Forbes has just released their list of Hip-Hop’s top 20 earners.
Dubbing them “Hip-Hop’s Cash Kings” , who earns less than you’d expect and who continues to reign supreme.
20. Lil Jon
The crunk rock rapper is still riding high on the success of his Crunk movement coming in at $5 million. He’s also most recently been working with pop Hip-Hop group LMFAO whose hit single “Shots” helped him make the cut for Forbes’ list.
19. T Pain (Tie)
T Pain made the list at $6 million. The autotuned Floridian’s “I Am T-Pain” app and various hit singles can be linked to his growing pockets despite Jay-Z’s calls for a close to his career.
18. Soulja Boy (Tie)
Soulja Boy, the 20-year-old rap sensation like his upcoming book was indeed a “Teenage Millionaire.” The “Crank That” emcee comes in at number 18 with a reported networth of $6 million linked to his seven weeks on top of the Billboard charts with his debut single and various SODMG ventures.
17. Common
Chicago emcee Common is worth an estimated $7 million. His moves outside of rap including various acting roles have all added to his wealth. Add in sponsorship deals with Zune and Lincoln Navigator and Common’s income continues to rise.
14. Young Jeezy (Tie)
Atlanta emcee and CTE head Young Jeezy is taking his place on the list despite his ongoing drama with fellow Def Jam resident Rick Ross. The trap rapper is worth $8 million after various albums and mixtapes and reportedly earned $5 million off touring with Jay-Z and Rihanna alone.
14. 50 Cent (Tie)
50 Cent’s G-Unit empire runs deep with a reported worth of $8 million. The Queens rapper earned $100 million off the sales of his Vitamin Water in 2008 and moved 500,000 copies of his Before I Self Destruct album this year. He continues to serve over his G-Unit brand which boasts clothing and a foundation.
14. Eminem (Tie)
With the chart topping success of his Recovery album, Eminem ties with his Jeezy and his comrade 50 for the number 14 spot with $8 million earned. In total he’s sold over 32 million records and moved 741,000 units of his latest project in the first week.
12. Swizz Beatz (Tie)
Alicia Keys’ hubby is a top earner despite his reported $650,000 owed to the IRS. His extensive list of production credentials have moved him to the number 12 spot with reported earnings of $9 million.
12. T.I. (Tie)
A stint in jail for felony weapon possession isn’t enough to hold the King down. His role as head of Grand Hustle records and recent deal with Remy Martin have both added to his $9 million success. Add in various acting roles including his most recent gig in the film Takers and you’ve got T.I. in the number 12 spot.
11. Drake
Arguably the hottest rapper to break out in years, Aubrey Drake Graham is worth an estimated $10 million. Drizzy’s signing to Young Money, hit album Thank Me Later, tour dates and deals with Sprite and Virgin America have added to his success. What other rapper do you know with their face on a plane? It’s Drizzy baby….
10. Kanye West
Despite a tumultuous year and cries of controversy, Kanye can boast a net worth of $12 million. The G.O.O.D. music head is expected to earn $25 million by the end of the year with his various production credits and release of his still untitled album.
9. Pharrell Williams
Although a Pharrell song has yet to top the charts in years, his work with his band N.E.R.D. and various outside ventures in furniture, clothing and art have accumulated to $13 million in earnings. Additionally Pharell’s work on the soundtrack for animated film “Despicable Me” helped him come in at the #9 spot, well deserved for the hit producer, rapper and writer.
8. Timbaland
Timbaland’s self admitted recluse from Hip-Hop has obviously served him well with the producer earning $14 million. His pop solo album Shock Value II dwindled in sales but his work with Shakira, Jay-Z and Drake have kept the checks coming in. Add in a gig with DJ Hero 2 and Timbo’s at #8.
7. Snoop Dogg
Cali’s O.G. is worth an estimated $15 million making him worthy of the #7 spot. His Malice In Wonderland tour earned him an estimated $10 million despite dwindling album sales. His recorded earnings can also be traced to an appearance on soap opera One Life To Live and role in the movie Bruno.
6. Ludacris
Mr. Conjure Cognac himself is continuing to do well for himself with a reported worth of $16 million. With the success of his debut liquor, Atlanta tapas restaurant Straits, deals with Trojan Magnum condoms and Tag Body Spray, Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges is a top earner indeed.
5. Dr. Dre
After years in the music industry, Dr. Dre is continuing to prove his longevity with an estimated $17 million earned. He continues to collect royalties from his 1992 album The Chronic and most recently raked in millions from his deals with Hewlett Packard and his Interscope infused Beats By Dre headphones.
4. Lil Wayne
Despite incarceration, Lil Wayne comes in at the number four spot. His pre-jail touring earned him an estimated $500,000 per show and his Rebirth album garnered him millions. Add in his executive position at Young Money and you’ve got $20 million to be divvied up between Wayne and his baby mamas growing family.
3. Akon
Akon hit a gold mine when he discovered pop singing sensation Lady Gaga. Signed to the African exec’s imprint at Interscope, Gaga has helped him earn $21 million. Add in his clothing line and deal with Pepsi and it’s safe to say this Konvict isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
2. Diddy
The Bad Boy music head is continuing to rake in millions despite a string of failed groups. (Da Band, Danity Kane and Day 26 to name a few) His Ciroc vodka is widely popular and continuing to expand, along with his Sean John clothing line and acting career. With an estimated worth of $30 million, why else do you think Diddy’s not worried about releasing his Last Train To Paris album with Dawn and Kaleena of Dirty Money. Hello, good morning!
1. Jay-Z
Beyonce’s man Roc Nation head Jay-Z is the top earner in Hip-Hop. If you’re surprised, you shouldn’t be. His Blueprint III tour earned him an estimated $1 million per show. Additionally Jigga’s work as a producer of hit Broadway play Fela!, ties to the New Jersey Nets, Rocawear clothing line and 40/40 night clubs have added to his reported $63 million net worth.
