Quick Hit: Is Wiz Khalifa Rap’s Next $100 Million Man?

Hip-hop finance has shifted dramatically over the last decade. Where once touring was a side hustle to supplement album sales, now touring has become the way any artist makes money after album sales went the way of VHS tapes. And as proof look no further than Wiz Khalifa, whom Forbes has pegged as a possible $100 million earner.

"They were all there to hear Wiz’s new mixtape, Taylor Allderdice…As the listening party wound down, I asked Wiz how his new music would affect his bottom line. Would he be able to top last year’s $11 million payday, which landed him a spot on FORBES’ annual Hip-Hop Cash Kings list?

“Oh yeah, man, I’m going to make $100 million this year,” he said. “No doubt, $100 million. The new mixtape [will] get everybody ready and get their wallets open.”

…If Wiz’s mixtape foreshadows a successful new album and tour, another double-digit million year is well within reach. Though concert data provider Pollstar lists his average gross at $70,000, his nightly take should exceed $100,000 in the coming year—the Pittsburgh-born MC has broad appeal, as evidenced by his popularity on college campuses and on the festival circuit. Better yet, his next tour could bring him to larger arenas, further boosting his earnings.

“We identify him at our company as one of the next potential superstars in the genre and as someone who will develop into a major hard ticket act,” AEG chief Randy Phillips told me this summer. “You know it’s getting really big when it crosses over to suburban kids.”

Insanely, that's not as crazy of a claim by Wiz as it may sound. He made his name, and got his deal with Atlantic, based largely on his incredible live draw. Good for him, he'll need the cash. Wifing up Amber Rose won't be cheap.

(Word to TSS for the spot)

See Also: Wiz Khalifa Admits “Rolling Papers” Sucked - Who’s Next?