It’s a known fact that a celebrity’s career rarely includes only one single job. Any multi-faceted entertainer—be it actor, artist, or both—learns fairly quickly that the key to climbing the success ladder is through constant diversification. Making money in various markets guarantees a well-rounded (and long-lasting) career. With the fickle tastes and short attention spans of most audiences, it’s only necessary to jump into multiple roles, bulking up pockets and fan bases equally.  Many artists have made the migration from musicians to actors, film producers, authors and all around entrepreneurs. Such transitory career goals have allowed many artists to garner successes they never achieved during their time solely working as musicians. As part of our continued Black Music Month coverage, BlackEnterprise.com has compiled a list of 11 celebs that started out as artists and have since evolved into well-oiled self-entities. —Kathy Iandoli

11 Successful Artist Brands Beyond Music

Music is only the beginning of building a brand that's something these artists know well

Artists like Jay-Z, Will Smith, Beyonce and will.i.am are multi-millionaires solely because of their music,…

By Kathy Iandoli

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black scientist examins flask

Are African Americans Afraid of Science?

Noted astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses lack of minority representation in his field

Noted astrophysicist discusses lack of minority representation in his field and how parents and role…

By Alan Hughes

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Deborah C. Wright, chairwoman, CEO and president of Carver Federal Bancorp Inc.

Carver Bank Gets Much-Needed Capital Injection

Wall St. firms gave largest Black-owned bank a local bailout

Some of Wall Street’s largest financial services powerhouses, including Goldman Sachs Inc., Morgan Stanley and…

By Jeffrey McKinney

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7 Career Strategies That Work

Whether your collar is white or blue, use these strategies to help remain competitive and get ahead

BLACK ENTERPRISE, in partnership with Walmart, the nation’s largest corporation, decided to convene our event,…

By Derek T. Dingle

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8 Things I Hate About Twitter

The problem with social media is it's really not that social

Twitter has become a way of life for many but outside of the marketing and…

By Caroline Clarke

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Protect your music from digital piracy (Image: Thinkstock)

The Future of Music: 4 Ways to Protect Your Music from Digital Piracy

In a constantly changing digital world, these expert endorsed tips will keep your music (and cash flow) secure

With music piracy steadily increasing, see what four tips artists can follow to protect themselves…

By Janel Martinez

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Small Biz Tool Kit: 12 Questions to Ask Before the Business Plan

Ready to be an entrepreneur? Consider this...

Make sure your plan passes the test and answers these important questions.

By Elayne Fluker

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Before reality TV took over, cable networks like BET, MTV and VH1 (along with an assortment of broadcast programs) used to dedicate hours to airing music videos. Now, there are only a handful of such shows around and fans are more likely to watch their favorite artist’s latest clip online than on TV. With that said, the quality and concepts for most musicians have gone down. Gone are the days of the multi-million dollar video shoot that was more than a lip-syncing affair and produced mini movies. Still in the midst of Black Music Month, BlackEnterprise.com takes a trip down memory lane with some of the most expensive music videos made by African American artists. You’ll also discover which famous family has a penchant for not only making records but breaking them (and budgets) as well. —Anslem Samuel

16 Most Expensive Music Videos by Black Artists

Creative expression for music artist sometimes comes at a high cost

From Michael Jackson and MC Hammer to Kanye West and Will Smith, music videos often…

By Anslem Samuel

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black singer black music month

The Future of Music: Dos and Don’ts of Promoting Your Music on Social Media

Expert tips on how your to 'socialize' your sound and reach the masses

Wayne Sutton and William Moss give expert tips on how your music can reach the…

By Kahliah A. Laney

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Chantel-Song Bembry-teen-entrepreneur-crop

Entrepreneur of the Week: 14-Year-Old CEO Chental-Song Bembry

Teen author, illustrator, and entrepreneur gives tips to help other young writers enter the literary field and start their own businesses

Teen author, illustrator, and entrepreneur gives tips to help other young writers get started

By LaToya M. Smith

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