The Richest Rappers Alive Today

JAY-Z perfectly summed up the sentiment most rappers put forward when they talk about wealth these days in his feature on the Late Registration track "Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix)": “I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man.” (Sidenote, that’s a perfect line for your Twitter bio). As a matter of fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a hip-hop artist or rapper who hasn’t penned at least one line (let alone a whole album) about how much richer he is than everyone else.

But someone like JAY-Z is just playing in a different league in the music industry when it comes to how much richer he is than most rappers. For proof, look no further than these lyrics off of “Illest Motherfucker Alive” on Kanye West and JAY-Z’s record Watch the Throne (2011): “Basquiats, Warhols serving as my muses/ My house like a museum, so I see ‘em when I’m peeing/ Usually you have this much taste, you European.” JAY-Z legit has masterpieces that are worth more than some people make in their whole lives in his bathroom so he can look at them while he’s taking a piss. It’s no surprise that these lyrics made it on Vice’s 10 Most Ridiculous Unrelatable Rap Lyrics.

Of course, it makes sense then that JAY-Z comes in second on our list of The Richest Rappers Alive Today. The only question to ask yourself about his wealth is if Hova will surpass Diddy and hit a billion dollar net worth in the near future. That’s one race we’ll never be able to compete in (but still are more than curious about).

Some of the names you would expect, and others you may not have known were raking in fortunes like this. For most of the Forbes-worthy people on this list, it’s their investments and businesses outside of rap that are really bringing in money (like JAY-Z’s Tidal, which got a $200 million investment from Sprint, boosting Jay’s net worth by 30%). The rappers on this list are constantly making financial moves, so we worked to find the most updated and accurate cash counts, but with all these hustles, we may be off by a couple million. But suffice it to say, it’s a LOT more than you’re going to be making at your standard nine-to-five. These artists are living lifestyles worth envying (whether you’d prefer to take a dump looking at Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup cans or not).

Net worth: $75 million

Starting his career with the formation of the massively successful rap group, the Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.am made a portion of money selling the highly critically and commercially successful records of the group. Will.i.am has also enjoyed success outside of music, creating his own eyewear brand as well as bluetooth earphones. Will.i.am has also found great success as a pop producer with 41 top-40 tracks to his name, which couldn’t have hurt his bank account.

Net worth: $85 million

While Timbaland hasn’t had the most expansive of rap careers, his production career goes unrivaled. Timbaland produced almost all of Justin Timberlake’s albums, and has also produced for the likes of JAY-Z, Nas, and Drake. With his vast production resume, as well as a record label to his name, it's easy to see why Timbaland comes in at 18 on this list.

Net worth: $90 million

Since his debut album in 2010, Drake has sold over 10 million records. This is a feat in its own right, but additionally, Champagne Papi holds multiple Billboard records, including most charted songs from a solo artist. He also has a few little side ventures, including his record label, OVO Sound, his role as Global Ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, as well as being the figurehead for Apple Music, a deal made by Apple for the low price of 19 million dollars. While these ventures are impressive, none compare to the importance of his role on one of the greatest dramatic television shows of all time—Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Net worth: $100 million

From solidifying the foundation of the genre of gangsta rap with N.W.A., to starring in iconic films of the of the ‘90s such as Boyz in the Hood and Friday, Ice Cube has had long successful careers in both music and film that would have both been impressive on their own, but when coupled together prove that Ice Cube is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Oh yeah, and they also made him pretty rich.

Net worth: $110 million

Successful rapper and co-founder of Cash Money Records. Not much more to say about that.

Net worth: $135 million

Simply put, Snoop has made a lot of music, and therefore, a lot of money. Since his debut album Doggystyle, Snoop has released 14 more studio albums, four collaborative albums,, and 127 singles. The majority of snoop's music gained commercial success, this, along with his smart investments in the cannabis industry as well as other ventures, numerous cameos in TV and film, and a couple directing credits (one of which may or may not be a porno referring to the title of his debut album), have helped him become one of the wealthiest men in hip-hop.

Net worth: $145 million

Kanye West is not only rap god, but also a fashion god. Since his debut album The College Dropout, Kanye has consistently pumped out critically acclaimed, chart-topping albums that have led to sold out tours. Additionally, beginning with his collaboration with Nike to create the Air Yeezys, Kanye has made a gigantic impact in the fashion industry, with fans obsessing over everything he touches. If you’ve been making best selling albums for more than a decade, your fashion collaborations include Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas, and you just so happen to be married to the biggest reality star of all time, it’s probably safe to say that you’ve got a few 0’s in your bank account.

Net worth: $150 million

Lil Wayne first recorded for Cash Money Records at the age of 12. Since then, Wayne has released multiple records for the label, and (for a brief time) held the position of President of the company. After feuds with Birdman and Cash Money, Wayne left the label, taking two of its biggest stars, Drake and Nicki Minaj, with him to his own label, Young Money Records. With such success at Cash Money, and more recent success with Young Money, it’s easy to see that Weezy has money, and he knows it, and he's going to take it out of his pocket and show it, then throw it.

Net worth: $150 million

While Pharrell has made a name for himself as a successful recording artist, with his most recent album going platinum and all, much of his wealth comes from his legendary (and extremely sought after) production capabilities. As one of the best producers of all time, his time in the recording studio comes at a high price. In addition, Pharrell is the founder of the I Am Other media collective, which contains his record label, the Billionaires Boys Club brand, a textile yarn company, and more.

Net worth: $150 million

Aside from being one of the most successful rappers of the 2000s, 50 Cent is also a businessman with a highly diversified portfolio. His investments range from fragrances to book publishing to mining, all of which earn him good money. Perhaps his greatest business venture was his partnership with Glacéau, which earned him $100 million when the company was sold to Coca-Cola.

Net worth: $190 million

The road to wealth has been a long one for Eminem. His early life was dominated by hardship that ranged from his father leaving his family to his musical mentor committing suicide. After being evicted from his home, with a daughter to raise and no money in sight, Eminem had one more shot at making it the rap game. He made his way to California to participate in the 1997 Rap Olympics, where he placed second. Devastated by not winning, he was convinced he couldn’t find success, until he was discovered by Dr. Dre, who immediately pursued and signed him. Since then, his successful musical career, a record label, and earnings from the 8 Mile film have helped Eminem become one of the wealthiest rappers alive.

Net worth: $250 million

Master P comes in at number five on this list not because of his rap career, but because of his unparalleled skill as a businessman. His investments include a Footlocker outlet, a phone sex company, and real estate investments. He also owns a sports management agency, and a business conglomerate that made $110 million in a single year. But Perhaps P’s most impressive business feat was his deal with Priority Records, which allowed his label to maintain full ownership of their record masters, as well as 85 percent of sales on the records. If Master P offers to manage your money, accept his offer immediately.

Net worth: $740 million

Dr. Dre first gained mainstream success as a producer for the rap group N.W.A. Since then, Dre has produced for countless other artists and has had a critically and commercially successful solo career. Dre has his own label, Aftermath Entertainment, which features artists like Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and Anderson .Paak. But Dre’s most successful business, and the reason he’s in the top 3 of this list, is Beats Electronics. In 2014, Dre sold the company to Apple for a reported $3.2 billion, and as a major shareholder in the company, it's safe to say that Dre made a pretty penny off the sale.

Net worth: $810 million

Hova has sold over 100 million records, making him one of the best selling artists of all time, and has had 14 No. 1 albums on the Billboard charts, giving him the record for most No. 1 albums from a solo artist. On top of his musical career, JAY-Z owns a sports bar and the successful clothing brand Rocawear, is the former president of Def Jam, co-founder of Roc-a-Fella Record... the list goes on, but we’ll stop there. With his enormous success in music and business, it's no wonder people think he and Beyoncé are the supreme leaders of the Illuminati.

Net worth: $820 million

Diddy's first album, No Way Out, is certified seven times platinum. His clothing company, Sean John, has an annual revenue of $525 million, and his deal with Ciroc nets him half of their profits. Diddy is also the head of Combs Enterprises, an umbrella company that includes Bad Boy Entertainment, and various other successful companies and brands. With his net worth nearing in on $1 billion, Diddy has proven himself to be not just the most successful businessman in hip-hop, but also one of the most successful businessmen, period.