Beyonce and Jay-Z: Hollywood’s Richest Couple

In todays economy of recession and job cuts one has to be amazed at the amounts of money being made by those celebrities who most of us enjoy to watch minute by minute. Recent reports state that the couple both belonging to the hollywood and music world is one of the richest married couples, even more wealthy than the omnipresent hollywood couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett.

Jay-Z

Born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4th, 1969, Jay has become one of the most popular hip hop artists in the world, selling millions and millions of records since his 1996 debut, “Reasonable Doubt”. This album was dropped to moderate commercial success but received amazing critical praise within the world of hip hop. From there on the world belonged to Mr. Carter. He went on to start multiple businesses included his famed 40/40 club which has been established in several party spots around the country including New York City, Atlantic City, and the infamous sin city itself Las Vegas.

Other business ventures includes part ownership of the basketball team New Jersey Nets and the Hip Hop and R&B music label Roc-a-Fella Records. As a music artist he has went on to sell approximately 26 million records along his career. Not to mention that he has within the last year of 2008 been rumored to sign a “360 deal” with concert promoter Live Nation for an amazing $150 million dollars.

Beyonce

Born Beyonce Knowles on September 4th, 1981, Beyonce is a tour-de-force with a resume that includes singer, songwriter, actress, business woman, and producer. The daughter of proud parents Matthew Knowles and Tina Beyince, Beyonce received her first major break with the R&B group Destiny’s Child which was signed to Columbia Records in 1997 and went to be a major hit among R&B fans selling over 50 million records throughout their short career. Eventually the group broke up due to creative differences and the most talented singer from the ensemble Beyonce broke out in to the solo scene making various film appearences and releasing several successful albums.

The recent announcement of Jay-Z and Beyonce income came from Forbes magazine and was taken into account from June 1st 2007 to June 1st 2008. Interestingly enough their income was far apart from other hollywood power houses Will Smith and Jada Pinkett smith, Bradd Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and David and Victoria Beckham.

The story itself can be overlooked because of how long Jay-Z and Beyonce has been in the spotlight. Even though, by looking at their upbringing and especially at Jay-Z more then Beyonce you can be nothing but truly inspired at the success they shared even though coming from modest beginnings. Specially when you look at Jay-Z who came from the infamous neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, Marcy Projects. Where drug dealers and athletes are looked up more to than the most influential preachers and politicians. It is from this background that Mr. Carter has raised himself up to become one the most successful hip hop businessman and entreprenuers showing that truly the phrase lives on, “Only In America”.

Forbes List Of Richest Hollywood Couples:
1. Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles – $162 million
2. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – $85 million
3. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham – $58 million
4. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill – $35 million
5. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie – $34 million