It’s never too late to change up the game! We all grow and evolve with time, so hats off to many of our favorite celebrities who aren’t afraid of change and simply do what they want to do. When it comes to rebranding yourself, there’s no one particular formula…but these celebrities truly are the blueprint.
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From Tina Turner to Ice Cube and gangster rappers to Olympic torch bearers, we’ve seen them all age with grace, and for that, they deserve their flowers. Here are eight of what we’re calling the best celebrity rebrands of all time. Just take a look!
Ice Cube: Then
O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson Sr. was born in Compton, Calif. After gaining early success as a street rapper, Jackson Sr. would eventually join the rap group “N.W.A.” — and we all know what it stands for— which would be pivotal in pioneering “gangsta rap” music.
Ice Cube: Now
Jackson lived a colorful and dangerous early life, but in 1991, late director John Singleton gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. Starring in “Boyz n the Hood” would mark the very beginning of Jackson’s acting career. Since then, Jackson has rebranded himself from the furrowed brow, hot-head street rapper to one of Black Hollywood’s greatest actors and fathers.
Rihanna: Then
Robyn Rihanna Fenty began her music career with the hit “Pon De Replay” from her debut album “Music of the Sun” in 2005. But with the release of her third album, “Good Girl Gone Bad,” Fenty introduced her first rebrand as “bad gal Rih Rih.” Fenty reigned over the pop music industry for years, but after her 2016 “Anti” album, the Barbados native shifted from music royalty to becoming a business mogul.
Rihanna: Now
Life for Fenty has changed drastically over the decades. She went from nearly filing bankruptcy in 2009 to becoming a billionaire with one of the most successful celebrity brands of all time. Savage x Fenty, Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and all of her other endeavors have solidified her as having one of the best rebrands. And now, the mother of two has launched Fenty Hair to add to her ongoing monopoly powerhouse.
Snoop Dogg: Then
Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus Jr. hit the California music scene as a foul mouth, marijuana-smoking, gang banger turned rapper during the 1990s. Being signed to Death Row Records surely put a label on Snoop, but despite all of his notoriety, he still managed to sell millions of records over the span of his career. In 1993, fans thought it was over after Snoop was charged with first-degree murder, but to the surprise of many, he beat the case, and continued climbing the charts.
Snoop Dogg: Now
After a brief stint as “Snoop Lion,” we were all happy to hear Snoop Dogg would bring back is iconic “dog” persona, but this time with a twist. Broadus Jr. has tried his hand in the cannabis industry, acting, and even selling his own wine, but the most impressive part about Snoop’s rebrand is how he’s able to fit in just about any box while still being himself. From cooking with Martha Stewart to becoming the face of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Snoop has clearly aged with grace, and as one of Hip-Hop’s iconic figures, he deserves all the praise!
Queen Latifah: Then
Dana Elaine Owens first dipped her toe in music as a beat boxer, but by 1990, Queen Latifah was making a name for herself as a rapper. From hit songs like “U.N.I.T.Y” and “Ladies First,” the whole world fell in love with Owens’ tomboy style and raw lyrics. In the early 2000s, however, Owens decided to take a dip in the other side of the pool with her now singing instead of solely rapping, and man, does the woman know how to sing!
Queen Latifah: Now
The silk press queen herself also began her acting career more seriously with films like “Hairspray” and “Last Holiday.” Her rebrand from everyone’s neighborhood homegirl to now being halfway to EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) status is clearly one for the history books.
The Rock: Then
Dwayne Douglas Johnson began his career as one of the best professional wrestlers of all time in 1996. His nickname, “The Rock,” was in tribute to his father Rocky Johnson, who was the first WWE Black champion in history. Despite having big shoes to fill, The Rock quickly made his own path as a champion and WWE icon.
The Rock: Now
It’s well-known that WWE is a form of acting, but Johnson took things to new heights when he decided to jump head first onto the big screen. Starting with an appearance in “That ‘70s Show” and “The Mummy Returns,” Johnson’s acting career moved fast and with “The Game Plan” and a reoccurring role in the “The Fast and the Furious” movie franchise. Johnson has solidified himself has one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood.
The Late Tina Turner: Then
Anna Mae Bullock, better known as Tina Turner, began her singing career with her husband’s, Ike, band “Kings of Rhythm” in 1956. Known for her captivating performances and groovy rock rhythm, the band rose to the top largely due to Turner’s stardom. By 1976, the band broke up and the Turners divorced leaving Anna Mae left to reinvent herself while still keeping her stage name.
The Late Tina Turner: Now
To the surprise of many, at age of 45, Turner launched one of the best comebacks of all time with the musical drop of her album “Private Dancer,” with the lead single “What’s Love Got to Do with It” even winning her a Grammy. She continued touring, gaining millions of fans around the world, and eventually, Turner found love with her husband Erwin Bach, who she married in 2013. Even after her death, Turner remains one of the greatest Rock musicians of all time.
Drake: Then
We first met Aubrey Drake Graham in his role as Jimmy Brooks in the Canadian-based teen drama “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” Matter of fact, the show was so good, that eventually other countries picked it up, including here in the United States. Although Drake didn’t delve too deep into his acting bag, the actor turned rapper surely showcases his acting skills in various forms now.
Drake: Now
Now, Drake is a household name. After signing to Young Money Records under Lil Wayne, Drake hasn’t stopped putting out classic rap and R&B hits. From “Forever” to “God’s Plan,” there’s no denying Drake continues to flood the global music charts.
Jay-Z: Then
Shawn Corey Carter began his rap career in the late 1980s, but it was with the release of his first two albums, Reasonable Doubt in 1996 and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 in 1997, that Jay-Z would start making waves. Early on, the Brooklyn born rapper owned his persona as a bad boy, gangster rapper. With close ties to the late Biggie Smalls and a monumental beef against fellow New York rapper Nas, Jay-Z quickly solidified himself on the very top of the rap throne.
Jay-Z: Now
After deciding to stray away from his “Big Pimpin” persona, Hov settled down and began investing. With business moves like Rocawear and Tidal, Jay-Z distinguished himself as more than just a rapper. The rebrand of Jay-Z should be studied as one of the smartest avenues of any rapper to date. In 2019, Jay-Z was named Hip-Hop’s first billionaire, and with Beyoncé and three gorgeous children by his side, the gangster turned family man is a great example of growth and Black excellence.
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