Dr Dre was born to unwed teenage parents in a gang-ridden neighborhood of Compton, California. His talent as a rapper made him a millionaire and shot him to the top of hip-hop music charts.
But his business acumen has led him build a headphones empire that paid him $110million last year.
His 'Beats by Dr Dre' premium headphones have become seemingly ubiquitous. The red 'b' logo is an iconic, making them a must-have accessory for millions of young people.
Dr Dre, 47, himself pocketed $100million of that cash.
The business began in 2006 after an epiphany. Dr Dre was reportedly walking along the beach with Interscope Records Chairman Jimmy Iovine, contemplating whether he should launch his own line of shoes.
'(Forget) sneakers,' Mr Iovine reportedly said. 'Let’s sell speakers!'
Dr Dre has relied on endorsement by popular musicians to help sell his pricey earphones.
Justin Bieber, Lady GaGa, will.i.am. and P Diddy have all been tapped to endorse different head phone models.
The result of all that star power has been millions and millions of sales. With headphones priced between $150 and $400 -- Dr Dre's company has raked in impressive revenue numbers.
(See Dr. Dre)
(See Dr. Dre)
