Each year, Forbes Magazine puts together rich lists across a wide range of business areas, and one of these is that of Hip-Hop music. While many rappers like to gloat about their riches, The Forbes List provides some clarity to this. The top of the list is dominated by the moguls such as Diddy, Jay-Z and Dr Dre, while you might find some surprises further down the list, with Kansas rapper Tech N9ne clocking in ahead of both 50 Cent and Rick Ross.
1. Diddy – $50 Million
Diddy has been top of the overall pile for quite a while, though this is his first year to take top spot in annual earnings. The success of Ciroc Vodka would appear to account for much of this while Bad Boy Records and Sean John also contribute. Look out for his cable channel Revolt which is likely to keep him at the top in 2014.
2. Jay Z – $43 Million
Jigga stays right on top with millions coming from live shows, Armand de Brignac champagne, D’Ussé cognac, Roc Nation label/management firm and other ventures. Bear in mind these figures were calculated prior to Magna Carta Holy Grail dropping, so expect Jigga to be contesting that top spot next year.
3. Dr. Dre ($40 million)
Dre continues to stay in the mix with another year of healthy returns courtesy of Beats by Dre. No longer needing to make music, Dre has created his own lane in the last few years.
4. Nicki Minaj ($29 million)
Huge accomplishment by Nicki. The youngest and only female in the top 5, Nicki is raking it in from touring, strong music sales, a lucrative American Idol gig and endorsements with Pepsi, MAC and others.
5. Birdman ($21 million)
The Cash Money boss man continues to make money off his legion of artists, which include Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Drake and many more.
6. Kanye West ($20 million)
Falling outside the top 5 won’t sit well with Kanye, but bear in mind the figures were compiled prior to Yeezus dropping, so that combined with a successful Autumn tour should squeeze Yeezy back into the upper echelons of the rich list.
7. Lil Wayne ($16 million)
Wayne has had his foot off the pedal this year, both in terms of live shows and high profile releases, though having said that the New Orleans native still holds strong in 7th position with 16 million.
8. Wiz Khalifa ($14 million)
Wiz Khalifa is making most of his money through touring and will need to diversify this year if he is to stay competitive with the big boys.
9. Ludacris ($12 million)
No new music of note from Luda, but he’s still a money magnet thanks to cash from live shows, Soul by Ludacris headphones, Conjure cognac and roles in films like Fast & Furious 6.
10. Pitbull ($11 million)
Not sure if he should be considered Hip-Hop, but Pitbull’s international appeal keeps him in the Top 10, pulling in over 11 million usd this year.
11. Drake – $10.5 million
12. Snoop Lion – $10 million
13. Eminem – $10 million
14. Kendrick Lamar – $9 million
15. Pharrell – $9 million
16. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – $9 million
17. Swizz Beatz – $8.5 million
18. Tech N9ne – $7.5 million
19. 50 Cent – $7 million
20. Lil Jon – $6 million [TIE]
20. Rick Ross – $6 million [TIE]
20. Mac Miller – $6 million [TIE]
20. Young Jeezy – $6 million [TIE]
