned into everything that I...
Fanbase Founder Isaac Hayes III wants content creators to understand their worth. Creators Are The New Major Network The pendulum is swinging in favor of the creator economy. According to Forbes, the top creators on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube generated $853 million in revenue, excluding brand deals and other income streams, marking an 18% increase from 2024. Collectively, these creators amassed 3.4 billion followers, a 24% jump from the previous year. By 2030, the number of creators is projected to grow from 67 million to 107 million. As AI’s influence grows across industries, content creation is expected to become even more streamlined and efficient, fueling further revenue growth. This year’s list included fashion creator Wisdom Kaye, who generated $5 million in revenue in 2024, AFROTECH™ previously reported. Kai Cenat is also listed, taking the 28th spot, with a reported $8.5 million in earnings. Cenat is well known for organically growing his presence on Twitch, which...
Your life can change in the blink of an eye, and this has been the case for Monet McMichael. In 2022, McMichael was a graduate of Rutgers Nursing School. That same year was also when she started taking off on social media and scored her very first brand deal with Priyanka Chopra’s Anomaly Haircare, according to Teen Vogue and WWD. “There was definitely a fork in the road where I had to decide like which one I was gonna put like my all into,” she told Forbes in a 2023 interview. “I mean this being my career now is an absolute dream and I definitely am chasing it right now, but I’m so glad I graduated. I got my degree and I learned so much in nursing school that I feel like could never be taken away from me.” Content creation was nothing new for McMichael. She uploaded her first YouTube video when she was 9 years old, admitting she wanted to become a “beauty guru,” notes WWD. She certainly has achieved that goal of becoming an influence in the realm of beauty, securing partnerships...
Model and influencer Wisdom Kaye understands the power of using social media as a creative outlet. That realization led Forbes to name him one of its 2025 Top Creators, ranking him at No. 48 with reported earnings of $5 million. Kaye, a former electrical engineer, sometimes skipped classes to create content that allowed him to experiment with different ideas and styles in fashion. That experimentation has blossomed into a successful career as a content creator, earning the 24-year-old 13.7 million followers on his primary TikTok account alone (as of the time of this writing). In an interview with Forbes, he shared that his passion for making content dates back to childhood. “I started doing this essentially when I was a child,” Kaye told Forbes. “I mean, my earliest memory of making content — It was not really content, was for myself — but I had a Nintendo, and I would just make videos on my Nintendo…I was a kid just creating and trying to express myself artistically.” He also added...