No company is stranger to cost-cutting efforts, but Disney’s latest efforts have employees wondering who’s next on the chopping block. The house of mouse has fired an entire division, and this is only the beginning. Disney’s 2023 box office earnings have already topped a billion dollars just three months into the year, and the company wants to continue to capitalize on its earnings and cut costs. The Next Generation Storytelling & Consumer Experiences group, responsible for Disney’s Metaverse efforts, only accounted for about 50 employees. That is disturbing considering that Disney plans to lay off a total of 7,000 people.
These cuts come as part of an effort to restructure the company by Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney. After Bob Chapek was abruptly fired in 2022, he stepped in as interim leader. Many may remember that Iger was the head of Disney during some of its most pivotal moments. It was under his leadership that the company acquired both Pixar and Marvel Studios. Iger was also at the helm when Disney acquired Lucasfilm. These were arguably some of the most important decisions made in the history of the entertainment business. It’s undeniable: Iger is a formidable leader with unmatched success. It’s really no surprise that he was asked to step in after Chapek was let go.
Bob Iger’s bloodbath began with a memo sent out on February 8th. In this memo, he detailed his plans for cuts and tried to lighten the blow with some kind words. “The difficult reality of many colleagues and friends leaving Disney is not something we take lightly,” he said. “It also makes it all the more difficult to say goodbye to wonderful people we care about. I want to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to every departing employee for your numerous contributions and your devotion to this beloved company.”
Iger plans to finish the 7,000 aforementioned layoffs by summer. Having already dismantled several divisions, it’s clear he has no problem doing what needs to be done to keep Disney on top. The next victims of this restructuring effort remain unclear; however, Iger has made it clear that these cuts will affect high and low-level employees alike.
There’s a reason why Rick Ross is known in many circles as “The Biggest Boss”. The Florida rapper has accrued six number one albums on Billboard and is also the CEO of Maybach Music Group, a record label that includes artists such as Meek Mill and Gunplay. Outside of music, Ross has long established himself as a mogul, as his success in many different business ventures has led to a very lucrative life for the boss.
Wingstop
Perhaps Ross’ most well-known business venture is his ownership of supposedly thirty Wingstop locations around the country. Rick Ross is listed as the owner of Boss Wings Enterprises LLC along with his mother and sister. The Boss opened his first Wingstop location over ten years ago. And according to Ross, the restaurants bring him about $7 million a year. Ross also gifted one of his Wingstop locations to his son for his sixteenth birthday.
Ross also owns a number of Checkers and Rally’s restaurants. In Ross’ teens, he would save up enough money while working at a car wash to be able to eat at Checkers frequently. Because of this, Ross’ purchase of a Checkers restaurant was something of a lifetime ambition for the rapper. The Boss also purchased the Checkers location across the street from Miami Carol City Senior High School. This was his former school where he played football.
Evander Holyfield’s House for Charity
In 2014, Rick Ross bought boxer Evander Holyfield’s house for $5.8 million. The house has one hundred and nine rooms. It sits on two hundred and thirty five acres of land in Fayetteville County, Georgia. It is reportedly the largest house in the state of Georgia. The house is also equipped with an indoor pool, a movie theatre, an outdoor pool, and an indoor basketball court. Ross decided to use the house for his “In a Big Way” charity, as he stated, “It’s somebody that needs that inspiration. We’re going to open up them doors to these kids from New Orleans, from Atlanta, from Miami and just open their minds a little bit.”
In addition to his own charity, Ross has also collaborated with JetDoc on multiple occasions. JetDoc’s mission is to provide affordable healthcare to millions of Georgians. In 2011, Ross partnered with CEO of JetDoc, Tommy Duncan, to promise $1 million in free medical visits for people in the state of Georgia.
Ross is also a major promoter for Belaire Rosé Champagne, as the boss has his own “Rick Ross Edition” drink. The brand is owned by niaz, a New York-based company named Sovereign Brands. Belaire Rosé bottles can be seen in many of Ross’s music videos as well as videos and photos of himself on social media. The Boss also served as a brand ambassador for the Tequila brand 1800 to promote the 1800 Tequila’s Select Silver.
The Boss also has his own hair care and grooming brand known as “Rich by Rick Ross”. Ross began releasing his beard care products with Rich in 2018 and has since expanded the amount of products he endorses. Rich by Rick Ross has hair care and grooming products for both men and women including moisturizer, pomade cream, conditioner, shampoo, and an assortment of other products.
In September of 2022, Rick Ross partnered with Hempacco to create CBD products. The venture was known as “Hemp Hop Smokables”. In a statement made by Ross himself he said, “I truly believe in the health benefits of hemp-derived products. Having had my own health scares, and through my healing process, I decided I would develop a line of smokables to help others with the benefits of hemp cannabinoids.” Ross has suffered from seizures in the past and was also hospitalized in 2018 with an apparent heart attack.
“The Biggest Boss” has also recently invested his money in cryptocurrency and NFT’s. He has also published two New York Times best-selling books. He is rumored to own around one hundred and twenty cars. In an interview with Complex in November of 2021, Ross stated that his goal is to get as many people rich as he can. He said that “That’s how big boys do it”. The Boss is also rumored to have his sights set on the Miami Heat. Ross stated in 2021 that his three year plan was to eventually have a stake of ownership in the basketball team’s franchise.
As of February of 2023, Rick Ross’s net worth is estimated at $45 million. Over the past decade the Florida native has worked to establish himself not only as an iconic rapper, but also as a financial mogul. Overall, The Boss has stated in past interviews that he wants to be on the same level financially as businessmen such as Elon Musk.
While it’s by no means uncommon at this point, it’s always exciting to see the hip-hop world cross over into other industries. Future is reportedly starting a brand in the lucrative marijuana business. Moreover, these reports come from trademark attorney Clarissa Harvey, who shared some details on these potential big plans. Furthermore she said Hendrix’s legal team filed six trademark applications for a line named “EVOL BY FUTURE” in various classes on February 17. In addition, she said the description of the brand involves “providing a website featuring health information in the field of medical marijuana and cannabis.”
Also, these reports indicate that the line may include vape pens, medicated oils, smoking lounge services, and more. Of course, longtime Future fans likely recognize the alleged brand name from the MC’s 2016 album. However, even an extracurricular business venture probably won’t stray the trap legend from album mode. He tweeted as such earlier this year, along with the announcement of a collab album with Metro Boomin later in 2023. Not only that, but he boasted that they already have the album of the year.
Future Has Big Plans Beyond Medical Marijuana
Rapper Future may be launching a NEW medical marijuana & cannabis brand
On 2/17/23-his legal team filed six 1(b) intent-to-use trademark applications in several classes for “EVOL BY FUTURE” to be used in connection w/ smoking lounge services, vape pens, medicated oils, etc. pic.twitter.com/brvH5NcNgW
In addition to those big plans, Future also extended his One Big Party tour with additional dates later this year. His new run will last from March 9 in New Orleans to April 8 in Minneapolis, although his announcement teased that there are “always more cities to be added.” Moreover, his January run brought along Polo G, Trippie Redd, Kodak Black, EST Gee, Ocean x KungFu, Rob49, and Babyface Ray. While new dates would’ve been enough to satisfy fans, Pluto is bringing new guest to these shows as well. They include G Herbo, Mariah the Scientist, Don Toliver, and his ex-girlfriend Dess Dior. Although that would be awkward for many, she told Angela Yee that they’re on great terms.
“We’re very, very, very good friends,” she expressed. “He always support me and I’ll always support him. It’s no bad blood. And that’s what people just – you know, they get the wrong idea. It don’t always don’t have to end in a s**t-show. You know what I’m saying? Gracefully move on.” Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest on Future’s next big move.
