Tag Archives: BE Decoded

(Image: Getty)

Super Bowl Decoded: The Financial Impact of the Big Game

It's not just the commercials that bring in big money on Super Bowl Sunday

More than just a game, Super Bowl Sunday is big business as brands dish out…

By Mia N. Hall

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
While there are hundreds of characters in the Marvel Comics universe, Spider-Man has proven to be one of the most beloved over the decades. Created by comic book guru Stan Lee in the 1960’s, the non-traditional superhero has drawn in fans and dollars the world over. From two-dimensional illustration to cartoon series, blockbuster movies, merchandise and even a Broadway play, the Spider-Man brand is big business. With the recent success of Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark and a new potential blockbuster film, The Amazing Spider-Man, on the calendar for this summer, BlackEnterprise.com Decodes this Marvelous brand. —William Ketchum III

Spider-Man Decoded: Untangling the Amazing Web of Profit

From Marvel Comic to movie star, the non-traditional superhero hs a global brand worth millions

Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee’s multi-million dollar Spider-Man brand is loved globally from cartoon, comic,…

By William E. Ketchum III

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
When assessing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the number of protesters he helped rouse, the amount of books documenting his philosophy that he published and the total revenue generated by artistic projects made in his honor only tell a fraction of the story. To truly decode Dr. King you must take into account the impact he has had on the global issues of race, class and social justice by virtue of inspiring change. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, BlackEntperise.com spoke with James Peterson, the Director of Africana Studies and Associate Professor of English at Lehigh University, in an effort to enhance our understanding on the civil rights leader’s work. —Souleo

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Decoded

See how the Civil Rights leader inspired mass change

As the nation celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Black Enterprise Decodes the…

By Souleo

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Cash Money artist Drake.

Drake Decoded: How the International Star ‘Takes Care’ of Business

More than just Lil Wayne's protege, Drake is a multi-faceted businessman with his hand in everything

In a few short years, Canadian rap star Drake has made a million-dollar brand that…

By Andreas Hale

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
After a long fought battle with liver cancer, boxing great Joe Frazier passed away this past Monday, November 7, 2011 at the age of 67. While his name is often tied to flamboyant fighter Muhammad Ali, who he fought in three memorable bouts, Frazier built his reputation on his own blood, sweat and tears. The Beaufort, South Carolina native pulled himself up out of poverty to be one of the sport’s top fighters (32-4-1). In the wake of his passing, BlackEnterprise.com takes a look back at the many milestones in Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s life both in and out the ring. —Anslem Samuel

Joe Frazier Decoded: The People’s Champion Remembered

More than Muhammad Ali's rival, Smokin' Joe Frazier was a working class hero in and out the ring

In the wake of the death of Joe Frazier, boxing fans reflect on his legacy…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Few can deny the impact Dr. Bill Cosby has made in entertainment. From being the first African American to play a leading role in a TV show on NBC’s I Spy (1965-68) to making his self titled series The Cosby Show No. 1 on the same network almost 20 years later, he has withstood the test of time in Hollywood as a writer, producer, director, actor, composer and more. More than just an entertainer with over 2.3 million Twitter followers (@BillCosby), Cosby has managed to evolve his sphere of influence and remain relevant through his philanthropic efforts, advertising, public speaking, business acumen and involvement in academia. BlackEnterprise.com Decodes the iconic Dr. Bill Cosby. —Kevin Clark

Bill Cosby Decoded: A Family-Friendly Brand

The comedian and philanthropist has blazed trails in television, advertising and more

From comedian to actor to educator and philanthropist, Bill Cosby has done it all and…

By Kevin L. Clark

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
DEF DIVIDENDS

At just 17 years old, LL became Def Jam Record’s flagship artist. His debut album, Radio, went on to go platinum and his 13-album catalog features many more million-plus sellers, including 1992’s Mama Said Knock You Out and 1997’s Mr. Smith, which both sold over two million copies and earned LL a pair of Grammies. To date, the Queens rapper’s catalog includes a dozen proper albums chockfull of classic records, and all that songwriter publishing means plenty of guaranteed money in the bank.

LL Cool J Decoded: The Greatest Brand of All Time

Taking home I Am Hip-Hop honors at the BET Hip-Hop Awards the entertainment veteran gets Decoded

From artist to actor to author to businessman, LL Cool J is a brand that…

By Alvin Blanco

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
EDDIE MURPHY AS "DR. JOHN DOLITTLE" IN DR. DOLITTLE (1998) The central character in a series of children's books by Hugh Lofting (1920–1952), Doctor John Dolittle shuns human patients in favor of animals that he can communicate with in their own languages. Actor Rex Harrison played the lead role in the 1967 film adaptation, but Murphy helped revive the character with his 1998 remake, which grossed over $250 million worldwide and spawned several sequels.

Eddie Murphy Decoded: Road to the Riches & the Oscars

Breaking down the economic influence the Oscars' new host has over Hollywood

Veteran comedian/actor Eddie Murphy was recently tapped to host the 2012 Oscars. The Hollywood veteran…

By William E. Ketchum III

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
There was a time when Steve Harvey was just another successful comedian, but today he’s much more. The West Virginia native carries titles like author, entrepreneur and businessman as well and is laughing his way to the bank in the process. Harvey stays busy as host of his popular self-titled radio show and Family Feud, author of several best-selling books, his own television program on Centric TV, and a charity foundation. This week, Harvey and Ford will co-host their Ninth Annual Hoodie Awards, a community-oriented awards show that honors top businesses, schools, and leaders. Based on Harvey’s ever-growing brand, BlackEnterprise.com decodes Steve’s funny money. —William E. Ketchum III

Steve Harvey Decoded: A Brand Suited for Success

The enterprising funny man is no joke when it comes to business and brand extension

More than a comedian, Steve Harvey has built a profitable brand that spans across various…

By William E. Ketchum III

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
President Barack Obama changed the game when it came to utilizing a powerful tool of influence: social media. Since his successful 2008 bid for the U.S. presidency, he has held a prominent role, using social networking as a way to reach the masses, gain support, and create one of the most transparent presidencies in history. Here's a look at his social media presence, and how his administration has successfully leveraged it as a vital resource. --- Janell Hazelwood

Decoding Barack Obama’s Social Media Campaign Strategies

A look at the Head of State's prowess with social Web

President Barack Obama changed the game since his successful run in 2008, utilizing the most…

By Janell Hazelwood

Posted: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,