Forbes reveals the top 5 richest rappers
The numbers are in.
The numbers are in.
On Thursday (June 13), Forbes released its annual list of hip hop’s wealthiest rappers. As expected, JAY-Z topped the list with a reported net worth of $1 billion. Earlier this month, the 4:44 rapper became hip hop’s first billionaire thanks to his lucrative business dealings.
According to the outlet, JAY-Z earns $220 million in cash and investments, $100 million from his ownership of Tidal streaming service, and $75 million from his Roc Nation company. The Brooklyn native also has stakes in companies like Armand de Brignac champagne and D’Ussé cognac which helped solidify his billionaire status.
Right behind JAY-Z is Dr. Dre who reportedly has a net worth of $800 million. Although initially believed to be hip hop’s first billionaire after selling Beats by Dre to Apple in 2014, Forbes estimates the music producer took home “a little over $500 million” from that deal.
REVOLT TV’s chairman, Sean “Diddy” Combs, came in at No. 3 on the list with an estimated net worth of $740 million. The cable network, his Sean John clothing line, and Ciroc vodka puts him at “most likely” to join JAY-Z as the next hip hop billionaire, Forbes reports.
Rounding out the Top 5 wealthiest hip hop artists are Kanye West and Drake. West made his debut on the list at No. 4 with an estimated net worth of $240 million, mostly attributed to his successful partnership with adidas.
Meanwhile, Drake’s fortune reportedly grew 50% over the past year thanks to real estate investments and his Virginia Black whiskey. The Scorpion rapper also earned his estimated $150 million net worth through touring and a residency at the XS Nightclub in Las Vegas.
Read Forbes full report here.