Meet 8 Rappers In the Franchise Business

The franchise model has served as a great investment tool for musicians, including rappers.

By Morgan Wood1851 Franchise Contributor

2:14PM • 03/08/23

Chances are when you’re reading news about music artists, you’re looking for the newest album drop date or a story about the most recent multi-million dollar mansion purchase. However, rappers such as Drake and Rick Ross also exist within the franchising space. Especially for models that encourage absentee ownership, franchising can be a great way for artists to expand their portfolio without dedicating a massive amount of time and energy to the day-to-day business needs.

Here are eight rappers who have found themselves in the franchise business.

Canadian rapper Drake has invested in Dave’s Hot Chicken and has previously served the chicken in celebration of a Billboard award.

2. In August of 2022, 2 Chainz partnered with Mychel “Snoop” Dillard to open Escobar Restaurant & Tapas, which Dillard describes as “a restaurant during the day, lounge by night.” After a legal dispute with Pablo Escobar’s family, the duo has maintained the name of their corporate restaurants but is franchising the concept as “Esco.”

3. In a 2015 interview, singer-rapper Chris Brown shared that he owns 14 Burger King restaurants. In addition to purchasing a home for his mother during his teen years, the string of restaurants is another investment in Brown’s portfolio.

4. Pitbull, aka Mr. 305, announced equity in the Miami Grill franchise in the early 2010s.

5. Rick Ross owns 30 Wingstop franchises and even gifted one to his son for his 16th birthday. The rapper has long been known for wing-related lyrics and was recently featured on Drake’s 2021 song “Lemon Pepper Freestyle.”

6. Fatburger has received support from Pharrell Williams, who opened multiple locations in China.

7. Kanye West bought multiple Fatburger locations and is also rumored to have purchased a string of Burger Kings as a gift to Kim Kardashian.

8. Megan Thee Stallion secured a partnership with Popeyes in 2021. In addition to the creation of the “Megan Thee Stallion Hottie Sauce,” the rapper joined the network as a franchisee.