Jay-Z, Diddy Named on Hot 40 Under 40 List

Hip Hops elite get another opportunity to shine in this months issue of Black Enterprise magazine. Shawn Jay-Z Carter and Sean Diddy Combs are just two of the stars highlighted in the magazines 2007 Hot List: Americas Most Powerful Players Under 40.

The issue also marks the first time Black Enterprise has had five covers for a single issue. NBA standout LeBron James; Chris Brown and Kirk Franklin; Queen Latifah; John Legend and Wyclef Jean; Venus Williams all hold down covers.

Black Enterprise wanted to showcase some familiar faces in entertainment, sports and other industries, but also wanted to highlight some major players behind the scenes.

"These celebrities have shrewdly leveraged their fame to build multimillion-dollar empires that will sustain them beyond their careers in sports and entertainment," says Black Enterprise Editor-at- Large Carolyn Brown. "Plus, this year's list goes outside the box to include business executives, top-ranked money managers, and medical researchers whose impact on our world is undeniable."

In addition, for aspiring emcees and independent label owners, the December issue also chronicles the independent music scene (The Rise of Independent Music: Indie labels maximize control). Talib Kweli (Blacksmith Records), Kanye West (G.O.O.D. Music), Tamia (Plus 1 Music Group) are name checked in the article.

The piece breaks down the different kinds of label deals, the pros and cons of each, the costs of makingand promotingan album, and what to look for in a contract.

Other Hip Hop entities included on the Hot List are Steve Stoute, Nate "Danja" Hills, Nick Cannon, 50 Cent, Wyclef Jean, Timbaland, Kevil Liles, Queen Latifah and Will Smith.