The House That Rap Built
Mark Cerami, co-founder of rap record company Priority Records and founder of M.S.C. Music & Entertainment, is selling his Montecito, Calif., home for $40 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. That may be a hefty price tag, but by the standards in Montecito, where Oprah Winfrey reportedly spent $50 million on her home, it's probably the market value.
Cerami's Myron Hunt-designed home, built in 1924, is 22,000 square feet and sits on 11 acres, with ocean, harbor, valley and mountain views. The property also has a slew of unusual features, including an authentic bowling alley, a tropical saltwater aquarium and a waterfall and spa.
Cerami and partner Bryan Turner sold half of Priority Records to EMI in November 1996 for a reported $50 million, and EMI bought the remaining 50% for a reported $75 million in 1998. Last year he founded rap label M.S.C. Music & Entertainment, and he wasted no time in causing a stir after he and partner Dave Weiner launched a campaign encouraging fans to download 20 free tracks by rapper Tech N9ne, arguing that free downloads are an effective promotional tool rather than a threat to record sales.
http://www.forbes.com/2003/07/18/cx_bs_0718movers.html