In the ever-evolving world of billionaires, Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon, continues to make headlines. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be a staggering $158.5 billion, according to Forbes. But how did Bezos amass such immense wealth, and what does this figure signify about his journey and the broader tech industry?
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, starting the company from his Seattle garage. What began as an online bookstore quickly transformed into an e-commerce behemoth, revolutionizing how people shop and reshaping the retail landscape. Bezos’ vision and relentless drive played a pivotal role in Amazon’s success. As the company grew, so did his wealth. Today, he owns slightly less than 10% of Amazon.
Key Milestones In Bezos’ Financial Journey
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 30: Jeff Bezos, Founder and Executive Chairman Lauren Sánchez attend ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” World Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on August 30, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Prime Video )
In 2019, Bezos went through a significant personal and financial change. He and his wife, MacKenzie, divorced after 25 years of marriage. As part of the divorce settlement, he transferred a quarter of his then-16% Amazon stake to her. Despite this, Bezos’ net worth continued to soar, thanks in part to Amazon’s consistent growth and his other ventures.
In 2021, Bezos made a significant shift in his role at Amazon. He stepped down as CEO and took on the position of executive chairman. That same year, he made headlines by flying to space in a rocket developed by his aerospace company, Blue Origin.
VAN HORN, TEXAS – JULY 20: Blue Origin’s New Shepard crew (L-R) Oliver Daemen, Jeff Bezos, Wally Funk, and Mark Bezos pose for a picture near the booster after flying into space in the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket on July 20, 2021 in Van Horn, Texas. Mr. Bezos and the crew were the first human spaceflight for the company. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Bezos’ wealth isn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet. He has shown a commitment to giving back. In 2022, he donated more than $400 million worth of stock to nonprofits. However, the specific organizations that benefited from this generosity remain undisclosed. Further, in a recent interview with CNN in November 2022, Bezos revealed his intention to donate most of his wealth during his lifetime. While he didn’t disclose the specifics, this statement underscores his commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Other Ventures & Investments
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Jeff Bezos speaks during an Action on Forests and Land Use event on day three of COP26 on November 02, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. 2021 sees the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference. The conference will run from 31 October for two weeks, finishing on 12 November. It was meant to take place in 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Apart from Amazon, Bezos has diversified his portfolio with several other investments and ventures. He owns The Washington Post, a testament to his interest in media and journalism. Additionally, his early investments include becoming one of the first angel investors in Google in 1998, where he invested an estimated $250,000.
Jeff Bezos’ net worth of $158.5 billion in 2023 is a testament to his business acumen, vision, and relentless pursuit of innovation. From starting Amazon in his garage to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, his journey is a remarkable story of entrepreneurship and determination. As he continues to shape industries and commit to philanthropy, the world watches with keen interest, eager to see what the Amazon founder will do next.
Whether through lyrics or cough drop wrappers, Latto is making an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and everyday life. In a surprising and uplifting collaboration, Latto, has joined forces with the renowned cough drop manufacturer, Halls. However, this new, unique partnership has the goal of inspiring and motivating individuals through a simple yet impactful medium – cough drop wrappers. Launched on Wednesday, October 4th, the Latto x Halls collaboration offers a limited-time opportunity to experience a burst of positivity. The Halls are available exclusively on Amazon. This collaboration takes the ordinary cough drop to a whole new level, since inside the wrappers of these soothing throat lozenges, you’ll discover inspiring messages aimed at brightening your day.
Phrases like “Feel good like you should” are just a taste of the motivational content awaiting consumers. Latto, known for some of her empowering lyrics and charismatic personality, seemed thrilled to contribute to this partnership. Moreover, in an advertisement for the new partnership, she expressed, “You know those days when you just need a breather or something to keep you going? Halls ‘Pep Talks’ did that for me. I wrote pep talks inside of their wrappers to give you that energy to be the boss you are.”
This unexpected fusion of hip-hop and healthcare products serves as a testament to the power of positivity and motivation. Subsequently, it is a reminder that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the midst of a cough or a sore throat. The Latto x Halls collaboration is a testament to the creative ways brands are connecting with their audiences today. Beyond the innovative marketing strategy, this partnership aims to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. During these challenging times, a simple message of encouragement can go a long way in brightening someone’s day and helping them push through adversity.
It’s a visual testament to the notion that motivation can come from anywhere, including the packaging of a common cough drop. So, the next time you unwrap a Halls cough drop, not only will you soothe your throat, but you might also find the motivation you need to tackle the day. In other music news, Latto is getting ready to appear as a performer on season 2 of Amazon Music Live in the coming weeks. Be on the lookout, and stay tuned to HNHH for more music news.
On Wednesday, Amazon announced the end of its live streaming audio service Amp. According to Bloomberg, the service was launched in May 2022 as a competitor for chat apps like Clubhouse and Twitter’s Spaces feature (both of which have also since shut down), while CNBC reports the decision was made in the wake of a “sweeping review” of Amazon’s expenses by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. Per Business Insider, Amp had failed to meet internal goals for months.
Is Nicki Minaj’s Queen Radio Canceled Due To Amp’s End?
Amp, which operated a bit like its competitors but allowed users to play licensed music and take “callers” while on the air, thus encouraging a “radio show” style format, had hip-hop stars like Big Boi, Joe Budden, Nicki Minaj, and Pusha T as part of its launch and their shows and events were expected to draw plenty of users. However, that is clearly not how it turned out. As an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement, “We’ve made the difficult decision to close Amp. We learned a lot about how live music communities interact in the process, which we are bringing to bear as we build new fan experiences at scale in Amazon Music.”
As far as what happens to those shows now that Amp is shuttering, that remains to be seen. Amazon Music currently hosts its own exclusive podcasts, so it’s possible that it’ll fold shows like Queen Radio into its existing lineup and simply stream them from that platform instead. Like Spotify, which also shuttered its own Clubhouse clone earlier this year, Amazon has been increasing its focus on traditional podcasts, so if the Amp shows can be suitably revamped to fit the format, it’s entirely possible that Queen Radio will return in some form before long.
Fans who missed out on Beyonce’s original Renaissance merch line or the first two Amazon exclusive merch drops will get another chance. Earlier today Amazon Shopping confirmed that the third collection of Renaissance World Tour Merch was officially out. The new collection features a number of new t-shirt designs, a pair of new hoodies, and a new hat and tote bag. Specific sizes are already beginning to sell out so fans craving merch should absolutely hurry up and make their purchase.
The first drop of Amazon-partnered Renaissance merch came back in late June. The surprise announcement had fans rushing to their computers and the entire collection sold out quickly. The second drop of their collaboration ended with similar results a few weeks later. It’s unclear how many more drops they have planned for the collaboration. The Renaissance tour is slated to wrap up on October 1st with its final show in Kansas City.
The Renaissance tour also hasn’t been without its controversies. Earlier this month fans were shocked to hear about a hostile workplace lawsuit filed against Lizzo. The same night the news dropped, Bey skipped over Lizzo’s name in the Queens Remix of “Break My Soul.” Fans were quick to interpret that as a shot at the “About Damn Time” singer even after Bey’s own mother tried to shut down the rumor. She seemed to confirm the lack of any issues at a recent Atlanta stop when she declared “I love you, Lizzo” during the show.
The shows have also attracted a massive celebrity audience. In just the Atlanta stops alone Chloe and Halle Bailey, Quavo, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, and more were in attendance. Pretty much every single stop on the Renaissance tour in both Europe and North America has been a hotbed for celebs. Even Lizzo herself popped up at a show in Poland a few months ago before her current controversy arose. What do you think of the newly released Beyonce merch? Let us know in the comment section below.
Of course, the Beyoncé economy extends to the internet. On Wednesday, July 26, Amazon Music released its Drop 2.0 of Renaissance World Tour merchandise, which represents “the second of the four-part exclusive online collection that is being released throughout the North American leg.”
Drop 2.0 includes the “Alien Superstar” tee ($35), “Virgo’s Groove” tee ($35), “Heated” tee ($35), “Summer Renaissance” tee ($35), and the Renaissance World Tour sticker pack ($30).
The latter item “comes with 16 black-and-white graphic stickers, each with their own unique design,” and each tee takes its name from track on Beyoncé’s acclaimed July 2022 album, Renaissance. The full collection is available here.
The Renaissance World Tour landed in Detroit, Michigan for Wednesday, July 26, before tackling back-to-back nights at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 29 and July 30.
Initially, the North American leg was to end in New Orleans on September 27, but the Kansas City, Missouri date had to be rescheduled due to “production logistics and scheduling issues, as reported by Deadline. It will now serve as the finale on October 1. See all of the dates here.
LSU’s standout basketball players, Angel Reese, and Flau’jae Johnson, have broken new ground by starring in Amazon’s latest commercial. Titled “Dormz,” the commercial features the college athletes showcasing their dorm rooms and Amazon-powered accessories. This marks the first time Amazon has used college athletes for promotional purposes. Angel Reese & Flau’jae Johnson Shine in Amazon’s […]
Beyonce’s Renaissance Would Tour has fittingly take the world by storm. Every time she performs fans flood to social media to see what new outfits she’s debuted and which celebs were spotted in the crowd. Just last night she performed in Warsaw with Lizzo, Zendaya, and Tom Holland in attendance. Though Queen B has been touring in Europe for a while she gave her U.S. fans a treat this morning in the form of new merch.
In a tweet this morning Amazon Music announced the surprise drop of new Beyonce merch. The Amazon Music x Beyonce Collection Drop 1.0 appears to be the first in a series of new merch drops. The collection includes, two shirts, a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and a poster. It can be purchased exclusively from Amazon. While they are currently still available the expectation is that they will sell out quickly. Much of the original Renaissance merch flew off the shelves last year. That material was sold through Beyonce’s own website and included pieces that were completely unavailable after just a few hours.
Beyonce Unveils New Merch
RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR EXCLUSIVE ONLINE COLLECTION / DROP 1.0 / AMAZON MUSIC X BEYONCÉ #RENAISSANCEWORLDTOUR
Almost everything that has happened on the Renaissance Tour has been news worthy. Last week Beyonce narrowly avoided a major wardrobe malfunction during one of the stops. The quick thinking of one of her frequent collaborators on stage saved the moment. She’s also been donating money to various businesses along the way. The most recent donation helped save a North London restaurant from closing due to rising energy costs.
Queen B and husband Jay-Z also recently stopped by Paris for Fashion Week. They made an appearance in support of Pharrell at the Louis Vuitton fashion show. It was Pharrell’s debut collection as the Head of Menswear at the company and celebrities showed out in bulk. Also in attendance were Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Tyler, The Creator, Pusha T, and Offset. Jay-Z, Tyler, and even Pharrell himself took the stage to perform after the show. What do you think of Beyonce’s new merch? Let us know in the comment section below.
Jeff Bezos keeps plenty busy, but he’s not too busy to find love. TMZ has confirmed that Jeff Bezos and girlfriend Lauren Sanchez are engaged. The billionaire proposed to Sanchez while they were enjoying a luxurious voyage around Europe on his impressive $500 million superyacht. It comes as no surprise that Sanchez said “Yes” to Bezos’ proposal. The couple has been inseparable since they began dating in 2019. Their relationship began shortly after Bezos’ divorce from his wife of 24 years, MacKenzie.
Bezos seems to have spared no expense on the engagement ring, which was proudly displayed by Sanchez aboard the yacht. The size of the rock on her finger is truly impressive. The cost of the engagement ring would be significant to most people. However, it is merely a small portion of Bezos’ vast fortune as the founder of Amazon. Interestingly, it appears that the engagement actually took place last week. Sanchez was spotted wearing a ring on her finger in a photograph from Wednesday. At the time, however, the large gemstone was cleverly hidden on the inside of her hand.
Bezos Wants To Give Away Most Of His Wealth
Ginevra Elkann, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend the Vanity Fair x Prada Party at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Jeff Bezos may be one of the richest people on earth, but he doesn’t intend for things to stay that way. In fact, he plans to donate most of his wealth during his lifetime. According to reports, the Amazon founder’s net worth is estimated to be between $121 billion and $124 billion. In an interview with CNN’s Chloe Melas at his residence in Washington, DC, Bezos expressed his intention to utilize his wealth in the fight against climate change and to aid individuals who can contribute to the unification of humanity. However, Bezos did not disclose a specific percentage or provide concrete details regarding the manner in which he plans to distribute his funds. That doesn’t mean he plans to stop making money, of course.
For quite some time, there were rumors connecting Jeff Bezosto the potential purchase of the Commanders. He is the third-wealthiest individual globally and a resident of Washington, D.C. As such, Bezos has been seen as a possible bidder for the team. However, controversy arose when sources alleged that the Synders, the current owners of the team, had prevented Bezos from making a bid. The Synders have denied these claims. However, in mid-April, Bezos was confirmed to no longer be in the running. Days later, the team was purchased by Josh Harris. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news on hip-hop, tech, and more!
All kinds of places to watch movies continue to grow in popularity; Amazon’s Prime Video selections remain a favorite among movie lovers. With a wide variety to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. There are plenty of great shows that can keep you engaged for hours. However, as far as movies go, Prime Video has a ton of hits straight out of movie theaters to your own home. If you have kids, there’s also content they can get into as well. Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, drama, or action, here are some of the best Prime Video movies to watch right now.
Sound of Metal (2019)
Sound of Metal is a powerful drama about a heavy metal drummer who begins to lose his hearing. Riz Ahmed delivers an outstanding performance as Ruben, a musician who is forced to confront the reality of his situation and adapt to a new way of life. The film also explores themes of acceptance, identity, and the power of community. Sound of Metal is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drama that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. The sound design of Sound of Metal is exceptional and immerses the audience in Ruben’s experience. The film also features strong supporting performances from Olivia Cooke and Paul Raci.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a comedy-drama series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the creator of Gilmore Girls. The show is set in the 1950s and follows the life of Miriam “Midge” Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan, a Jewish housewife living in New York City who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her. The film spotlights a time when women were expected to conform to traditional gender roles and stay at home. However, Midge defies these societal expectations and decides to pursue a career in comedy, which was a male-dominated field at the time. What further makes The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel great is its witty writing, fast-paced dialogue, and fantastic performances. The show has also won numerous awards for its excellent writing, directing, and acting, including several Primetime Emmys.
One Night In Miami (2020)
One Night in Miami is a fictionalized account of a meeting between four iconic figures in American history. It features portrayals of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, the film explores the conversations that may have taken place on the night of February 25th, 1964. The performances in One Night in Miami are outstanding, particularly Leslie Odom Jr.’s portrayal of Sam Cooke. The film’s themes of activism, race, and identity are still relevant today, making it a timely and thought-provoking watch. Directed by Regina King, One Night in Miami is a powerful film that will stay with you long after viewing.
The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick is a romantic comedy based on the real-life experiences of its writers, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. The film follows Kumail (Nanjiani) as he navigates his relationship with Emily (Zoe Kazan). It movie also touches on dealing with Kumail’s traditional Pakistani family’s expectations. The supporting cast, including Holly Hunter and Ray Romano, also deliver strong performances. This helps make The Big Sick an enjoyable and heartfelt watch. The film is a refreshing take on the rom-com genre, with a sharp and witty script.
The Farewell (2019)
The Farewell is a touching drama about a Chinese-American family who decides not to tell their grandmother that she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Awkwafina also delivers a standout performance as Billi, the family’s Americanized granddaughter who struggles with the decision to keep the diagnosis a secret. The Farewell is a poignant exploration of family, cultural identity, and the complexities of grief. The film’s themes are universal, making it relatable to audiences of all backgrounds. The supporting cast, including Tzi Ma and Diana Lin, delivers strong performances that add to the emotional impact of the film.
Parasite (2019)
Parasite is a genre-bending film that defies easy categorization. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film tells the story of two families from different socioeconomic backgrounds whose lives become entwined in unexpected ways. Parasite is a particularly great example masterclass in filmmaking. It has exceptional performances, stunning cinematography, and a gripping script. The film’s themes of class and power dynamics are explored with subtlety and nuance, making it a thought-provoking and timely watch. Parasite made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, cementing its place as a modern classic.
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight is a coming-of-age drama that tells the story of a young Black man named Chiron, growing up in Miami. The film is told in three parts, each exploring a different chapter of Chiron’s life and the challenges he faces as he grapples with his identity and sexuality. Moonlight is a beautifully crafted film with exceptional performances from the cast, particularly from Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris. The film explores themes of identity, masculinity, and the intersections of race and sexuality with sensitivity and nuance. Moonlight is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drama that explores complex themes with subtlety and heart.
Manchester By The Sea (2016)
Manchester by the Sea is a heart-wrenching drama that explores themes of grief, loss, and redemption. Casey Affleck delivers an outstanding performance as Lee, a man who is forced to confront the trauma of his past when he becomes the guardian of his teenage nephew. Manchester by the Sea is a slow-burning film that builds to an emotional climax. Despite the length of the film, Michelle Williams and Lucas Hedges deliver strong performances that add to the emotional impact.
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about a teenage girl named Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson and her turbulent relationship with her mother. Saoirse Ronan delivers an outstanding performance as Lady Bird, a young woman struggling to find her place in the world. Lady Bird is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in. The Prime Video movie is a funny, heartfelt, and relatable film that explores the complexities of growing up with honesty and nuance. The supporting cast, including Laurie Metcalf and Timothée Chalamet, also delivers strong performances that add to the film’s emotional depth.
The Handmaiden (2016)
The Handmaiden is a visually stunning thriller set in 1930s Korea, based on the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. The film follows a con artist who tries to swindle a wealthy Japanese heiress. However, things quickly become more complicated than they initially seem. The Handmaiden is a masterclass in filmmaking, with exceptional performances, stunning cinematography, and a gripping script. The Handmaiden is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted thriller.
The Florida Project (2017)
The Florida Project is a drama that explores the lives of a group of people living in poverty in the shadow of Disney World. The film follows a young girl named Moonee and her mother as they navigate the challenges of living in a motel.The Florida Project is a powerful and thought-provoking film exploring poverty, childhood, and the American Dream. Additionally, the performances in the film are fantastic. Willem Dafoe and Brooklynn Prince are outstanding and add to the story’s emotional impact. The Florida Project is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see a film that tackles complex themes. Let us know your favorite Amazon Prime movies in the comment section.
