Dr. Dre Tops Forbes' 'Highest-Paid Musicians' List

Dr. Dre is still at the top despite not releasing an album in over a decade. The super-producer surpasses pop stars, rock stars, and his fellow rappers to rank No. 1 on Forbes’ Highest-Paid Musicians 2012 list.

The 47-year-old hip-hop mogul earned $110 million based largely on his Beats by Dr. Dre headphones line. He pocketed a reported $100 million pretax when handset maker HTC paid $300 million for a 51% stake in the company last year. He and his partners later bought back half of what they sold.

Among the superstars on the list is Rihanna, who comes in at No. 12 with $53 million thanks to her endorsements with Vita Coco and Armani Jeans, her fragrance Reb’l Fleur, and her “Loud” tour.

She is followed by Lady Gaga at No. 13 with $52 million. Diddy ties with Katy Perry for the No. 14 spot ($45 million). Beyoncé holds it down at No. 18 with $40 million, while her husband Jay-Z lands two spots below with $38 million.

Forbes’ Highest-Paid Musicians 2012

1. Dr. Dre – $110 million
2. Roger Waters – $88 million
3. Elton John – $80 million
4. U2 – $78 million
5. Take That – $69 million
6. Bon Jovi – $60 million
7. Britney Spears – $58 million
8. Paul McCartney – $57 million (tie)
8. Taylor Swift – $57 million (tie)
10. Justin Bieber – $55 million (tie)
10. Toby Keith – $55 million
12. Rihanna – $53 million
13. Lady Gaga – $52 million
14. Foo Fighters – $47 million
15. Diddy – $45 million (tie)
15. Katy Perry – $45 million (tie)
17. Kenny Chesney – $44 million
18. Beyoncé – $40 million
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – $39 million
20. Jay-Z – $38 million
21. Coldplay – $37 million
22. Adele – $35 million (tie)
22. Kanye West – $35 million (tie)
24. Michael Bublé – $34 million
25. Sade – $33 million