Photo: Prince Williams/Film Magic via Getty Images  
  /  05.05.2022
S2 E3  |  Angela Yee
WATCH

S2 E3 | Angela Yee

01:12:38

On this week’s “Assets Over Liabilities,” hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast tap in with radio personality and entrepreneur Angela Yee. As co-host of “The Breakfast Club,” the Radio Hall of Fame inductee has truly made a name for herself in media and in business through multiple storefronts, silent investments and real estate. She’s even mastered the art of accumulating frequent flyer miles and credit card reward points. In her “Assets Over Liabilities” chat, the business savvy boss babe drops all the gems for a successful life in New York and beyond.

Many may not know that Angela Yee got her start in college while working as RZA of Wu-Tang Clan’s assistant. “When I got started, I had so many connections because all the guys [from Wu-Tang] were on different labels.” She learned then, in her early 20s, to “diversify your bonds.”  While Yee studied photography and journalism in college, she realized her enterprising spirit by establishing an early hustle: writing artist one-sheets for $500 each. She then went on to freelance as a journalist, writing a cover story about MMG for VIBE and another for YRB magazine on Machine Gun Kelly — all while working as a consultant with several other companies in media and marketing.

With an affinity for numbers, Angela Yee’s first experience with organizing documents and preliminary basics (like hiring an inspector, improving her credit and completing tax returns for a mortgage) was helping Method Man buy a home.

Comfortable behind the scenes, Yee expected to take on a full-time role in marketing with Sirius XM when Eminem launched his station Shade 45. When she requested an interview for the role, Slim Shady’s manager Paul Rosenberg suggested that she audition for the upcoming morning show instead. For three months she showed up and worked the show as an employee even though she wasn’t being paid — until she caught her big break. “It wasn’t until we did an interview with JAY-Z, Memphis Bleek and Young Chris. It was such a good interview that they hired me right on the spot. So, that’s why JAY-Z would be like, ‘I’m responsible for your career,’” she recalled. She’d go on to earn $50,000 a year to host, despite not signing a formal contract. “I was 28 years old so I had been working and already making more money than that. It was tough for me to take it on and do that — I still had my student loans, I had my rent, I had my car. It’s just expensive to live in New York in general. But, I was really trying to get my foot in the door. I felt like this was a great opportunity.”

Yee learned to advocate for herself after reading articles about Black women not negotiating their salaries. So, after the first year, she asked for a raise and it was granted. Sirius XM bumped up her salary to $75,000 per year, plus a $10,000 bonus.

When Ol’ Dirty Bastard passed away, his family was refusing interviews. But, due to Yee’s relationship with Wu-Tang Clan, she was able to get GZA on the phone to speak on the tragedy. This caught the attention of executives over at “The Breakfast Club.”

“I had a job. I had my own morning show on Sirius, so for them to get me to come [to iHeart] — I was actually the last person to sign my contract. I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable with it, that I had my lawyer look at it. I sent over things that I wanted to change. I will always have a lawyer look over an employment contract,” she insisted.

After three years, “The Breakfast Club” became nationally syndicated. When Bilal and Millings asked Angela Yee if Dame Dash’s infamous 2015 “Breakfast Club” interview inspired them to broadcast independently, she likened the discussion to that of music artists and their decisions to sign with a label. “You want the support of that company that has all the satellites in all of the different cities, that has the marketing staff, that has the team in place, that has other shows on the network, that has an audience, that has budgets and all of those things in place,” the experienced businesswoman asserted. “That’s a big responsibility.”

Unafraid to take on more, Yee says she learned to leverage her notoriety and capital from “The Breakfast Club” to launch her first formal business, Drink Fresh Juice. “I used to be scared that I would never have enough money to buy a house. Then I would be thinking, ‘How will I ever retire?’” she reflected. “Sometimes you just need to make more money, so I started making more money. I had side gigs and money in the bank so I learned to invest.”

She first ventured into the juice business based on her personal passion for juicing and by investing in Juices for Life with Jadakiss and Styles P. “I always feel nervous if I have too much money sitting in the bank. It’s a waste. I’ll save up and when I hit a certain goal, I know that I have to do something with it. So, every year I make it a goal of mine to do something with it.” She and DJ Envy partnered to open the Bed-Stuy location, launching the brand into a franchise. “I wouldn’t have been successful if it wasn’t for Styles. He knew where to get things from and the repair people. I would rather have 34% of something successful than 100% of something that’s not working.”

Now, the widely recognized hustler has been investing in real estate in order to bring in more income —  just in case something happens to the radio show. She began in Brooklyn and then moved on to Detroit. “We got that from the land bank for $1,000 and I flipped that,” Yee said of one property. Keeping in mind her success from maintaining positive relationships, she was able to move more houses in Detroit by asking the real estate agent to help rehab the home in order to resell it for more money, at which point the agent would earn a higher percentage. Angela Yee noted, “You can ask people to do stuff for you, [but] they don’t care that much if they aren’t invested. He knows that the more money this goes for, the more money that he can get.”

Today, Yee lives in a multi-family home in Brooklyn and rents out the bottom floor, which earns her even more money. “In Brooklyn, I have two two-family homes. One is a condo and when I tell you it is the easiest thing I have done … it definitely makes me money. I pay those fees every single month, but the rent covers the fees, the mortgage is already paid off, and I had a tax abatement on top of it.”  It’s already worth $250,000 more than what I paid for it two years ago so it was a good investment.”

Learn more business management and real estate tips in Angela Yee’s “Assets Over Liabilities” episode above.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

View More

Trending

Walmart has the home essentials for everyone on your holiday shopping list

Below, our gift guide highlights some of our favorite Walmart finds for anyone in need of a home refresh.

  /  11.24.2023

5 things you need to know about the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

“REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy Rue counts down the top five moments from the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, including surprising wins, historic firsts, and dope performances. Sponsored by Amazon.

  /  11.20.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicks off at Central State University

On Oct. 10, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University.

  /  11.14.2023

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour visited Mississippi Valley State University

The Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour made its final stop at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and left a lasting impact on students and alumni alike.

  /  11.22.2023

Walmart continues HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour during lively Virginia State University stop

After unveiling their state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University, Walmart brought the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to Virginia State University (VSU) on Oct. 13.

  /  11.14.2023

Walmart HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour brings attention and wisdom to North Carolina Central University

On Oct. 17, Walmart brought the third stop of the HBCU Black & Unlimited Tour to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

  /  11.15.2023

Walmart's HBCU Black and Unlimited Tour kicked off at Central State University

In October, Walmart unveiled a brand new, state of the art creative studio on the campus of Central State University. The HBCU located in Wilberforce, OH was the first stop on Walmart’s Black and Unlimited HBCU Tour.

  /  11.28.2023

Dig In & Drink Up | 'Bet on Black'

In this new episode of ‘Bet on Black,’ food and beverage take center stage as aspiring Black entrepreneurs from It’s Seasoned, Black Farmer Box, and Moors Brewing Co. present their business ideas to judges with mentorship from Melissa Butler. Watch here!

  /  11.15.2023

The Auditions | 'Shoot Your Shot'

The competition begins at REVOLT WORLD as rising rappers, singers, and musicians line up to audition for their spot on the main stage. Brought to you by McDonald’s.

  /  11.28.2023

Groovey Lew on hip hop style, Johnell Young's industry secrets, BGS salon's wig mastery and more | 'Black Girl Stuff'

Fashion King Groovey Lew on masterminding hip-hop’s most iconic looks. Actor Johnell Young reveals the secret to breaking into the entertainment industry. Celebrity hairstylist Dontay Savoy and got2B ambassador Tokyo Stylez are in the BGS Salon with the perfect wig install. Plus, comedian Lauren Knight performs.

  /  11.15.2023

Pheelz talks expressing himself through music & his biggest inspirations | 'On In 5'

On this all-new episode of “On In 5,” multitalented Nigerian artist Pheelz opens up about waiting for his opportunity to fully express himself through music, his inspirations and emotions, and the musical icons he grew up admiring. Watch!

  /  07.11.2023

Kareem Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke & networking | 'The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels'

On this all-new episode of “The Blackprint with Detavio Samuels,” the host and REVOLT CEO sits down with Kareem Cook. Throughout the introspective episode, Cook talks growing up in The Bronx, studying at Duke and being nervous to be in the South at the time, network vs. education, taking advantage of your opportunities, and connecting with Debbie Allen. Watch!

  /  07.10.2023

Tiffany Haddish on therapy, wild fan interactions & the upcoming 'Haunted Mansion' movie | 'The Jason Lee Show'

On this all-new episode of “The Jason Lee Show,” the one and only Tiffany Haddish sits for a must-watch conversation about wild interactions with fans, her new movie ‘Haunted Mansion,’ bringing her therapist on dates, and being present. Watch the hilarious interview here.

  /  07.12.2023

BNXN talks leaving IT for music, linking with Wizkid, going viral & new album | 'On In 5'

For this all-new episode of “On In 5,” singer-songwriter BNXN discusses his journey from IT to music, finding his voice and originality, linking up with Wizkid for their hits “Mood” and “Many Ways,” and what fans can expect from him this year — including a new album. Watch the full episode here!

  /  08.08.2023

Investing in stocks in a recession | 'Maconomics'

Host Ross Mac provides useful advice for preparing your personal finances in the event of a recession. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting properly, building an emergency fund, and maintaining discipline when investing.

  /  11.21.2023

Walmart brings in heavy-hitters for Black and Unlimited Tour panel

REVOLT is continuing its impactful partnership with Walmart by teaming up to showcase Black creatives at HBCUs all-across America. The panel consisted of three experienced, accomplished Black HBCU alumni: Actor and media personality Terrence J, entertainment attorney John T. Rose, and actress and “REVOLT Black News” correspondent Kennedy-Rue McCullough.

  /  11.30.2023

Dr. Jaqueline Echols' mission to cure environmental racism

The health of a community can often be traced to the health of the environment that surrounds it. In Atlanta, a woman named Dr. Jaqueline Echols has dedicated her life to helping ensure that people in economically underserved communities have clean rivers – for better health and for the joy of outdoor recreational space.

  /  12.01.2023

Best chef's kiss | 'Bet on Black'

“Bet on Black” is back with an all-new season! Watch as judges Pinky Cole, Bun B, Van Lathan, and Target’s Melanie Gatewood-Hall meet new contestants and hear pitches from entrepreneurs Saucy D and Chef Diva Dawg.

  /  10.24.2023

Good taste test | 'Bet on Black'

With the help of host Dustin Ross and correspondent Danielle Young, entrepreneurs Diva Dawg, Brooklyn Tea, and The Sable Collective pitch their ideas to the judges. Watch the all-new episode of “Bet on Black” now!

  /  10.31.2023

From city lots to lush gardens: The power of urban farming with Karen Washington

This is the inspiring story of Karen Washington, a pioneering urban farmer who has been revolutionizing urban spaces by transforming them into vibrant community gardens and educational hubs. Sponsored by State Farm.

  /  11.17.2023
View More
Revolt - New Episodes