Who Is Hip-Hop's Wealthiest Artist This Year? The Answer Might Surprise You
Who is the richest artist in hip-hop this year?
According to Forbes, that honor goes to Diddy (who also happened to take the crown last year). In 2015, he reportedly earned about $35 million more than his 2014 total. As a result, he earned the top slot over Dr. Dre.
The good Doc, who earned a tremendous amount of money as part of his work with Beats, ended up second on the list. Meanwhile, Jay Z, 50 Cent and Birdman followed to round out the illustrious top 5.
Forbes used a method of calculation that takes into account past earnings, current holdings and financial documents to finalize this list every year. Check out this year’s list below and compare it with last year’s results here.
Diddy ($735 million)
Diddy’s work with Revolt, Sean John, Aquahydrate and DeLeon have helped the mogul land on top yet again. And he don’t stop, ‘cause he can’t stop.
Dr. Dre ($700 million)
If you were thinking Dre would be a lock for #1 this year, you had good reason. While the Beats deal helped D.R.E. earn an unbelievable amount of money, Forbes said “a nine figure tax bill…kept him from the top of the list.”
Jay Z ($550 million)
Hova’s Tidal success is still up in the air, but Jigga earned Top 3 positioning due to his hand in Roc Nation and Armand de Brignac. Guess we’ll see Tidal’s impact next year.
50 Cent ($155 million)
The G-Unit general’s SMS, Effen vodka and Frigo underwear deals helped Fif land in the Top 4.
Birdman ($150 million)
Birdman’s been criticized by Lil Wayne and rumors about Cash Money Records have surrounded the label head, but none of that could knock him off the Top 5.