Let’s mellow down a little and take some time to catch up on the latest hip hop news. Well, Jay-Z, the much-adored hip hop artist topped the recently released Forbes’ Hip Hop Rich List. That’s pretty good news for the artist, who is currently in collaboration with Kanye West on the Watch The Throne tour.
This is not the first time Jay-Z has bagged a spot on that list. In fact, he’s been there three times already. This year, he raked a total income of $37 million. Diddy ranks second in terms of hip hop bling, as he brought in $35 million this year. Kanye West finished in at third with a cool $16 million in earnings.
Apparently, the reason behind Jay-Z’s success is his massive interest and participation in various business ventures, including a partnership with Diageo’s Ciroc vodka business. Steve Stoute, the chief of branding firm Translation and author of The Tanning of America declared that Jay-Z – in addition to his other hip hop compatriots – is a trusted hip hop ambassador. “They bring the art form around the world, [and have taken everything] to the next level.” Surely, that’s the reason they’re among the top three.
Here’s the Forbes Hip-Hop Cash King list for this year.
- Jay-Z: $37 million
- Diddy: $35 million
- Kanye West: $16 million
- Lil Wayne: $15 million
- Bryan “Birdman” Williams: $15 million
- Eminem: $14 million
- Snoop Dogg: $14 million
- Dr. Dre: $14 million
- Akon: $13 million
- Ludacris: $12 million
- Wiz Khalifa: $11 million
- Drake: $11 million
- Pharrell Williams: $10 million
- Timbaland: $7 million
- Swizz Beatz: $6.5 million
- Nicki Minaj: $6.5 million
- Rick Ross: $6 million
- 50 Cent: $6 million
- Pitbull: $6 million
- T-Pain: $5 million
- B.o.B: $5 million
