June 2019

Forbes confirmed on June 3, 2019 that Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter had become the first rapper to achieve billionaire status, with wealth built across music, fashion (Rocawear), spirits (Armand de Brignac champagne, D'Ussé cognac), streaming (Tidal), art, and real estate. His business empire redefined what a hip-hop artist could build and inspired a generation of Black entrepreneur-artists.

Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA Championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in six games. Leonard won Finals MVP and his iconic series-winning buzzer-beater against Philadelphia in the second round—the first bouncing four-point shot to end a playoff series—became one of the most celebrated moments in basketball history.