Beyonce and Jay-Z Dominate The Richest Couples List

Jay-Z and Beyonce go beyond the definition of a power couple. They might as well be called "Super Friends" because they simply dominated the list of richest celebs in the lastest Forbes list. Last year, the couple pulled in over $122 million, with Beyonce leading the charge with her $87 million dollar income. Poor Jiggaman only raked in $35 million, giving his wife the ability to officially wear the pants of the house. Just kidding. An empowered woman like Beyonce would only be a threat to a man who doesn't understand what such a potent woman can do for your household.What is most interesting about the couple's massive wealth is that they actually took a pay cut last year. In 2008, the couple actually earned $162 million dollars. As the comedian Katt Williams might say, "Now that's pimpin!"

The also-rans on the list didn't even come close to the Beyonce and Jay-Z. Next on the list was Harrison Ford and his wife Calista Flockhart, who brought home $69 million. Harrison earned his take from the $65 million dollars he received from 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.'

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Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

In 2001, Destiny's Child won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for their hit single 'Say My Name.' Beyonce was 20 years old, and Solange was 15. New to superstardom, these young girls from Texas would take their time developing their sense of style.

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Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Looking just like her mom Tina, Beyonce began her career with hair extensions based on braids, way before she would "upgrade" to lace-front wigs. Beyonce's mother's taste would continue to influence the her, as she would struggle to develop her own looks apart from her mother's sensibilities.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Working a strange mix of accessories, Beyonce used her ensemble to promote her self-penned hit 'Bootylicious.' We do what we must to reach the top! It was 2001, and still a few more years before Bey would cement her top spot without resorting to desperate fashion moves.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

At the 2001 Teen Choice Awards, Beyonce and Solange fully evoked the over-the-top tacky look that became synonymous with their mother's style choices. Matching neon yellow outfits and braids in clashing shades of auburn were made worse by the wrong make-up colors. Having their mother as their stylist was quite the cross for B. and Solange to bear.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

In outfits containing a range of colors in clothing, hair, make-up and accessories that defy my capacity for negative description, Solange and Beyonce attended the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards -- wearing more clothes designed by Tina Knowles. Need we say more?

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

As a teen, Solange grew up in the fast lane. Her braids, scarf, tee and jewelry were clothing any average girl would wear. As much as she needed to develop her sense of style as a star, Solange's deeper struggle would include developing an identity apart from her sister.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Solange and Beyonce posed together in 2002. This is an uncharacteristically dressed-down look for Bey. Do you think she still has that 'Michael Jackson's Thriller' shirt?

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Through this two-tone hair sculpture in the form of a lace-front wig, Beyonce shows the world that they do indeed do things big in Texas at the 'Austin Powers In Goldmember' premiere in 2002. While Beyonce began to branch out into acting roles at this time and slightly mature in her sense of style, Solange still seemed like a non-entity totally dressed by Mom.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

These two sisters made an appearance on MTV's 'TRL' in 2002 wearing distinctly different casual looks. While Beyonce took her relaxed dressing to a costume-like extreme, Solange still looked like a normal young person.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Bey gave a knockout performance and revealed what many would come to term the "Beyonce Look" in full force. The huge blond mane and over-the-top sexy outfits were here to stay.

Beyonce and Solange Fashion Transformation

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are third on the list, with a "measly" $55 million in combined income. Perhaps Beyonce and Jay-Z should send them a care package.

Let's not forget Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, America's other favorite example of Black Royalty. This couple brought home $48 million last year. But even their kids are making dough, since Jaden is now starring in 'The Karate Kid,' and Willow is now part of the 'Madagascar' series.

OK, so what's the teachable moment in all this? Let's try to find our financial lessons:

1) The world is better off with women being allowed to work. In fact, women are now more than 50% of the American labor force, and this trend is not going to reverse anytime soon. In terms of working women, a stronger embrace of laws designed to support women in the workplace might be beneficial to our nation. As it stands, America is among the worst among wealthy nations when it comes to supporting women in the workplace with things like paid maternity leave and child care.

2) Peep out Will and Jada's kids: By positioning their children to fruitful careers, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are preparing their children for a bright future. While you might not be able to get your child a job in Hollywood, you can help them to get a job and learn how to build wealth at an early age.

3) Thinking like a boss pays off: Jay-Z is no longer the best rapper in the game, even he might admit to that. But he owns half the game, which is why he will always make money. Be an owner, not a laborer. An understanding of business management goes a long way toward true economic empowerment.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

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