Forbes has released their annual list of rappers who are making unthinkable amounts of dough. The Forbes’ Cash Kings 2013: The World’s Highest-Paid Hip-Hop Artists estimates how much the artists made over the past financial year.
Diddy, who has always denounced Forbes’ evaluations of his wealth, leads this year’s top-paid hip hop figures, having racked up $50 million over the past year. He generates income through numerous business endeavours including his Bad Boy record label, Sean Jean clothing line, Blue Flame Agency, and a deal with Ciroc vodka, which brings in most of his money.
As expected to be at least on the top three, Jay Z comes in as the second highest-paid hip hop star of 2013, after making $43 million. Among the many sources of the rapper’s wealth are his highly profitable shows, Roc Nation label, Roc Nation Sports, Armand de Brignac champagne, and many others. Not only does Jay sit comfortably on this list as one of the richest rappers alive; he recently topped Forbes’ List of Highest-Earning Celebrity Couples, with wifey Beyonce.
After being crowned last year’s Cash King, Dr. Dre went down two spots, occupying the third position with $40 million. Despite the fact that Dre is no longer cashing in on a nine-figure payout for selling parts of his Beats by Dre in 2011, he still makes insane money from the headphones, and he has expanded into the online music market. He is also the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment, home to Kendrick Lamar, who is newcomer to the Cash Kings list with $9 million. Check out the full list below:
1. Diddy ($50 million)
2. Jay Z ($43 million)
3. Dr. Dre ($40 million)
4. Nicki Minaj ($29 million)
5. Birdman ($21 million)
6. Kanye West ($20 million)
7. Lil Wayne (16 million)
8. Wiz Khalifa ($14 million)
9. Ludacris ($12 million)
10. Pitbull ($11 million)
11. Drake ($10.5 million)
12. Snoop Lion ($10 million)
13. Eminem ($10 million)
14. Pharell Williams ($9 million)
15. Kendrick Lamar ($9 million)
16. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ($9 million)
17. Swiss Beatz ($8.5 million)
18. Tech N9ne ($7.5 million)
19. 50 Cent ($7 million)
20. Lil Jon ($6 million)
20. Rick Ross ($6 million)
20. Mac Miller ($6 million)
20. Jeezy ($6 million)
20. Questlove ($ 6 million)
By: Moza