In the cutthroat world of hip-hop, it’s not just about spitting bars and making hits; it’s also about protecting your assets. Mase, the iconic rapper, recently shared a cautionary tale about the perils of trusting the wrong people with your finances.
During a candid moment on the podcast “It Is What It Is,” Mase recounted a troubling experience from earlier in his career when he was scammed by a former business manager. Although he chose not to disclose the manager’s identity, Mase revealed how this individual vanished into thin air, taking not only his money but also that of several other artists affiliated with Bad Boy Records.
“It was my first business manager,” Mase recalled. “He ran off not just with my money, he ran off with everybody’s money.”
The ramifications were severe. With their funds depleted, Mase and his fellow artists found themselves unable to meet their tax obligations, facing financial turmoil as a result of their former manager’s deceit.
But Mase didn’t sit idly by. He took action, rallying other artists like Cam’Ron to confront the manager and demand accountability for his actions. It was a testament to Mase’s resilience and determination to protect his hard-earned wealth.
This story serves as a stark reminder to up-and-coming artists in the hip-hop industry: safeguarding your finances is paramount. Trust should be earned cautiously, and thorough due diligence is essential when selecting business partners and managers. In an industry where success often comes with a hefty price tag, maintaining financial literacy and vigilance can mean the difference between thriving and falling victim to exploitation.
Aspiring rappers, take heed: learn from Mase’s experience and ensure that your hustle isn’t derailed by those seeking to take advantage of your talent and ambition.
