Introduction
Jesse Itzler, a multifaceted American entrepreneur, rapper, and producer, has amassed a remarkable net worth of $200 million. Known for his diverse ventures and musical contributions, Itzler’s entrepreneurial spirit has driven him to co-found Alphabet City Sports Records, Sheets Energy Strips, and Marquis Jet. Additionally, he holds ownership of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 22, 1968, in Roslyn, New York, Jesse Itzler, originally named Jesse Jaymes, grew up in a family that encouraged his pursuit of success. His parents, Elese Itzler, president of the Roslyn Board of Education, and Daniel Itzler, an inventor, provided him with a supportive environment. Itzler attended American University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Justice, Law, and Society during the early ’90s.
Musical Career
Itzler’s musical journey began with the release of his debut album, “Thirty Footer in Your Face,” under the Delicious Vinyl label in 1992. His unique style, known as “frat-rap,” captivated the attention of various artists, leading him to collaborate with groups like Tone-Loc. Releasing music under the name Jesse Jaymes, Itzler’s track “College Girls (Are Easy)” may not have charted on Billboard, but it became a popular club anthem. His second single, “Shake It Like a White Girl,” achieved a moderate success, reaching No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 1991. It was later featured on the soundtrack of the film “White Chicks” in 2004.
However, Itzler’s breakthrough came with his composition for the New York Knicks, titled “Go NY Go.” This anthem gained widespread recognition and propelled his career further. Subsequently, Itzler wrote songs for 50 other professional sports teams and even won an Emmy Award for his NBA song, “I Love This Game.” Notably, he also produced the theme song for “Inside the NBA” and collaborated on music for campaigns by renowned brands such as Coca-Cola and Foot Locker. Throughout his musical journey, Itzler collaborated with Dana Mozie, his partner whom he met in Washington in 1987.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond his accomplishments in the music industry, Jesse Itzler has established himself as a highly successful entrepreneur. He co-founded Alphabet City Sports Records alongside his friend Kenny Dichter, the CEO of Wheels Up. Alphabet City gained recognition for its exceptional highlights of historical play-by-play calls for professional sports teams, creating classic arena sports jams. Notable teams that utilized Alphabet City Sports Records include the Lakers, the Mavericks, and the Lakers. Eventually, the company was sold to SFX in 1998.
In 2001, Itzler co-founded Marquis Jet, one of the world’s largest private jet companies. He served as the company’s vice chairman until 2009 when it was acquired by NetJets, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. In the same year, Itzler established the 100 Mile Group, a brand incubator and accelerator. The 100 Mile Group announced a partnership with ZICO Coconut Water and Coca-Cola, and in 2012, Coca-Cola acquired ZICO.
Literary Success and Notable Investments
In November 2015, Jesse Itzler ventured into the literary world with his book, “Living With a Seal: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet.” This captivating work achieved significant recognition, ranking No.
