March 2013

Forbes is back with their popular list of wealthiest Hip-Hop artists, this time counting their money for the year 2013. Diddy tops the list this time, mainly thanks to huge profits from his Ciroc vodka. Check the methodology below and hit the jump for the full list with estimated net worth along with video breakdown. This list appears in the April 15 issue of their magazine.

In order to complete our Forbes Five list, we followed the same procedures we use to calculate our list of the world’s billionaires: looking at past earnings, valuing current holdings, leafing through financial documents and talking to analysts, attorneys, managers, other industry players and even some of the moguls themselves to find the nitty-gritty details.

1. Diddy $580 million
2. Jay-Z $475 million
3. Dr. Dre $350 million
4. Birdman $150 million
5. 50 Cent $125 million

Posted by : Mista Bless

Clutch Players conducted a phone interview with (Co-CEO) Dexter Gordon and Riker El (Senior Vice President of Marketing Rucker Brands Global), and I wondered ‘What more can I say’ about Rucker Park…

(CP) When you hear the name Rucker Park you not only hear the name of Elite basketball players. Such as, Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius ‘Dr. J’ Ewing, Kobe Bryant, and many more that has come to the park to play the best of the best in basketball. What makes Rucker Park successful?

(Dexter) Rucker Park has been successful because of three reasons. One is the credibility of street ball and NBA (National Basketball Association) basketball players having an opportunity to play the best of the best. The second is the community because some people cannot afford to go to a game so having NBA (National Basketball Association) players come to Rucker Park makes the fans feel like these people are just like them. The third is the dynamics of pulling from the music, fashion, and basketball culture

In 1946 Holcombe Rucker originated the everlasting classic basketball tournaments in Harlem…

(CP) The Webster’s dictionary defines the word ‘enhance’ as to rise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify. The children who come to play at the park learn team building to ‘enhance’ their game with hard work and dedication. Is there any other skill building you offer the children that can be applied off the court?

(Dexter) We are in the process of setting up a SAT/ ACT prep programs with one of the schools that we help out through our foundation which is at Holcombe Rucker High School and the principal is Sharif Rucker (Holcombe Rucker grandson). My partner Chris Rucker (Holcombe Rucker grandson) and I want to stay close to Holcombe Rucker’s concept when it comes to education. Holcombe started the tournaments for educational purposes to keep children out of gangs and off of drugs. Although, basketball was a tool children couldn’t play unless they brought their report card. So, with that we feel it’s only right that we not only teach them team building but we stress the importance of education
(CP) What type of expectations does the Rucker Company has for its staff? And, what expectations do you have for yourselves individually as you continue to build the Rucker brand?

(Riker) There are no expectations because we do not put a limit on how far we can take the Rucker Brand. We push one another to be their best using Holcombe Rucker’s motto ‘Each one teach one.’ So, our goals are collectively in lieu with keeping the brand consistent. For example, getting Holcombe Rucker inducted into the hall of fame, getting the park to be national landmark, doing interventions in the streets, and gang interventions. We have one of the oldest and most valuable brand in the history of basketball. ESPN picked the Rucker as one of the top 100 venues on earth. We have a legacy on our hands and we know we can’t compromise it.
(Dexter) We just want to be a blessing to other people ‘when you give, you receive tenfold.’ And to create jobs and options for people ‘Dream big and pray bold.’ We don’t look at Rucker like it’s a business because if you do something you love it’s not a job.

(CP) The Rucker Brand has expanded internationally, since the days of 1946. The Rucker name is trademarked and the brand has expanded to apparel, basketball, movies, documentaries, etc. As, business evolve how do you diversify the Rucker portfolio without losing the authenticity of the original concept?

(Dexter) It’s a catch 22 in the business world because people see us Branding Rucker products and may say we aren’t true. But we are always going to stay true to Holcombe Rucker morals. A lot, of businesses goes under because they try to be everything to everybody. Rucker is a brand that transcends age, and race. We’ve turned down deals because it didn’t correlate with the Rucker brand. When a deal is propositioned we collectively come together, or consult the Rucker family, and my partner Riker (Senior of Vice President of Marketing and Branding) is like the gatekeeper so most deals come through him. We’ve been together for so long that we trust each other judgment and understand the values of what Rucker was built on.

(CP) Stall & Dean / Rucker are both synonymous with Classic Vintage Sportswear. What prompted you to get into fashion?

(Riker) I stumbled on to it. I use to do writing for publications and music. We started our own magazine called ‘Four Corners.’ Someone saw what I did when I use to write for the Source Magazine. I was looking for a challenge and a friend of mine was at PNB Nation and he needed a marketing guy. I was a writer but I never back down from a challenge and they knew I was an avid sports fan. Everybody knows who the Rucker is but Stall & Dean is the oldest apparel company. I was looking at the history catalogs of both companies Rucker and Stall & Dean and I felt ‘God’ couldn’t be any greater. This is what I needed to stay hungry, studying, and progressing. I’m blessed to be working with two historical companies.

(CP) Why did the Rucker brand choose Hip-Hop, in regards to product placement?

(Riker) It’s not always about finding that artist that is already relevant it’s about finding that artist who’s a blossoming star. Our niche was we wanted artist and celebrities to be a part of the brand not just use the artist to market the Rucker. Since, the name is legendary they wanted to be associated with it too. Hip-Hop is a very strong spending dollar on the planet. The culture is very absorbent because its music is not static its boom bap a natural rhythm. The staff all grew up listening to Hip-Hop so celebrities or artists know we are not trying to pimp the culture we want to continue to preserve it.

(CP) New York and especially Harlem is known for being trendsetters when it comes to fashion. When designing the Rucker Jerseys what kind of style or look are you going for? And, is there a specific era within sports history that you want the jerseys to encapsulate?

(Dexter) It depends on what side where on. We have a young designer who loves basketball and is into fashion. Basketball back in the day was just basketball. Now basketball is a lifestyle. We do our vintage teams to keep the classic look going. However, our newer stuff that we’re doing is more fashion driven. For example, our jackets, t-shirts, and shorts kids can wear on the court and off the court. I think it is based on what we are designing. Our designer is so talented we could have a concept in our head and we would let him run with it, or he would come to us with a concept. We’ve learned to take ourselves out of the equation because we are not the core consumer anymore.

(CP) Could you both describe one of your favorite moments that were highlighted at the park?

(Dexter) There are so many great memories you can’t focus on just one. Although, the biggest memory that everyone talks about is Julius ‘Dr. J’ Ewing in the park. Once, Julius stated that ‘if he can do it at the Rucker he could do it in the NBA (National Basketball Association).’ Also, he stated ‘Sometimes, we played a bad team I can take days off but at the Rucker I could never take a day off.’ Because, their reputation was on the line and someone is always trying to steal their spot. Another memory is when Kobe Bryant came and played and Kevin Durant scoring 66 points. The year after the Knicks won a championship in the 70’s they played at the Rucker.

(Riker) I would say my favorite moment would be the ‘game that was never played.’ The rapper Fat Joe speaks about it in the song ‘Lean Back.’ Jay Z team ‘Rocafella’ and Fat Joe team ‘Terror Squad’ was supposed to play the championship game at the Rucker. It was going to be Brooklyn vs. The Bronx the whole city was talking about it. Everybody was supposed to play that game was going to go down in history. And, when they shot the original movie ‘Gunning for that number #1 spot’ was filmed at the Rucker.

(CP) What can we look forward to in 2013 from The Rucker Brand regarding foundations, tournaments, apparel?

(Riker) The mission is to rebuild the clothing end of it. The tournaments are constantly ongoing, next year we have tournaments straight through. We’re in the development stages of doing movies, Rucker Sports Management, sports drink, and video games. We’re looking to do more female events and expand more on the women’s side of the game. We’re working with a group called ‘Young Moms’ where we talk to young mothers. Also, we’re working with the youth showing them you do not have to have a ball in your hand. There are hundreds of jobs in basketball from marketing, to sales; it’s endless of the possibilities.

In conclusion, I enjoy Interviews like this one where I can become more familiar of such a legendary place. It just shows you that a vision which you stand for can stand the test of time? Could you both give any words of encouragement to those out there who are preserving a dream?

(Dexter) Don’t give up. Keep your faith up. It’s going to be a lot of no’s and people telling you can’t do it. But, stay focus.

(Riker) One of my favorite mottos that I use as my signature ‘successful do what unsuccessful people will not do.’ Don’t give up your morals. Success doesn’t mean money success means happiness.

Editor’s Note: Clutch Player University would like to thank the Rucker staff Chris Rucker, (Co-CEO) Dexter Gordon, and Riker El (Senior Vice President of Marketing Rucker Brands Global).

Addendum: Holcombe Rucker is on the 2013 Ballot to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame http://www.hoophall.com/news/2013/1/7/the-official-class-of-2013-ballot-nominees-from-the-naismith.html.

Rucker Park Connections:

www.TheRucker.com

www.Twitter.com/TheRucker

Posted by : Mista Bless