Forbes has released its hip-hop’s wealthiest artists 2018 based on the value of their major assets and financial documents. Let’s take a look at who has been named the wealthiest.
(Pictured) Sean “Diddy” Combs (L) and JAY-Z at an event in Houston, Texas, U.S., on Feb. 16, 2013.
4= EMINEM
Net worth: $100M
The best-selling rapper of all time, Eminem makes his Forbes Five debut this year. He has sold more albums in the U.S. during the 2000s than any other group or musician.
In a career spanning over a decade, the King of Hip Hop has won 15 Grammy Awards including six for Best Rap Album. His album “The Marshall Mathers LP” became the fastest-selling solo album in the U.S. history.
4= DRAKE
Net worth: $100M
In the last two years, the Canadian rapper-songwriter has released four album-length records and toured many cities, making him a global superstar. He also holds equity stake in Virginia Black whiskey and estates in Canada’s Toronto and California’s Hidden Hills.
The rapper has won three Grammy Awards out of which two were for his 2016’s lead single “Hotline Bling.” He has also received five American Music Awards and 13 Billboard Music Awards.
3. DR. DRE
Net worth: $770M
Founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics made it to the top five with a nine-figure jackpot from Apple’s $3B buyout of Beats in 2014. He is also expected to receive a slug of Apple stock worth over $100M soon.
The rapper-entrepreneur has won six Grammy Awards including Producer of the Year in 2000. He has also featured in films like “Set It Off” (1996), “The Wash” (2001) and “Training Day” (2001).
2. DIDDY
Net worth: $825M
This is the first time in seven years that Sean John Combs hasn’t ranked number one on the Forbes list. The rapper-producer-entrepreneur has major investments in liquor brands, including his DeLeon Tequila label and stake in Ciroc vodka.
He has won three Grammy Awards including Best Rap Album for his debut album “No Way Out.” He is also the producer of MTV’s reality show “Making the Band.”
1. JAY-Z
Net worth: $900M
The rapper and businessman’s net worth increased from $810M to $900M within a year due to the rising value of his stakes in Armand de Brignac champagne and D’Usse cognac.
The American musician has the most Grammy wins in history with 21 awards in a career spanning over two decades. He is also the owner of Roc Nation empire and Tidal streaming service. Along with his wife Beyoncé, the couple has a net worth over $1B.
