While 2010 may have been one of the worst economies since the Great Depression of the, a variety of rap stars managed to prosper during the year, with multimillion dollar business deals. A number of rappers entered into multimillion dollar deals that had a significant impact on the business side of the Hip-Hop industry and sometimes, as in the case of raising funds for Haiti, the world in general. Today we look at some of the biggest business deals and power moves that were made by Hip-Hop entrepreneurs in 2010. These are listed in no particular order.

Rapper Wyclef Jean may not have been elected President of Haiti, but he put his powerful connections to use as if he were, during the first part of 2010. Wyclef and his Yele Haiti led a massive effort to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake, which rocked the nation and left over 300,000 people dead. Clef teamed up with MTV, George Clooney, Anderson Cooper, and hundreds of celebrities, including Jay-Z, Kid Rock, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and others to host the Hope For Haiti telethon in January. The effort alone, raised a record breaking $58 million dollars, which was donated to Clef’s Yele Haiti, Oxfam America, the Red Cross, UNICEF and the U.N. WOrld Food Programme. 

After months of rumors, 50 Cent’s G-Unit left the Interscope/Universal fold for EMI Records. Although EMI’s financial troubles are well documented, 50 Cent took a gamble and signed with the label’s EMI Label Services unit, which landed a hit record with Lloyd Banks’ album Hunger For More 2. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, by sources close to the deal stated that 50 Cent owns all the masters in the deal, which is strictly for distribution. G-Unit artist Tony Yayo is preparing his G-Unit/EMI Label Services release as well.

Sadly, T.I. was only able to stay out of jail for six months in 2010, before he was sent back to prison for violating the terms of his probation by possession drugs in September of 2010. Prior to that, Tip had one of the highest profiles in Hip-Hop, thanks to his hit movie “Takers.” In August, “Takers” was the #1 movie in the United States, raking in a total of $20.5 million dollars in just one weekend. In addition to starring in the movie opposite Matt Dillion and Paul Walker, T.I.’s Grand Hustle Films served as a producer for “Takers. “

While 50 Cent’s G-Unit deal may have been impressive, he made a serious power move in October of 2010, when his Cheetah Vision Films landed a whopping $200 million in funding. 50′s company inked a $200 million dollar, 10-picture deal, with each film having a budget of up to $20 million dollars. 50 did the deal with a healthcare executive named Richard Jackson and two real estate developers named Daniel Ret and Gary Sakwa. 50 has already landed top talent for his flicks, with stars like Ryan Phillipe, Chelsea Handler, Bruce Willis, Forrest Whitaker and others lined up for roles in upcoming movies.

Jay-Z continues to be the consummate businessman, making bold moves in 2010. In addition to snagging Willow Smith and bringing pop superstar Rihanna over to Roc Nation, Jay-Z went about expanding his successful 40/40 franchise. Jay-Z and his partners in 40/40 Club struck a deal with Delaware North Companies, to bring the restaurant/bar to select airports across the United States. Jay-Z’s chain could land in as many as 40 airports across the country, in an innovative, first of its kind deal, for Hip-Hop moguls.