Rapper and Atlanta native 2 Chainz aims to bring Black Wall Street to his hometown, as he recently revealed on Revolt’s “Assets Over Liabilities” show.
During the Aug. 16 episode of the show, guest host 2 Chainz described to hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings his motivation for expanding his Esco Restaurant & Tapas restaurant concept to other cities and becoming a part owner of the College Park Skyhawks G League team.
During the interview, 2 Chainz, who revealed he might soon start a podcast with his 7-year-old son, revealed he wants to create a Black Wall Street in Atlanta similar to the one lost in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“I guess having a little small neighborhood/Black Wall Street where people can come out and get the things they need… all in this couple of block radius,” said the artist, whose estimated net worth is $12 million.
Black Wall Street Once Thrived
Black Wall Street, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, was a thriving Black community during the early 20th century. It had prosperous businesses, cultural hubs, and its own newspapers, schools, and churches. Tragically, it was destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, leaving over 35 blocks in ruins and an estimated 300 lives lost, making it one of the darkest chapters in American history, with lasting effects on the community.
Family Business
As Bilal pointed out, 2 Chainz and his son’s podcast could have the potential to generate millions of dollars, citing the success of the father-son duo Ryan’s World, formerly known as Ryan ToysReview, which made $60 million through toy reviews.
Businesses Abound
Millings added that 2 Chainz has been actively developing a business-friendly environment in Atlanta, likening his acquisitions and affiliations with nail and hair salons and tattoo parlors to playing Monopoly.
2 Chainz responded, “Atlanta ain’t playing, yeah wherever y’all at, whatever y’all doing, y’all doing as far as playing, we’re not doing it – a piece of property come[s] up, I’m talking about… it’s like a bat signal, you know?”
In 2023, Black spending power in Atlanta is estimated at $118 billion, ranking it as the one of the largest Black consumer markets in the United States, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. According to an AJC analysis, Atlanta had a 47 percent Black population in 2020, with the census data confirming that Black people remain the largest ethnic group in the city.
2 Chainz appears to be building an empire wherever his businesses are located, including Esco Restaurant & Tapas (co-owned with Mychel “Snoop” Dillard), the Pink Trap House museum, and Pamper Nail Studio.
As Finurah previously reported, 2 Chainz’s restaurant has experienced rapid growth in Atlanta, with locations in Columbus, Ohio, and a franchise in Memphis, Tennessee. A Dallas, Texas, site is expected to open by the end of 2023 or early 2024.
Esco Restaurant & Tapas originally reportedly cost $500,000 when acquired, 2 Chainz claims to have doubled or tripled its value.
This is an open invite for the 2 Chainz to come visit @Thr Greenwood Beat – WFPG. We are located on the hstoric Greenwood Avenue in the historic Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma also known as The Original Black Wall Street. WFPG is the first black, women-owned radio station in Oklahoma.
The true spirit of Black Wall Street should be replicated all over the US. The trueness of Black Wall Street was a mindset. Those who understand it, make the “Big Picture” the goal and achieve it.
We appreciate you for researching, learning the history, embracing it and using your voice to elevate and preserve the legacy.