Rappers are known for their flashy lifestyles, expensive cars, and lavish parties. But how do they make Money online? 

You might think that rappers only rely on Music sales, streaming royalties, and live shows to earn their income. 

However, you would be surprised to learn that rappers have many other sources of revenue that leverage their online presence, fan base, and personal brand. In this article, we will reveal seven surprising ways that rappers make money online.

1. Merchandise

One of the most common ways that rappers make money online is by selling merchandise. Merchandise can include anything from clothing, accessories, posters, stickers, books, and more. Rappers can create their own designs or partner with existing brands to produce and distribute their merchandise. Merchandise can help rappers increase their visibility, connect with their fans, and generate passive income.

Some examples of rappers who sell merchandise online are:

• Eminem: The rap legend has his own online store where he sells hoodies, t-shirts, hats, vinyls, CDs, and more. He also collaborates with other brands like Carhartt and Shady Records to offer exclusive products.

• Cardi B: The Grammy-winning rapper has a partnership with Fashion Nova, an online clothing retailer. She has launched several collections with the brand, featuring dresses, jeans, jackets, bodysuits, and more. She also sells her own merchandise on her website, such as mugs, phone cases, socks, and masks.

• Drake: The Canadian superstar has his own clothing line called OVO (October’s Very Own), which sells apparel, footwear, accessories, and home goods. He also has a deal with Nike to produce his own sneakers called Air Drake.

2. YouTube

Another way that rappers make money online is by creating and monetizing YouTube videos. YouTube is a popular platform for rappers to showcase their music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, documentaries, and more. YouTube allows rappers to earn money from ads that are displayed on their videos or from sponsored content that they endorse. YouTube also pays rappers based on the number of views and subscribers they have.

Some examples of rappers who make money from YouTube are:

• Lil Nas X: The viral sensation behind the hit song “Old Town Road” has amassed over 15 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. He earns money from ads that run on his videos, which have over 6 billion views in total. He also makes money from sponsorships with brands like Wrangler and Doritos.
• Nicki Minaj: The queen of rap has over 23 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. She earns money from ads that appear on her videos, which have over 7 billion views in total. She also makes money from collaborations with other artists like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber.

• Post Malone: The multi-platinum rapper has over 18 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. He earns money from ads that show up on his videos, which have over 9 billion views in total. He also makes money from partnerships with brands like Bud Light and Crocs.

3. Podcasts

A newer way that rappers make money online is by hosting or appearing on podcasts. Podcasts are audio shows that can be streamed or downloaded online. Rappers can use podcasts to share their stories, opinions, insights, and advice on various topics related to music, culture, business, and more. Podcasts can help rappers build their credibility, expand their audience, and generate income.

Some examples of rappers who make money from podcasts are:

• Jay-Z: The rap mogul has a podcast network called Roc Nation Podcasts, which produces and distributes podcasts featuring artists like Meek Mill, Fat Joe, Angie Martinez, and more. He also has a stake in Tidal, a music streaming service that offers exclusive podcasts for its subscribers.

• Snoop Dogg: The rap icon has a podcast called GGN (Double G News Network), which features interviews with celebrities like Kevin Hart, Seth Rogen, Jamie Foxx, and more. He also has a deal with Spotify to produce podcasts for the platform.

• Logic: The retired rapper has a podcast called Bobby’s World, which chronicles his life and career as a musician and author. He also has a contract with Audible to create original audio content for the service.

4. Online Courses

A less common but still viable way that rappers make money online is by creating and selling online courses. Online courses are educational programs that can be accessed and completed online. Rappers can use online courses to teach their skills, knowledge, and experience to aspiring artists, fans, or anyone who wants to learn from them. Online courses can help rappers establish their authority, share their expertise, and earn money.

Some examples of rappers who make money from online courses are:

• Chamillionaire: The Grammy-winning rapper has an online course called Convoz, which teaches people how to create engaging video conversations with celebrities, influencers, and experts. He also has a stake in Republic, an online platform that allows anyone to invest in startups.
• Russ: The independent rapper has an online course called Mastering the Music Business, which teaches people how to succeed as an independent artist in the music industry. He also has a book called It’s All In Your Head, which shares his mindset and philosophy on life and music.
• Lil B: The internet rapper has an online course called Basedmoji, which teaches people how to create and use emojis that express their personality and emotions. He also has a book called Takin’ Over, which offers his wisdom and advice on various topics.

5. Patreon

A relatively new way that rappers make money online is by using Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows creators to receive monthly donations from their fans in exchange for exclusive content and perks. Rappers can use Patreon to offer their supporters access to unreleased music, behind-the-scenes footage, live streams, Q&A sessions, shoutouts, and more. Patreon can help rappers grow their fan base, interact with their community, and generate income.

Some examples of rappers who make money from Patreon are:

• Open Mike Eagle: The alternative rapper has a Patreon page where he offers his patrons access to his podcast network called Stony Island Audio, which features shows like What Had Happened Was, Secret Skin, and more. He also offers his patrons access to his music catalog, bonus episodes, merch discounts, and more.

• Dessa: The indie rapper has a Patreon page where she offers her patrons access to her book club called The Cabinet of Curiosities, which features discussions on books that inspire her. She also offers her patrons access to her music demos, writing prompts, live chats, and more.

• Homeboy Sandman: The underground rapper has a Patreon page where he offers his patrons access to his monthly newsletter called The Sandman Express, which features his thoughts on music, culture, politics, and more. He also offers his patrons access to his unreleased music, video calls, personalized songs, and more.

6. NFTs

A very recent and innovative way that rappers make money online is by creating and selling NFTs. NFTs are non-fungible tokens, which are unique digital assets that can be verified and traded on a blockchain. Rappers can use NFTs to create and sell digital art, music, videos, collectibles, and more. NFTs can help rappers showcase their creativity, reach new audiences, and earn money.

Some examples of rappers who make money from NFTs are:

• Nas: The rap legend has created and sold NFTs based on his songs and albums, such as Illmatic, King’s Disease II, Ultra Black, and more. He also has invested in Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange platform that supports NFTs.

• Lil Yachty: The rap star has created and sold NFTs based on his persona and brand, such as YachtyCoin, Lil Yachty CryptoPunk, Lil Yachty CryptoKitty, and more. He also has partnered with Fyooz.io, a social money platform that allows fans to buy tokens that represent their favorite artists.

• Doja Cat: The rap sensation has created and sold NFTs based on her music videos and songs, such as Say So, Boss Bitch, Juicy, and more. She also has collaborated with Crypto.com, a cryptocurrency platform that offers NFTs.

7. Substack

A less known but still effective way that rappers make money online is by using Substack. Substack is a platform that allows writers to create and monetize newsletters. Rappers can use Substack to write and share their stories, opinions, insights, and advice on various topics related to music, culture, business, and more. Substack can help rappers express their voice, build their audience, and generate income.

Some examples of rappers who make money from Substack are:

• Lupe Fiasco: The rap genius has a Substack newsletter called Food & Liquor, which features his reviews and ratings of various food and drinks. He also offers his subscribers access to his music catalog, exclusive songs, merch discounts, and more.
• Talib Kweli: The rap activist has a Substack newsletter called People’s Party, which features his interviews with celebrities, artists, and activists. He also offers his subscribers access to his podcast of the same name, bonus content, live events, and more.

• Rapsody: The rap phenom has a Substack newsletter called Eve’s Garden, which features her reflections and inspirations on music, art, and life. She also offers her subscribers access to her music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, Q&A sessions, and more.

Conclusion

As you can see, rappers have many surprising ways to make money online besides their music. They use various platforms and tools to create and sell different types of content and products that appeal to their fans and customers. By doing so, they diversify their income streams, increase their online presence, and enhance their personal brand.

If you are a rapper or an aspiring rapper who wants to make money online, you can learn from these examples and apply them to your own situation. You can also explore other ways that suit your style, skills, and goals. The possibilities are endless in the online world.

What do you think of these ways that rappers make money online? Do you know any other ways that rappers make money online? Let us know in the comments below!

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